Are There RC Models with Miniature Engines Resembling the Original Design?

Absolutely, there are RC models equipped with miniature engines that resemble the original designs in terms of form and function. These engines include flat opposed engines such as Lycomings, radial engines like the famous Pratt Whitney Wasps, inline four and six-cylinder V-8s, and even Wankels. These miniature engines aren't cheap; prices can run into the thousands, but they offer enthusiasts that super-scale look and sound.

When you venture into this area, you enter the realm of building aircraft, boats, or ground vehicles from kits or scratch. This is not the realm of mass-produced, ready-to-run items where you simply screw bits together. This hobby requires a significant commitment, from buying the necessary kits, servos, transmitters/receivers, batteries, chargers, tools, dope, epoxy, jigs, and spending weeks meticulously assembling the kit. It is an endeavor that involves a deep dive into the hobby as it was practiced for many decades by model enthusiasts.

Radiolinked Miniature Flat Engines

There are indeed options available for enthusiasts interested in these miniature engines. Brands such as OS and Saito make model-sized flat four and five-cylinder radial engines, though they come at a significant cost. Alternatively, enthusiasts can opt to construct their own engines, with many designs and casting sets available. However, making your own engine is an incredibly time-consuming process, often taking hundreds or even thousands of hours. While the author has attempted to build such engines, they have decided against using them in RC planes due to the risk of crashing the aircraft.

Despite the challenges, there are notable exceptions. On YouTube, one can find videos of model aircraft powered by scaled-down versions of original engines. For instance, a Vickers Gunbus model was seen flying with a quarter-size Bentley BR2, a nine-cylinder rotary engine, as used in the Sopwith Snipe.

Loud and Convincing Model Radial Engines

While not as widely available as single-cylinder engines, there are model radial engines that offer a much more convincing sound. These engines, such as the FG-73R5, a 73cc 5-cylinder 4-stroke gas radial engine, are priced at $2,299.99 and can provide a realistic experience for enthusiasts of scale models like the B-17. Additionally, model jet engines are also available, providing a different level of realism.

Steam Power in RC Models

While the use of steam power in RC models is less common, there are well-known model steam locomotives that feature scaled-down versions of the original engines. However, as far as the author is aware, these are not radio-controlled. There is a possibility that someone may have created a scale model RC steam launch, but the practicality of creating a functioning, perfect-scale model of a gasoline or diesel engine, or an electric motor with scaled-down windings, remains elusive.