NEW ENGINES

 

 The following articles appeared in a TMAC magazine some 7 years ago in the days when you got the information on hard copy, which always had a secondary use!!

With the rapidly increasing fuel cost it seems timely to remind members of what can be achieved with a little imagination and resent commercial developments that have taken place.

 

Yet Another New Engine.

    This article was originally submitted under the pseudonym, Ivor Good Deal 4U. Older members may remember this writer made several contentious contributions before being taken away by gentlemen in white coats. 

“A well known manufacturer has produced a hit-and-miss engine with unbelievable fuel economy for the ‘old timers’ events where you are allotted a precise amount of fuel. The engine runs a ‘fly’ wheel behind the prop to maintain momentum between firing strokes. It has timed ignition to make the glow plug heat up every 10^th stroke and close the fuel supply in-between firing strokes. The flywheel keeps the engine running 10 times longer on the same amount of fuel. On test, the engine ran perfectly with the sixteen-pound flywheel spinning the engine as smooth as a charr-cutter.

Deliveries of this new engine are expected around April 1^st 2002 after extended testing.”

                                                                     

    The following response appeared in a subsequent magazine.

 

Nothing New.

    “Having read your recent club Mag; I feel I must set the record straight and respond to the article by your correspondent Ivor Good Deal 4U entitled “Yet Another New Engine”

     The company with which I was associated for many years “Derby Rotations” first began developing engines using the Delayed Power Stroke Principle during the late 1930’s when greater efficiencies were required for coal fired loco steam engines. The project showed exceptional promise but had to shelved in 1945 following protests from the National Union of Mineworkers who were concerned about their members!!

    With the advent of small I.C. engines the idea was resurrected in the early 1970’s under the description ‘Negative Inertia Torque System’ (NITS). Bench testing, with engines up to 10cc, was extremely successful with optimum performance being achieved when firing every 50^th stroke. A larger flywheel, than that suggested by your correspondent, was however required. Early flight tests were disappointing when it soon became apparent that the combined NIT forces of engine and flywheel caused aircraft of less than 8 metres wingspan to snap roll every 50^th stroke. During flight this was not such a serious problem but takeoffs and landings had to be timed very carefully!!

    Eventually the problem was overcome with a slipping ratchet device (now patented) and counter balanced flywheel, which allows the engine to disengage just ahead of the firing stroke. Fuel efficiencies were startling with flight times limited by the need to drain fuel from the tank every ½ hour or so. This time has now been extended with the development of expanding tanks, initially in the fuselage and more recently into wing cavities. Flight times are now only limited by battery life or pilot fatigue.

    Readers wanting more information about these unique engines and/or surplus fuel supplies should forward $50 together with a 20 litre container to:

    Mark Time,

    C/O Derby Rotations,

    PO Box,

    Tauranga.

 

   Present Day.  That was the situation seven years ago, unfortunately the above offer is no longer available. With the rapid rise in the price of oil products, Derby Rotations, which for many years was barely braking even, has been swamped by enquiries and orders from OS, ASP, GMS, Thunder Tiger, to name but a few and surprisingly, Air New Zealand and Saudi Arabia.

An interesting footnote. When searching through a rubbish bin at the recent TMAC auction held at the Classis Flyers Museum, the author came across what is thought to be one of the original NIT engine prototypes. How it got there is anybodies guess but it is being carefully restored before being sent to Sotheby’s for verification. If this proves genuine it may be returned to New Zealand for display in the Museum. If not it may be returned to the bin or sold on ‘Trade Me’.