Genesis of the Big Bangers

Genesis o Big Bangers Bob Beckman Have ever thought about various chainsaw blower weed whip engines adapted Giant Scale model use Giant Scale contributing editor provides behind-the-scenes look two examplesone manufac tured way other after-manufacture conversion FOR OVER TWO YEARS author along Kirby Crawford Dick Roe has testing reporting some small gasoline engines being made available use Giant Scale air craft engines classed small manufacturers RC modelers accustomed engines less cubic inch displacement Big Bangers total displacement rang ing about 12 cu over 6 cu Most modelers aware engines started out power plants chainsaws addition weed whips backpack blowers device needing small portable self-contained power source can starting point new breed model engines first use such engines indi vidual modelers did own conver sion work prepare units use relatively large models wanted build everyone equipped inclined such work however soit wasnt long before people able started providing converted engines growing number builders interested larger models Giant Scale movement has grown rapidly now literally thou sands such engines daily use hut Giant Scalers have little no knowledge genesis power plants other general idea chainsaw engines would impractical detail origin engine market have chosen two examples representa tive overall field Quadra probably best known Giant Scale engines Kawasaki con verted CB Associates Quadra typical same time unique ways derived chainsaw engine majority large engines 36 Model Aviation cutaway Frontier chainsaw shows Quadra its original home Now know cylinder cooling fins square rather round Quadra has around 10 years TMLs parallel production lines Aero engines come oown ien mae cnainsaws rigni Engine assembly starts left right-angle section far end built offered manufacturer aero engine first engine available real quantity basis made possible rapid growth Giant Scale move ment late 1970s has seen minor some major changes its 10year existence soon bejoined larger version significantly different design construction well size history Quadra engine long interesting too involved detail ing Briefly engine first con ceived early 1950s part small chainsaw intended general consumer use opposed much larger profes sional saws available time 20 years later however before first produc tion engines appeared August 1972 Quadra Manufacturing facilities Trail British Columbia Canada formed produce market Frontier Chainsaw utility reliability unit met immediate acceptance Quadra soon supplying its saw under other brand names including Danarm Husqvarna Jobu Jonsereds Partner Pioneer Up point engines use saws 1974 Ron Shettler started working engines taken saws looking large power source partly own modeling interests partly RPV project RCA F Since quantity engines required made individual conversion impractical soon working Quadra eye producing engine aero version same time infant Quarter Scale movement offered potential market sufficient volume justify effort 1977 first production Quadras know became available providing spark really got todays Giant Scale activity started about same time Quadra Manu facturing became Trail Manufacturing Ltd TML Quadra name stuck aero engine 1979 TML moved Huron Park Ontario 1982 became TRIN DEN TRail INDustrial ENgines Manufacturing Ltd product line addition chainsaws aero engines now includes variety devices ranging brush trimmers ice augers out board motors bicycle drives powered Quadra engine new larger engine has designed ground up aero use mind will also used similar applications TML 35 Engine Quadras offi cial name described 35cc class engine its actual displacement 34cc usually referred 2 cu engine 34cc actually about 207 cu have some references 22 cu Quadra incorrect engine has always 34cc aero version available three dis tinct models plus marine version Model standard essen tially same original engine uses conventional ignition system mag March 1983 37 special jigs power tools used assembling uuaaras Mere tne prop flUD IS oeing installed CD ignition models Quadras displacement actually 207 cu engine run comes oft assembly line usingstarting Typical rpm tor new engine no prop 9400 Any engine up reworked until does next stop engines coming out test-run room packing boxthen off dealer could almost anywhere world Theres soon new 50cc version Quadra neto mechanical points Over years minor improvements have