Aircraft Engines

A set of three different types of engines, as they were used in aircraft. All models include intriguing mechanisms, which demonstrate the inner workings of the respective prototypes, are mesmerizing to look at, and fun to operate!

The first model is a rotary radial engine. That is, the radial cylinder block is fixed to the propeller, and the whole arrangement, motor and propeller, rotates around the crankshaft. This design provides some serious forced-air cooling! Motors like this one were among the first to effectively combine high power output with low weight. The French Gnome et Rhone of the early 1910s is the prime example.

The second model is one of the very few successful Diesel engines in aviation. This made sense for civil aircraft, where economy was more important than a high peak power output. The opposed-piston arrangement gives a very high compression ratio. Effectively, each pair of pistons shares one common cylinder. Both crankshafts are synchronised by a system of gears. The model engine includes a rotating camshaft and a turbocharger. It shows many features of the Junkers Jumo 205.

The third model is a 12-cylinder four-row radial engine. I provided the motor with an upward gearing towards the propeller, so it would be suitable for a race plane. My inspiration was the 28-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-4360.

The motors are provided with stands, to display them and to study the motions, but I'd really wish builders would employ the engines in airplane models of their own design!

All mechanisms have been tried and tested, and work smoothly and reliably. The set as shown includes 546 parts.