How rare is this starter?

stevej Sun Nov 17, 2013 11:35 pm

Were these 'lawsuit' starters used on any Cox planes?
How rare is this starter? COX RARE LAWSUIT ENGINE SMALL

getback Mon Nov 18, 2013 7:47 am

Up for auction is a rare vintage Cox .049 Babe Bee model airplane engine with a spring start-assist mechansim. The production of this model was voluntarily halted by Cox when Testors/Wen Mac issued a cease and desist order for patent infringement on the windup starter mechanism. The engine is in excellent condition and comes complete with needle valve, glow head, and a nice red spinner with Cox prop. The spring starter is fully functional. The red spinner has been removed in most photos to allow view of the spring starter. The crankshaft turns smooth with good compression http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-Rare-Cox-049-LAWSUIT-BABE-BEE-Wind-Up-Model-Airplane-Engine-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/3cUAAOxyXDhSfoZq/$(KGrHqJHJDQFJhdZvVE0BSfoZqCNf!~~60_57.JPGhow rare is this starter I AM NOT SURE BUT I WAS JUST BIDDING ON THIS ONE ON EBAY SOLD FOR 32.99 SO I AM THINKING ITS JUST SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED BACK THEN , AND NOT THAT RARE AS $$$$ GOES

SuperDave Mon Nov 18, 2013 9:59 am

I wouldn't consider it "must have" but the choice is yours.

The starter shown is very common in the after-market. (It's properly called a "snap starter" BTW)

SD

Kim Mon Nov 18, 2013 10:19 am

Got one of these with my first "Rivets"...think I sent it to Mark. Not sure of the total number made before they shut it down, but will consult my collectors book when I get home...

Correction..I traded it for some parts ...

WingingIt74 Mon Nov 18, 2013 1:20 pm

I have one also. I believe they made them only for a year.

See here for more info:
https://www.coxengineforum.com/t5092-cox-049-wind-up

Mark Boesen Mon Nov 18, 2013 2:25 pm

They're pretty rare, but not a big collector 'must have' item, as some sellers want to think, as there somewhat unknown. This was made for the Rivets in 1971 and production stopped in '72, the starter assembly was known as the 'Cam Roller Starter'. Apparently Testors sent them a 'cease and desist' order and Cox stopped production, there was never a lawsuit.

The term 'Snap Starter' was originally used by Herkimer on their Cub engines and was later used by Cox, the idea of a spring starter for 1/2a engines goes back to the early 50's with a aftermarket spring starter that the owner could retrofit to their engine. Over the years there has been dozens of different variations.

Jason_WI Mon Nov 18, 2013 8:46 pm

I think only 10,000 were ever made before the lawsuit was filed.

Mark Boesen Tue Nov 19, 2013 12:16 am

I'm not sure where 10,000 came from? I know it was appx. 12-13 months, so it could be, but i'd want to hear it from Mudhen not Tim Daniels before i quoted it. There was never a lawsuit.

SuperDave Tue Nov 19, 2013 12:03 pm

MARK:

I believe the OP'er is equating "rarity" with "value" which not accurate in this case.

A common engine with a common starter is really nothing special although some may believe so in anticipation of harvesting some big $$$$$$$.

SD

WingingIt74 Tue Nov 19, 2013 1:17 pm

They are usually $10-$15 higher then a standard Babe Bee. Not real drastic increase, but it is a cool piece to own.

Mark Boesen Tue Nov 19, 2013 1:20 pm

The engine is in fact somewhat rare, but to have value there has to be a demand.

SuperDave Tue Nov 19, 2013 1:35 pm

Mark:

Minimal demand = lesser value in $$$$$.

First a market must exist created or natural. Created markets are most appealing to the uninitied who take at face-value terms like, "one of a kind", "very rare" "excellent condition", etc.

Having been in this hobby for quite some time I've seen these and MANY more.

"Caveat Emptor. baby!" - Arnold Schwartzengger

SD

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