resulted cleaner cylinder castings beefed-up mount ing bosses improved conrod wrist-pin bearings other internal changes meet needs Giant Scale applica tion Model II replaces standard ignition module includes magneto electronic CD ignition Model III adds third main bearing space freed up removing points condenser new 50cc engine will electronic ignition As mentioned above Quadra Big Banger date produced aero engine TML has two production lines literally parallel parts identical differences appear early assembly process depending what end product will chainsaw engine example becomes part main saw housing before engine itself completely assembled production operations Huron Park location basically finish machining assembly Raw parts like cylinder crankcase castings pistons rings crankshafts etc come subcon tractors necessary drilling tapping grinding milling done TML TMLs engineering department course responsible design specification testing 01 parts final products Quadra has large chunk Giant Scale engine market because first large quantities good product Quadra intends hang onto position continuing development 34cc version introduction 50cc model early 1983 addition plans establishing new expanded dis tribution network throughout US rest world other side Big Banger picture represented Kawasaki engines 36cc 222 cu other 51cc 315 cu available CB Associates Kawasaki conversions model use also available other sources such Homer Sales first difference should noted purpose original engines intended both come backpack blowers made Japan difference end use significant us Vibration has difficulties facing Giant Scale modelers proper construction techniques can keep under control no getting around fact chainsaw engines can real shakers After whos going notice little vibration chainsaw fact might help An engine going carry around day back another matter however engines have engineered minimum vibration fits right modeling requirements As result engine testing Kirby Dick have done consider Kawasakis smoothest-running engines weve seen close second 24 Kioritz another blower engine Kawasakis also representative majority Big Banger types conversions end product no intention part original manufacturers used aero engines give idea what means well outline steps taken CB change blower engine Giant Scale power plant As received CB engine includes several parts must discarded several must added shroud recoil starter muffler gas tank floattype carburetor come off mounting flange portions crankcase have removed some engines weight space saved hardly worth cost machining stock mufflers have used some aircraft rather bulky heavy applications primary item makes differ ence between blower engine air craft engine prop-adapter hub CB turns adapter aluminum bar stock along front prop washer hub washer drilled tapped six propeller mounting bolts attachment hub engine critical least bit out line 38 Model Aviation Kawasaki engine receiveu oy u Rssoclaies doesnt look much like 8 uiani caie Big Banger Most gasoline-burners arenl manufactured aero versions need rework parts discarded CB Associates making ready Kawasaki airplane use Originally used backpack blowers engines noted low vibration levels misalignment much exaggerated time get prop tip best will introduce some vibration worst could dangerous Most Big Bangers have prop adapter screwed onto shaft depending align ment accurate facing flywheel precise drilling tapping hub Due short drive shaft Kawasaki method marginal soC B goes step further hub centered shaft locked flywheel three good-sized cap screws has added advantage hub cannot unscrew starting engine carburetor comes engine float type will operate properly attitudes replaced diaphragm pump-type unit like other Big Bangers recoil starter rear shaft removed die-cast aluminum mount takes its place marine version engine available retains starter isnt worth weight space aircraft engine Kawasakis start very easily hand engines come natural alumi num finish disassembled during conversion process crank Continuednn nnie 12t March 1983 39 Finally finished engine Kawasaki has very short drive shaft CBs conversion provides sturdy prop adapter locking flywheel three good-sized cap screws nunr pIuI anuw , u~cardena s original engine what left after stripping Note short shaft other side cointhe parts CB adds bare engine talmoso ne reea-valve assembly slipped picture mistake spark plug got left out HEAD LOCK Nick