RE: MP Jet Classic 0.40 Diesel
[quote]ORIGINAL: Dan Vincent "It's just a local thing like Canadians spell color with a u and end up with colour." Many years ago, a fellow Australian acquaintance worked for an US company in Singapore. After two years, his crowning achievement was to adjust the pay computer to correct "labor" to "labour" No matter how many changes were subsequently made, it always reverted to what we know as the correct spelling. Peter
Posted on: 10/5/2009 6:04 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9149176

RE: Your favourite diesel
I too have a soft spot for that drum-valve Taipan diesel. It was not particularly powerful, but with the long stroke and ball race, it was very easy to start. Hard to know then that it had characteristics that would make it a long-time favourite. For us, it was at a time when we were able to change our design philosophy. Much of our earlier design was coloured by economic production on available machinery as we established our factory. But by then we had better equipment and more design choice. The drum valve of this engine enabled better induction while still letting us use an available stock ball race. Later we could order 'special' races with a larger ID to OD and specified clearance. This allowed larger gas passages though a crankshaft valve. I know that as a user, you judge an engine by the end result: and so you should: but you can see that there are many influences of economics and market that can change that end. Not the least is the determination of the management and history of our hobby shows many people who developed their businesses with a passion for the product rather than just the profit. We are very fortunate that they did. Could be that models are just like that? Gordon is an enthusiast and he led all of us to do just as well as we could. Peter
Posted on: 9/13/2009 9:10 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9093183

RE: Your favourite diesel
[quote][/quote] Mike, It's good that you still appreciate that Taipan 2.5. (post # 8) I would certainly be hard pressed to make better today. At that time we had an enthusiastic group of 25 to 30 employees and a modern factory with new, state-of-the-art machinery producing around 10,000 engines per year. Diesels made were the plain bearing 2cc Tyro and the twin ball race 2.5cc you mention. Glows were 2.5cc, 3.5cc and the then new '40', all twin ball race. We made a range of propellers and accessories. All were designed, tooled and manufactured in-house. Quite an unique operation. Peter
Posted on: 9/12/2009 8:49 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9090440

RE: Unerstanding Purpose built Verses Conversion
I, for one, enjoy any technical comment and discussion. Without it, this thread's question of "purpose-built or conversion" really becomes only "warranty or not". Peter
Posted on: 6/28/2009 1:53 AM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8887307

RE: My latest version
Toad, I hope that amazing engine site will only encourage you and others to keep on. I certainly congratulate you on your latest engine and am keen to read of the results. Many out here would like to have your ability and persistance. It's great to build everything from zero, but I am a believer in using and modifying commercial components. This has been successfully done in motorsport since it's start. No commercial manufacturer can build to suit the need of each of us, but with a little mix'n match, enhancement and lightening, big gains can be made. And that's more within our grasp. But then, - Just imagine 1.0 cc built to that performance level. Peter
Posted on: 6/17/2009 6:47 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8860229

RE: Would you buy this engine in case you are not a collector?
A fine example of craftmanship. You would have to think that it's design and manufacture was not motivated by profit alone. Consider the embodied aspirations, thought and effort. For many of us it has more value than a sculptured piece of timber or stone. You can look and touch, but too, you can use this as it was intended. The buyer will get value. Peter
Posted on: 2/16/2009 5:58 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8483824

RE: Rossi .12
I'll probably never get to drive, let alone own, a Ferrari but a 'Ferrari of model aircraft engines' is a possibility. Surely, at least with our hobby, one of the very best is worth far more than a bucket full of mediocrity? Who is proud to boast that they live life at Walmart standard? Peter
Posted on: 1/19/2009 6:12 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8377164

RE: Where can I find .049 and .020 glow engines?
Chris, As you would imagine, I and certainly others have considered making a simple small R/C engine, either diesel or glow. Even ignoring the cost of plant, equipment and development time as I can, it would be hard to cover costs and sell at price acceptable to the market. Peter
Posted on: 12/28/2008 7:46 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8291971

RE: Deseil Vs. Glow
Greg, ABC has merit, but it is not exactly new. We and others were making ABC model engines more than 40 years ago. ABN is a less costly way of achieving a similar result. I guess that a modern product is one that meets it's promise, regardless of how it is made. Peter
Posted on: 11/25/2008 4:29 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8182530

RE: Something slow for an 020
The Tomboy was Gordon's (My Father) suggestion for a first model for my pb 0.20 diesel. I too would be interested in a set of plans. Peter
Posted on: 11/20/2008 11:23 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8168142

