The Internet Craftsmanship Museum Presents:

Other Engine Builders

In the early days of model airplane engines, a number of small companies sprang up to fill the demand for this new and growing hobby. Below are represented some of the other manufacturers that produced engines.

(Double click on any photo to view a larger image.)

MVVS .15 (2.5 cc) Diesel

This small Diesel was made in Czechoslovakia probably in the 1960's and the brand has remained popular for those flying RC models in the "vintage" categories. Though not technically a "vintage" engine, it has the look of an earlier era.

Donated by Robert Meltzer, Irvine, CA

Gilbert Thunderhead .07

This .074 cubic inch engine was distributed by Polk's Model Craft Hobbies, Jersey City, NJ. This is one of two differently sized engines built by Gilbert and sold in kit form. The other size was a .11 cubic inch version. Gilbert, of American Flyer® trains, Erector® Set and Chemistry Set fame apparently tried their hand at nearly every aspect of popular youth hobbies in the 1950's and 1960's, and flying was no exception. The instructions show an exploded view and cover the assembly and running of the engine. The glow plug engine turned a 4" (diameter) by 3" (pitch) prop while the .11 version turned a 7" x 4" prop. At the conclusion of the instructions they read, "With each successive run the engine should sound much smoother, and a smooth hum will replace the sharp bark which you heard on the first starting."

CLICK HERE to see pages 1 and 4 of the instructions.

CLICK HERE to see pages 2 and 3 of the instructions.

Donated by Mel Scott, Vista, CA

Novoexport  .027 cc CO2 Engine

This engine is new in the package with all Russian writing. It was donated by Richard Mack, who purchased it during what he called "The Cold War Era." The crankcase is black plastic with a brass cylinder head. The engine package includes a black plastic charging cylinder to transfer CO2 from a larger cartridge to the smaller aluminum one that gives the .027 cc engine about 15 seconds of running time. An English translation of the instruction booklet was provided by a friend.

If you read Russian, more on this engine can be found at http://modelism.net/cox_motor.php.

Donated by Richard T. Mack, Fallbrook, CA

Novoexport 2.5KP 2-cycle Engine

This 2-cycle, 1-cylinder engine was also donated by Mr. Mack, who purchased it new during "The Cold War Era." Like the CO2 engine above it is still new in the molded styrofoam box and complete with instructions (in Russian) and spare parts. A very long aluminum tuned exhaust pipe is also included. It was distributed by Novoexport in Moscow, USSR. We presume by the name that it displaces 2.5 cc. Also included is a handsome pointed aluminum spinner for a 2-bladed propeller. A translation of the instructions is underway by

Donated by Richard T. Mack, Fallbrook, CA

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