Zirolis GIANT RIC SCALE PLAN DESIGNS 2 4 Cu size Engines AT6 TEXAN24 V101. Span$2700pp USA FOKKER DR-i27 162 Tripe$2500pp USA PIP BRARCAT2/ 156 Span$2700pp USA CURTISS .PAO2iA 194 Span$2700pp USA P4U CORSAIR2 I92 Span$2700pp USA Fiberglass Cowlings & Canopies available also Send stamp detailed brochores sor Giant Scale Accessories R EMOTE Single Cyl $ 795 Twin Cyl $1195 1Energizes glow plug thru remote jack 2CamPatible existing HEAD LOCKs 3For cowled engines helicopters scale etc 4Uses HEAD LOCK push-twist clction 5 Weight- less 1/3 ounce 4221452 soreoi/able arnie diect add boor St oatarde US MODEL PRODUCTS CORP BOX 314 Pompton Plains NJ 07444 update loug Spreng\ Battery Manage ment System puhlishtd RCVI has ss jthstood test ol timi orks off 12 volt batters gets oh done less hour eases Yoti can usc SR900 packs hut will take longe built kits fes months ago have used good results Sinee people ask time timh tor good fteld charger now feel can sas ou Il like Its simple operate temperature-compensated reasonably priced charges common four-cell eight-cell combination unIv charges 5011 mA about 85 full charge flight pack 5fl full charge transmitter reverts both safe 35 mA constant charge rate George tIAIier 70 kroehlich Foroi Rd Hiiksx die \ lht0l AMA Building/Mankowski Continued page 34 tanooga RC Club Mt Rainer RC Society Alexander & Alexander Drew Allen Milwau kee Flying Electrons Radio Control League North Carolina Larry Regier Billy Johnston Gold Members donated $50 Building Fund Bill Hinnant John Kirk III Douglas KnothThomas Lacey Philip Judith Coopy Donald Conneil Jesse R Mitchell Boeing Marine Systems Frieda Homer Smith Collins RC Club LARKS Aero Bats Show Team Lee Minim Roy E Hoover Harry C Seth Judson Cushing Bob Burnett Leo Gabriels Nick Nicholson Nick Johnen Charles Alicks Ukiah Prop Busters Leonard Kendy Irvin Aker Tn Valley Radio Control Club William R Bigge Ukiah Prop Busters Leonard Kendy Irvin Aker Tn Valley RC Club William R Bigge Howard L Chapman Herbert Consolvo Allan L Crane DR Cummings AlexanderJ Drum mond Israel Dubin Robert R Erickson Nor man Evans Morton R Ferrell FL Friedli Kenneth L Glemby Elonzo C Gollaher RS Graham Alfred W Griesbach John R Hooker Also included list Gold Members Arthur J Johnson Edgar M Joiley John L Koenreich Dan McDonald Johnny L Mathis Ronald W Merrill John E Miller Robert Miller Joseph M Nunes Lawrence p ott Robert L Payne Russell J Petersen Paul Plecan Kee C Pohar Jay M Replogle Richard Roe Richard C Speidel KF Spiller Edmund W Stone James R Tyndall RA Varcoe Robert W Waterman Robert WinchBig Bangers/Beckman Continued page 39 eases painted red cylinders black After reassembly die-east alumi num manifold aluminum tube exhaust pipe added ready go engine started briefly test run before being shipped final produet reaches customer finest Big Bangers available today some details may differ people converting engines use go through essentially same process exception worth noting Hobby Lobbys Evra 190 19 cu engine has spe eially designed crankcase similar smaller model engines rest parts engine used weed whip crankcase design owned Hobby Lobby engines made manufacturer original engine put ting somewhat same category Quadra Whatever source fine Big Bangers available today what make possible us enjoy Giant Scale modeling convert own engines wouldnt see fly-ins like IMAA Fun Fly Festival hundreds Giant Scale aircraft participating RC Scale/Wischers Continued page 41 available information sources including factory After weeding out misinforma tion producing set correct drawings RCM&E magazine Bob now finds himself leading authority plane Similarly Dave Reid researched Kinney Sportster after finding rare originals 100 miles home has pro duced set drawings quarter-Scale model DGA Designs 135 E Main St Phelps NY 14532 Dave asks stamped envelope gathered information home-drawn three-views photo enlargements nega tives rare birds may greater value modeler suspects Museums very grateful receive such dataand place dollar value upon can used tax break GRISH LARGE eli William R Wronski William D Zobel Vince Mankowski Assistant Executive Director Plasticote Prope new wood blades have phenolic coating extra stiffness makes propeller stiffer stronger . yet thinner best efficiency Propeller 24x92O 22x617 Other sizes will soon available HARDER LIGHTER STIFFER 3/8 Bore bushing 5/16 bores Usable Big engines up 42 cubic AT YOUR DEALER GRISH ST JOHN IND 46373 126 Model Aviation

