The Cox R/C Bee, a retrospective

rsv1cox Sun Aug 07, 2022 8:13 am

George and Levent took me to school on this engine, and perhaps several others. It's not a common engine found everyday.

I thought seriously about robbing the throttle/muffler assembly off this engine but changed my mind due mostly to the notation I put on the stand three years ago. I'm not sure if it came with the Cox Red Baron (background case) or stand alone. But I'm not touching it.

The Cox R/C Bee, a retrospective P1013765

The Cox R/C Bee, a retrospective P1013766

The Cox R/C Bee, a retrospective P1013767

I put a muffler on it without the top plate just for a filler, if I ever find the correct rubber assembly I will replace it. The fuel tank gasket was worn so I replaced it. Other than that and the muffler it's as I received it. Perhaps a little cleaner. Put it in the case with the actual Red Baron looking over it's shoulder.

The Cox R/C Bee, a retrospective P1013768

The Cox R/C Bee, a retrospective P1013770

The Cox R/C Bee, a retrospective P1013769

The Cox R/C Bee, a retrospective P1013771

GallopingGhostler Sat Aug 13, 2022 11:23 pm

Bob, looks like that other unique 290 product engine with white horseshoe back has the correct cylinder and throttle muffler, but I guess it is a set aside because of its uniqueness.

Other option is simply buy a matching cylinder and throttle ring. One you have, looks like it is missing the stamped spring steel upper spacer.

Did find out something new from Sceptre Flight, who now has Peter Chinn's engine article on the Dragonfly:

http://sceptreflight.com/Model%20Engine%20Tests/Cox%20049%20Dragonfly.html

I found from Peter's article that the R/C Bee has a 14 cc (1/2 ounce) tank, the Dragonfly has a 20 cc (0.7 ounce) tank. The 14 cc's were nice, as it gave me about 4 minutes flight. I imagine the Dragonfly has an additional 2 minutes worth. These are a much better improvement over the venerable Babe Bee 8 cc tank.

It is just too bad that they are now history.

rsv1cox Sun Aug 14, 2022 6:12 am

I always looked forward to reading Peter Chinns reviews, sadly I don't subscribe to any model magazines any longer, same goes for automobile mags. Air Classics, Smithsonian Magazine, and National Geographic and that's it, although a free copy of Moss Motors magazine shows up occasionally.

Matt has these for $9.95. I may spring for one. Not original but at least it would complete it.