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    #16
    Diesels possess several advantages. Generally speaking, diesel have more torque for a given engine capacity (all things taken normal), thus the ability to swing a bigger prop. And the torque curve is such that the max output occurs at more usable revs. The power output of glow engines (especially two stroke engines) may appear more impressive but one can only get these outputs only at revs and prop sizes that would be impractical for most general modeling applications eg. sport flying.

    The ability to vary cylinder compression also allows the engines performance to be tailored for a wider range of prop sizes depending on the intended purpose eg. bigger props (more thrust and slower speeds) for scale or smaller props for less thrust and more speed for aerobatic flying.

    Diesels are generally more economical on fuel consumption. Diesel engines designed for control line team racing give out incredible power output while sipping fuel like a miser. They can go at 2 secs or less per lap for over 30 laps on just 7 cc of fuel. Try that with a glow engine of the same size and you'll be lucky to get 5 laps at that speed.

    They were also more reliable (varies from model to model though) and good diesel engines once properly set up, could be counted on reliably to be restarted hot with a single flick or two.

    Someone said earlier that diesels cannot be throttled. It can and there are many diesels that are sold fitted with rc throttles eg. PAW, MVVS etc.

    Just my two cents worth.
    To win........one must not lose.

    Confucius

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      #17
      I'll quip in since my name's been mentioned ...A few points first.

      The correct term is Compression Ignition Engines, the term 'diesel' is usually loosely used when refering to these model engines

      chiadennis:
      Amyl nitrate is no longer used as it has been proven to negatively affect the heart. Isopropyl nitrate was the replacement and lately, Diesel Ignition Improver (DII) which is a much safer subsitute.

      marzin:
      The sound of those 'diesel' models you heard flying are are from pure bred C/L racing engines, that's why they sounds good ...but that's nothing compared to the pure bred C/L F2D combat, GLOW engines !!!
      If you were standing beside someone starting one, you would jump outta your skin when it fires up !

      Pros

      1) Generally very fuel efficient.
      2) Higher torque compared to glow.
      3) No burning out the glow plug and having to replace it.
      4) Very distictive 'diesel' smell (May be a con depending on individual)

      Cons

      1) Fuel component like Ether and Isopropyl nitrate requires special permits.
      2) Stronger models needed due to vibrations generated by the higher compression.
      3) Model finishing needs to be 'diesel' fuel proofed.
      4) Higher level of engine tuning expertise required.
      5) Shelf life of mixed fuel is very short due to the low flash point of the ether.
      6) Exposure to ether for extended period of time may be hazardous to your health (google the MSD sheet for Diethyl ether)

      It really boils down to what one intends to use the engine for ?
      Seriously running out of ...Storage space !

      Comment


        #18
        Yup, I can attest to the fact that Amyl Nitrate is not a very nice chemical to have around you, especially in an enclosed room eg. airconditioned room. Used to wonder why I used to get heart palpitations when mixing diesel fuel in my bedroom when I was a kid. A heart surgeon friend of mine (much later) told me that they used to use the same stuff to quick start a stalled heart. And I thought it was the poster of Farrah Fawcett (betrays my age) I had on my bedroom wall that did it LOL!.

        Besides starting stalled hearts, apparently, it was also used to start the jet engines on fighter jets like the Hawker Hunter. Can someone confirm this.
        Last edited by Tony; 26-07-2011, 11:24 AM.
        To win........one must not lose.

        Confucius

        Comment


          #19
          Originally posted by marzin View Post
          Hi Guys!,

          I had a chance to listen those control line diesel engines during the indoor
          pylon race and the sound from those engines are very addictive !!

          Even better den any nitro 4 strokes or gassers!

          Would like to hear them again ! A RC plane with them would be heavenly !

          ps .. Nelson how ar hehe
          You wanna hear it again? Come down to Bidadari on Sunday morning around 1030hrs for some control line fun.

          Comment


            #20
            Originally posted by Tony View Post
            Besides starting stalled hearts, apparently, it was also used to start the jet engines on fighter jets like the Hawker Hunter. Can someone confirm this.
            That's IPN - Isopropyl nitrate !
            Seriously running out of ...Storage space !

            Comment


              #21
              Ah so desu - so it was IPN I had used at some stage instead of Amyl Nitrate. Made the diesel engines go like heck with just a few percent in the fuel. Those were the good old days.
              To win........one must not lose.

              Confucius

              Comment


                #22
                etherless diesel

                Hi everybody, i am new to this forum. just wondering if there is anyone still interested in diesel engine or diesel fuel.

                Comment

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