Genesis o Big Bangers Bob Beckman Have ever thought about various chainsaw blower weed whip engines adapted Giant Scale model use Giant Scale contributing editor provides behind-the-scenes look two examplesone manufac tured way other after-manufacture conversion FOR OVER TWO YEARS author along Kirby Crawford Dick Roe has testing reporting some small gasoline engines being made available use Giant Scale air craft engines classed small manufacturers RC modelers accustomed engines less cubic inch displacement Big Bangers total displacement rang ing about 12 cu over 6 cu Most modelers aware engines started out power plants chainsaws addition weed whips backpack blowers device needing small portable self-contained power source can starting point new breed model engines first use such engines indi vidual modelers did own conver sion work prepare units use relatively large models wanted build everyone equipped inclined such work however soit wasnt long before people able started providing converted engines growing number builders interested larger models Giant Scale movement has grown rapidly now literally thou sands such engines daily use hut Giant Scalers have little no knowledge genesis power plants other general idea chainsaw engines would impractical detail origin engine market have chosen two examples representa tive overall field Quadra probably best known Giant Scale engines Kawasaki con verted CB Associates Quadra typical same time unique ways derived chainsaw engine majority large engines 36 Model Aviation cutaway Frontier chainsaw shows Quadra its original home Now know cylinder cooling fins square rather round Quadra has around 10 years TMLs parallel production lines Aero engines come oown ien mae cnainsaws rigni Engine assembly starts left right-angle section far end built offered manufacturer aero engine first engine available real quantity basis made possible rapid growth Giant Scale move ment late 1970s has seen minor some major changes its 10year existence soon bejoined larger version significantly different design construction well size history Quadra engine long interesting too involved detail ing Briefly engine first con ceived early 1950s part small chainsaw intended general consumer use opposed much larger profes sional saws available time 20 years later however before first produc tion engines appeared August 1972 Quadra Manufacturing facilities Trail British Columbia Canada formed produce market Frontier Chainsaw utility reliability unit met immediate acceptance Quadra soon supplying its saw under other brand names including Danarm Husqvarna Jobu Jonsereds Partner Pioneer Up point engines use saws 1974 Ron Shettler started working engines taken saws looking large power source partly own modeling interests partly RPV project RCA F Since quantity engines required made individual conversion impractical soon working Quadra eye producing engine aero version same time infant Quarter Scale movement offered potential market sufficient volume justify effort 1977 first production Quadras know became available providing spark really got todays Giant Scale activity started about same time Quadra Manu facturing became Trail Manufacturing Ltd TML Quadra name stuck aero engine 1979 TML moved Huron Park Ontario 1982 became TRIN DEN TRail INDustrial ENgines Manufacturing Ltd product line addition chainsaws aero engines now includes variety devices ranging brush trimmers ice augers out board motors bicycle drives powered Quadra engine new larger engine has designed ground up aero use mind will also used similar applications TML 35 Engine Quadras offi cial name described 35cc class engine its actual displacement 34cc usually referred 2 cu engine 34cc actually about 207 cu have some references 22 cu Quadra incorrect engine has always 34cc aero version available three dis tinct models plus marine version Model standard essen tially same original engine uses conventional ignition system mag March 1983 37 special jigs power tools used assembling uuaaras Mere tne prop flUD IS oeing installed CD ignition models Quadras displacement actually 207 cu engine run comes oft assembly line usingstarting Typical rpm tor new engine no prop 9400 Any engine up reworked until does next stop engines coming out test-run room packing boxthen off dealer could almost anywhere world Theres soon new 50cc version Quadra neto mechanical points Over years minor improvements have resulted