1/3.2 scale me109 with inline twin Zenoah 62

[Karl mander]

Hello
I've posted another video on YouTube this one showing the progress of my Me109. Ian Redshaw gave me a double sized Brian Taylor Me109 plan and so it started from there. The model flew last year (single zenoah62 with Mick Reeves reduction), the first flight the engine bolts came loose,the second it ended in the top of a giant oak tree after the engine went sick.
I then decided to put a larger engine in and so built an inline twin z62. I got it started this week for the first time, it needs tuning but it works. The exhausts are canisters that are under the wing, I chose this to aid in cooling of the engine, I aim to disguise the canisters as a drop tank.
Please excuse my editing skills , I've been playing with my new iPhone app.
It is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Pg8vRE6 ... ata_player

Karl

[Alan Cantwell 1131]

Superb Karl, i think i, as an engineer, and other members would be interested in your in line conversion, the warbird scene is crying out for in line twins, many members will have the zenoah series, and chance of more info?

[Andy Boylett]

Lovely piece of work. It looks like you made a mounting plate for the two of them. How did you get your alignment sorted out?
Andy

[Karl mander]

Hi
Producing the inline twin was very simple, I basically utilised the zenoah's tapered rear shaft and the step on its magneto. I had a "propellor driver" fabricated that sits perfectly on the rear engine's magneto, but instead of a 10 mm thread cut into the front of the driver it had a tapered hole that matched the rear shaft of the front engine. Thus the engine joiner performed the role of a concentric register and holds the front and rear engine perfectly inline. I had a key channel cut into the tapered hole so that I could bolt it securely to the front engines rear shaft.
I then held the two engines in line with a piece of aluminium angle bolted to exhaust ports, this held the engines in the correct position and with the "engine joiner" sitting on the rear engines magneto I worked out where to drill the holes in the it to obtain the correct 180degree spacing of the piston strokes. Once the holes were drilled the two engines were secured to it and with the peice of aluminium angle bolted to the exhaust ports the engines were held in position whilst I built the frame around the two engines. It was held in position by rivots as the engines were removed and the frame joints welded.
That is basically it, a joining rod between the carbs and the engine is ready to go.
Cooling is provided by an air scoop and guide made out of 0.5mm aluminium that is bolted to the engine. I chose canister exhausts to keep the heat away from the engine
It started up straight away, the carbs need tuning which shouldn't be too difficult , but I'll take it to the field to do that.
I've guesstimated on a 32x14 prop as I could get one at a decent price.

I had four of the joiners fabricated so ultimately I could make a five cylinder inline two stroke engine , now that would make a great sound.
Karl