Welcome! This site
was created to chronicle my lifelong model aviation hobby, and to provide some valuable resources for visitors.
- Kirt Blattenberger
AMA 92498

My Models:
Airplanes, Boats,
Helicopters, Rockets
Airplanes and Rockets
Modeling in Erie, PA
 
Airplanes & Rockets
Modeling Forums
©1996-2012
Kirt Blattenberger with E-flight Taylorcraft on Snow Skis - Airplanes and Rockets
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) | Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) | Int'l RC Helicopter Association (IRCHA)
League of Silent Flight (LSF) | National Association of Rocketry (NAR) | National Free Flight Society (NFFS) | Society of Antique Modelers (SAM)

Model Aircraft Engines & Motors

Technically, the difference between a motor and an engine is that a motor is powered by non-chemical means like electricity or a rubber band. An engine is powered by chemical or phase change means such as gasoline or steam. The terms used to be freely interchanged a lot more freely back before electric motors became as prevalent in model airplanes, helicopters, boats, and cars. There was no real ambiguity since electric power in any "real" model was virtually unheard of. Today, if you tell someone that you have a motor in your airplane, he will assume that it is powered by a battery. Likewise, if you say your helicopter uses and engine for power, it is assumed you have an internal combustion powerplant installed.

As part of the many items I have scanned and posted from vintage modeling magazines, these pages feature primarily engines and motors. A lot of the old content is still relevant for contemporary modelers, especially for gasoline and glow fuel power.

  • Dr. Martin Hepperle's Cox Engine website is probably the most comprehensive collection of info out there!