RE: Prop. Oxide: OMG Yes, it makes Cox .049's really go! Like Larry said, his Cox Venom still holds the AMA Class I Mouse Racing Final record using 65% nitro & 15% prop Oxide fuel that was freshly blended a few hours earlier & fuel container kept in an ice chest as the temp was 90 F plus. Using 70% nitro & 10% Prop Oxide fuel holds the British Vintage Class 1 record as well.
My tests showed 65% + P.O. fuel gives more speed ( ~ 1,000 or more RPM) and more range than regular Sig 35% fuel.
But that high performance doesn't come free. If the fuel doesn't blow crankshafts, the piston life is much shortened compared to normal fuels... so it's a trade-off.
I've found such fuels are unusually harsh on Cox glow plugs if used at a rainy contest. Still goes well, but plugs don't last. In hot dry temps, plug life is much better.
P.O. also works well in larger engines like 40's & 70 nitro, 10 P.O. & 20 % Oil was a very good AMA speed fuel back in the day when it was allowed. I don't know it if was used in the longer running events like pylon racing. One either must have relatively short runs or have excellent cooling (ducting) because this fuel runs Hotter than normal!
Prop Oxide demands a REALLY well sealed container as it will leave fuel easily if your fuel can / bottle is less than perfectly sealed.
Also, I've found adding 3-5% prop oxide runs well for .15 pylon engines (Club 20) when flown in the Canadian Winter at temps up to -10C. (As does adding 1-2% Ether for great starting)
Back in the old days, Acetone was only added in glow fuel fuel ~ 2-3% in hopes of it preventing the alcohol from absorbing water when flying during a rainy contest. No real test trials were done to prove it one way or another. Most of us no longer fly in the rain if we don't have to... Acetone does indeed melt dope finishes though!
Cheers,
Paul