Author: Sal Calvagna
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/06
Page Numbers: 104,105
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Radio Control Giants

Sal Calvagna

BJ's Model Engine Service (Bill Jensen)

I said to myself, "This is a job for Bill Jensen!"

I sent my Enya .09 to Bill along with the propeller I wanted to use (an 8 x 4 Cox Competition) and information about the fuel I preferred. This allowed him to set the engine up for optimum performance with my choice of propeller and fuel.

The first thing Bill did was to write one of his detailed Engine Service Worksheets. On those he lists every step in his procedures, every item supplied with the basic engine, and the status of all the major parts including crank straightness, compression, and even the glow plug. From there he checked — and noted — all the minor (but still vital) variables that influence the engine's performance.

Bill found two small discrepancies on my Enya. The spraybar had been installed too deeply and my custom-made muffler had too much exhaust exit area for reliable idling. He corrected those flaws and changed the glow plug, and after seven separate test runs between adjustments (each one noted on page 2 of the worksheet) my engine achieved a top rpm of 11,900 — and a reliable idle of 2,000!

When I got my Enya .09 back, it was accompanied by copies of Bill's worksheets and copies of Enya's factory data sheet and parts list for my particular old-style RC engine. That's genuine thoroughness — and it's why Bill's pricing is higher than most. He simply does a lot more work than most.

Contact:

Ohlsson engines and spare parts

Just before and after World War II, the most popular model-airplane engines in the U.S. were the California-made Ohlssons. Last manufactured more than 50 years ago, quite a few are still being used today.

The Ohlssons power old-time FF (free flight) aircraft, CL (control line) models, and even RC airplanes from the Good Old Days. SAM (Society of Antique Modelers) regularly holds events for Ohlsson-powered airplanes, and they are well attended.

Besides the excellence of their original design, a big reason why these ancient model engines have survived so long is the ample supply of newly made spare parts that my late friend Vic Didelot — a mainstay of the famous Flying Aces Club — arranged to have manufactured. Following Vic's recent death, his Ohlsson parts supply was taken over by Burnis Ray.

Contacts:

I've also been told that George Tallent in Picacho, Arizona, can remove and replace Ohlsson cylinders.

  • Tel.: (602) 466-7655

Sullivan Ball Connectors and other accessories

How does that saying go, about "birds of a feather"? Think about it! I enjoy using Sullivan Products' Ball Connectors to attach pushrods to servo horns. All of my models use those connectors, especially on elevator and rudder controls. Installing and removing them is a snap, because each connector has a spring-loaded sleeve that captures a stainless-steel ball attached to the servo horn. In addition, it’s easy to connect or disconnect the pushrod from the servo with only one hand free. One of my favorite things about these connectors is that they permit off-axis operation. "Birds of a feather flock together."

Sullivan Products’ Ball Connectors are now made from machined aluminum and anodized according to thread size. They’re great for attaching pushrods to servos.

Aviation Concepts’ Switch Hides kit is available in different sizes and configurations for scale projects. Install all those switches, charge ports, and air valves where they belong: hidden.

Also included in this column

  • Sullivan’s new ball link connector
  • Aviation Concepts “switch hides” kits
  • Dick Wiklund’s 1/4-scale Sopwith Pup
  • Mike Laible’s F6F Hellcat

Welcome to the RC Giants column

Now that winter is a distant memory and aeromodelers are heading back to the flying fields in droves, why not corral some friends and plan a trip to an RC event in your area? Or get a caravan together and take a trip to a neighboring state for a contest or fly-in. Model airplane clubs work hard to plan and host flying events. They appreciate when out-of-towners show up to join the festivities. By hosting or participating in a fly-in or competition, we keep the faith and strengthen our bond as modelers. We get the opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and see great aircraft.

Mike Laible’s F6F Hellcat

Mike wrote that he made three-views in a CAD program and Jerry drew the plans. Bob Holman Plans produced the laser-cut parts. The Hellcat spans 80 inches, weighs 20 pounds, and is powered by a Fuji 50 gas engine. It features scale Frise-type ailerons, Century Jet Model retracts, and vinyl decals. Mike painted the F6F with Glossy Sea Blue Klass Kote epoxy paint. It is finished as Captain Roy Marlin "Butch" Voris’s aircraft.

Captain Voris founded the Navy’s Blue Angels flight-demonstration squadron, and the Hellcat was the first airplane that the group used for exhibitions. The first show was held in Jacksonville, Florida, on June 15, 1946. Shortly afterward, the flight team began flying the Grumman Bearcat.

In the accompanying photo that was embellished using Photoshop, Mike’s Hellcat is about to make a carrier landing. Although the black-and-white portrayal of the model looks realistic as it approaches the carrier deck, I see two glaring faults: the carrier superstructure is on the wrong side (it’s always on the right during an aircraft’s approach), and the tailhook on the F6F is missing. I guess it ain’t gonna stop anytime soon. Nicely done, Mike.

That's all for this month. Enjoy the summer; go fly something!

—MA

Sources:

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.