cleaner cylinder castings beefed-up mount ing bosses improved conrod wrist-pin bearings other internal changes meet needs Giant Scale applica tion Model II replaces standard ignition module includes magneto electronic CD ignition Model III adds third main bearing space freed up removing points condenser new 50cc engine will electronic ignition As mentioned above Quadra Big Banger date produced aero engine TML has two production lines literally parallel parts identical differences appear early assembly process depending what end product will chainsaw engine example becomes part main saw housing before engine itself completely assembled production operations Huron Park location basically finish machining assembly Raw parts like cylinder crankcase castings pistons rings crankshafts etc come subcon tractors necessary drilling tapping grinding milling done TML TMLs engineering department course responsible design specification testing 01 parts final products Quadra has large chunk Giant Scale engine market because first large quantities good product Quadra intends hang onto position continuing development 34cc version introduction 50cc model early 1983 addition plans establishing new expanded dis tribution network throughout US rest world other side Big Banger picture represented Kawasaki engines 36cc 222 cu other 51cc 315 cu available CB Associates Kawasaki conversions model use also available other sources such Homer Sales first difference should noted purpose original engines intended both come backpack blowers made Japan difference end use significant us Vibration has difficulties facing Giant Scale modelers proper construction techniques can keep under control no getting around fact chainsaw engines can real shakers After whos going notice little vibration chainsaw fact might help An engine going carry around day back another matter however engines have engineered minimum vibration fits right modeling requirements As result engine testing Kirby Dick have done consider Kawasakis smoothest-running engines weve seen close second 24 Kioritz another blower engine Kawasakis also representative majority Big Banger types conversions end product no intention part original manufacturers used aero engines give idea what means well outline steps taken CB change blower engine Giant Scale power plant As received CB engine includes several parts must discarded several must added shroud recoil starter muffler gas tank floattype carburetor come off mounting flange portions crankcase have removed some engines weight space saved hardly worth cost machining stock mufflers have used some aircraft rather bulky heavy applications primary item makes differ ence between blower engine air craft engine prop-adapter hub CB turns adapter aluminum bar stock along front prop washer hub washer drilled tapped six propeller mounting bolts attachment hub engine critical least bit out line 38 Model Aviation Kawasaki engine receiveu oy u Rssoclaies doesnt look much like 8 uiani caie Big Banger Most gasoline-burners arenl manufactured aero versions need rework parts discarded CB Associates making ready Kawasaki airplane use Originally used backpack blowers engines noted low vibration levels misalignment much exaggerated time get prop tip best will introduce some vibration worst could dangerous Most Big Bangers have prop adapter screwed onto shaft depending align ment accurate facing flywheel precise drilling tapping hub Due short drive shaft Kawasaki method marginal soC B goes step further hub centered shaft locked flywheel three good-sized cap screws has added advantage hub cannot unscrew starting engine carburetor comes engine float type will operate properly attitudes replaced diaphragm pump-type unit like other Big Bangers recoil starter rear shaft removed die-cast aluminum mount takes its place marine version engine available retains starter isnt worth weight space aircraft engine Kawasakis start very easily hand engines come natural alumi num finish disassembled during conversion process crank Continuednn nnie 12t March 1983 39 Finally finished engine Kawasaki has very short drive shaft CBs conversion provides sturdy prop adapter locking flywheel three good-sized cap screws nunr pIuI anuw , u~cardena s original engine what left after stripping Note short shaft other side cointhe parts CB adds bare engine talmoso ne reea-valve assembly slipped picture mistake spark plug got left out HEAD LOCK Nick Zirolis GIANT