RE: Sig Lil'Rascal gets Oily
Rob, I showed the Lil'Rascal to Gordon. He gave me a covering iron to shrink an ever-so slight-wrinkle on the fus. Too much heat and I pulled the white in at the edges. BTW I have not built a 'plane for, maybe 30 years and even then, not many. They didn't use this stuff back then. I want to carefully pull some wash-out into the wing tips. Slowly, slowly! I've decided to use the pb 0.33 with the tank as-is, and accept that 5 minutes will be enough flight time for me. I'll probably mess this 'plane pretty quickly anyway. I've cleared a model construction bench, cut some of the nose cowling away and now need to source ply-wood for a new engine mount bulkhead. I thought to use less downthrust than they have with the electric motor. I have 'everything-you-could-need' to make engines, but not a thing to build 'planes. It could be some time before it makes the skies. At least you've got me started. :) Now on to your new Pres. For the better! Though, I've heard comment that the old administration, by presiding over our depressing financial downturn, have done more to slow Global Warming than many well-intentioned organisations. So, there is some good in everything. Peter
Posted on: 11/7/2008 8:02 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8125160

RE: Norvel .074
No need to stress too much about your difference of opinion, you guys. A little 'friendly' dissention livens up the forum for the rest of us out here. Peter
Posted on: 10/30/2008 5:04 AM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8098110

RE: Sig Lil'Rascal gets Oily
Rob, I'm just back from two weeks away. (Missed much of the World financial doom and gloom reporting. :)) I did look at the 'Rascal before I left. Just beautifully done. Of course, I have a bunch of work on returning, but I will get to making a tank-mount and installing the diesel. Peter
Posted on: 10/26/2008 6:59 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8087099

RE: Sig Lil'Rascal gets Oily
My 'plane arrived yesterday; half way around the world in fewer than 10 days from order. $152.00 Australian in total. I unpacked it for a look, but I shall be away for two weeks before I get a chance to work on it. I'm sure there will be more to read on this thread by then. Peter
Posted on: 10/7/2008 6:15 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8027884

RE: Sig Lil'Rascal gets Oily
Rob, I'm watching the thread from afar. I have a 'plane (Blue too) on the way. Hope that the diesel fuel doesn't peel the covering. Peter
Posted on: 9/30/2008 6:12 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8006360

RE: Sig Lil'Rascal gets Oily
Rob, Would this be good with my PB 0.33? With all the other activities, I haven't yet got to scratch-build. Could be a start for me. Peter
Posted on: 9/27/2008 5:20 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7996407

RE: 1/2A society
DT, 0.9/1.5cc is good as an upper limit. Vicman, These guys certainly appear to have the knowledge and ability to produce the R/C engine you want. CP, It's a big ask, for them to put out for a distant, possible market over which they would have limited influence and access. So, we come back to DT's planned group to show the group interest, in the hope that someone will commission and make/import an engine. This could be an upgrading of those available now, a new model from the mainstream manufacturers/distributors, or a completely new engine. Other than one of us putting out a whole heap of cash on spec, showing continuing interest and support would appear to be a way. Peter
Posted on: 9/5/2008 9:12 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7924445

RE: Going electric
I'd reckon that TT will sort their 0.07 out given time. It doesn't seem far off now and they certainly have the ability to make it better. Peter
Posted on: 9/1/2008 4:16 AM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7907333

RE: Going electric
DT, I'm sure that AP would want to and do make the best product that they can, within the constraints of price that they receive. You would think that they and their importer would be aware of our comment and would consider changes. Any manufacturer with a 1/2A interest must surely check this forum. But, the proposed changes to the Wasp (Or whatever.) and the production will still cost a substantial amount. Maybe the sales are just not enough to warrant this? Maybe the sales are low because the product is not right? Is the market there? I certainly don't know. Maybe the price could be higher? Be aware that the manufacturer will, of course receive much less than the retail price. Be aware too, that the importer will too have significant costs and must stock and service engines over a long period. Who goes first? Who takes the risk? Suppose AP decide to upgrade and make a run on spec., against all the evidence that shows there is very little market and what there may be, is historically at a low price? Then the importer decides to not risk a shipment and we will never get to decide if the engines are now worth paying more. AP will have difficulty in directly convincing the end market (You and I.) to draw them through the system. Suppose the importer sets the specification and commissions a batch. At least he can advertise and promote in his marketplace, but all this costs and the return may not be there. All normal business risk decisions. Let's say one of us decides to give it a go in the business. $25.00 each to AP, for a retail of $100.00 each. 1,000 engines for $25,000.00 that we can possibly finance with a second mortgage. - No, those amounts probably won't work for anyone. $25,000.00 wouldn't be enough for AP and I doubt that $75,000.00 would cover the freight, duty, profit and margins through the wholsale/retail/advertising chain. Say, 5,000 engines for $125,000.00, - now we need to approach the bank with a business plan. I wonder how that would run past the manager? It's hard to see it as a purely commercial venture. Let's just hope that someone wants to. If I had an independent income, I have the gear to make the engine and providing that I didn't make and sell too many, I would lose less money than most. :) Peter
Posted on: 9/1/2008 2:27 AM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7907219

