What has been done to these engines to enable them to run with so little oil compared to glow engines?

   Gasoline has very good lubricating properties, unlike methanol (which is a negative in terms of lubrication).

     Brett

I understood when all my RC friends moved to Gasoline in the bigger models as the fuel cost savings are significant

But very soon, most of those guys just bit the bullet and went electric---mainly because the Gas engines came with a steep re-learning curve and just about as many variables as good Alcohol engines.

More than one did a spread sheet cost benefit comparison, and decided the total cost per flight-- over time --made electric a better option

At the time I was paying attention, there were more than one engine MFG looking to get gasoline in a smaller and smaller package... That they never came to market, seems to me relative to the competition of electric options

For me, the pretty good fuel efficiency of .20 to .46 glow and owning many engines that are real consistent for fun or competition does NOT have me yearning for Gasoline OR electric

But-- I am not typical-- and find blending my own Alcohol fuel a side part of the hobby that I enjoy

Dumping in a pre measured plastic container of Stihl chain saw oil into a gallon of Gasoline to get a 40:1 or 50:1 mix still seems to me to be relative to my Weed eater, Chain saw, Blower.... WORK related tools...

When I mix up a batch of 15%N go juice...at the field I can smell my effort and enjoy the exhaust slime

BTW wiping off the exhaust residue at the end of a flying session, is just part of the experience since 1959

jest sayin

Fred the Ludite