RIC SCALE PLAN DESIGNS 2 4 Cu size Engines AT6 TEXAN24 V101. Span$2700pp USA FOKKER DR-i27 162 Tripe$2500pp USA PIP BRARCAT2/ 156 Span$2700pp USA CURTISS .PAO2iA 194 Span$2700pp USA P4U CORSAIR2 I92 Span$2700pp USA Fiberglass Cowlings & Canopies available also Send stamp detailed brochores sor Giant Scale Accessories R EMOTE Single Cyl $ 795 Twin Cyl $1195 1Energizes glow plug thru remote jack 2CamPatible existing HEAD LOCKs 3For cowled engines helicopters scale etc 4Uses HEAD LOCK push-twist clction 5 Weight- less 1/3 ounce 4221452 soreoi/able arnie diect add boor St oatarde US MODEL PRODUCTS CORP BOX 314 Pompton Plains NJ 07444 update loug Spreng\ Battery Manage ment System puhlishtd RCVI has ss jthstood test ol timi orks off 12 volt batters gets oh done less hour eases Yoti can usc SR900 packs hut will take longe built kits fes months ago have used good results Sinee people ask time timh tor good fteld charger now feel can sas ou Il like Its simple operate temperature-compensated reasonably priced charges common four-cell eight-cell combination unIv charges 5011 mA about 85 full charge flight pack 5fl full charge transmitter reverts both safe 35 mA constant charge rate George tIAIier 70 kroehlich Foroi Rd Hiiksx die \ lht0l AMA Building/Mankowski Continued page 34 tanooga RC Club Mt Rainer RC Society Alexander & Alexander Drew Allen Milwau kee Flying Electrons Radio Control League North Carolina Larry Regier Billy Johnston Gold Members donated $50 Building Fund Bill Hinnant John Kirk III Douglas KnothThomas Lacey Philip Judith Coopy Donald Conneil Jesse R Mitchell Boeing Marine Systems Frieda Homer Smith Collins RC Club LARKS Aero Bats Show Team Lee Minim Roy E Hoover Harry C Seth Judson Cushing Bob Burnett Leo Gabriels Nick Nicholson Nick Johnen Charles Alicks Ukiah Prop Busters Leonard Kendy Irvin Aker Tn Valley Radio Control Club William R Bigge Ukiah Prop Busters Leonard Kendy Irvin Aker Tn Valley RC Club William R Bigge Howard L Chapman Herbert Consolvo Allan L Crane DR Cummings AlexanderJ Drum mond Israel Dubin Robert R Erickson Nor man Evans Morton R Ferrell FL Friedli Kenneth L Glemby Elonzo C Gollaher RS Graham Alfred W Griesbach John R Hooker Also included list Gold Members Arthur J Johnson Edgar M Joiley John L Koenreich Dan McDonald Johnny L Mathis Ronald W Merrill John E Miller Robert Miller Joseph M Nunes Lawrence p ott Robert L Payne Russell J Petersen Paul Plecan Kee C Pohar Jay M Replogle Richard Roe Richard C Speidel KF Spiller Edmund W Stone James R Tyndall RA Varcoe Robert W Waterman Robert WinchBig Bangers/Beckman Continued page 39 eases painted red cylinders black After reassembly die-east alumi num manifold aluminum tube exhaust pipe added ready go engine started briefly test run before being shipped final produet reaches customer finest Big Bangers available today some details may differ people converting engines use go through essentially same process exception worth noting Hobby Lobbys Evra 190 19 cu engine has spe eially designed crankcase similar smaller model engines rest parts engine used weed whip crankcase design owned Hobby Lobby engines made manufacturer original engine put ting somewhat same category Quadra Whatever source fine Big Bangers available today what make possible us enjoy Giant Scale modeling convert own engines wouldnt see fly-ins like IMAA Fun Fly Festival hundreds Giant Scale aircraft participating RC Scale/Wischers Continued page 41 available information sources including factory After weeding out misinforma tion producing set correct drawings RCM&E magazine Bob now finds himself leading authority plane Similarly Dave Reid researched Kinney Sportster after finding rare originals 100 miles home has pro duced set drawings quarter-Scale model DGA Designs 135 E Main St Phelps NY 14532 Dave asks stamped envelope gathered information home-drawn three-views photo enlargements nega tives rare birds may greater value modeler suspects Museums very grateful receive such dataand place dollar value upon can used tax break GRISH LARGE eli William R Wronski William D Zobel Vince Mankowski Assistant Executive Director Plasticote Prope new wood blades have phenolic coating extra stiffness makes propeller stiffer stronger . yet thinner best efficiency Propeller 24x92O 22x617 Other sizes will soon available HARDER LIGHTER STIFFER 3/8 Bore bushing 5/16 bores Usable Big engines up 42 cubic AT YOUR DEALER GRISH ST JOHN IND 46373 126 Model Aviation