RE: Going electric
DT, It really is unlikely that any manufacturer will make and market the engine you require, at the price you suggest. Possibly an importer/distributor may commission one from an established manufacturer? This would be only because he really wanted to, not driven by profit. You obviously have a machining interest. Why not take an available 1/2A engine and remake it as you want? The needed knowledge is readily available. It would take only a minimum of machining equipment and would be a very satisfying achievement. The project would also be a good prelude to making your own engine from scratch. Please don't leave the forum. I'm sure that there are many like-minded readers who enjoy your posts, and will follow your exploits, electric or not. Peter
Posted on: 8/31/2008 7:31 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7905995

RE: Going electric
DT, Don't spend $20,000,000.00 of your projected winnings on a factory to make $100.00 engines for sale! Spend $1,000,000.00 on a serious home machine shop and enjoy making your own. :) Peter
Posted on: 8/30/2008 9:40 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7903427

RE: WACO SRE
Charlie, It's not quite the same, but is a Waco with a diesel. For inspiration, have a look at Bob's scale model on the Gallery and Comments pages of my site, www.peterburford.com.au Peter
Posted on: 8/8/2008 7:54 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7825241

RE: Lathe How To book online
John, It worked OK for me, though I've only looked at it on line and not yet tried to print it out. Brought back memories too. Our Taipan factory was not far from Hercus. Many of the earlier smaller Taipan parts were made on Hercus lathes in the capstan mode. Peter
Posted on: 8/6/2008 5:01 AM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7814593

RE: Davis and AMA hall of fame
Well done, Bob. Peter
Posted on: 8/5/2008 6:01 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7812604

RE: Where to get 0.02 engines.
Hey ff, My 0.33cc/0.020 diesel is being made and is available. Peter
Posted on: 8/4/2008 7:08 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7808528

RE: Ether question
Steve, I've not had a problem. Peter
Posted on: 7/6/2008 7:42 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7700207

RE: "Wallet Enhancement"
Don't worry about possible cheques, promise that for every engine received, sender gets one entry in the draw for _ _ _ _ _ _ . ( Imaginary NIB Norvel / Profi or whatever.) And, hey, what about Annette of Mouseketeer (?) fame? Peter
Posted on: 6/10/2008 6:15 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7604265

RE: Tired of JUNK
Good recovery, CP. I enjoy your quips, was tempted to post a comeback, but thought that I would bide my time and let someone else in first. I didn't need to wait long! Maybe we should have an alias to post replies? Peter
Posted on: 6/4/2008 7:49 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7580913

RE: pb engine
Yeah, lead weight engines. Probably what you would expect at the bottom of the Globe. I was self concious of having my initials on my car number plate (When I selected narrow plates to suit my older car.) but was happy when it was pointed out that it stood for 'personal best'. :) Peter
Posted on: 6/4/2008 7:43 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7580882

RE: pb engine
Graham, Equivalent standards of En36A are, AISI/SAE 3312, DIN 14 Ni Cr 14, AS X3312H, JIS SNC815. You are correct in that En36A is a primarily Nickle/Chrome alloy. It case-hardens extremely well. retaining high core strength and, particularly good for our application, high impact strength. It is generally supplied with a black scale finish but, if you are lucky can be had as a bright reeled bar. 4140 is a high carbon, low alloy general purpose high tensile hardened and tempered steel. Good strength, but more difficult to machine. I'm pleased that you care to look at the manufacturing sequences. I could go into far more detail, but fear that my amateur writing and photograpy skills come across as being pretentious enough as it is, and I'm sure that most of what I say is common-place for many. I'm happy to answer any question to the best of my knowledge. I and my Father have a long and practical experience of model engine manufacture, that would be a shame to be lost. My methods now are 'cottage industry' but we were far more automated in the Taipan days. Peter
Posted on: 6/4/2008 7:38 PM by Author "peterburford" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7580868