Starter ??????????

[Keith Spriggs]

Many years ago a flying buddy of mine had a spring powered starter. Going from memory it was about 12 inches long, 3/4 inch diameter. The part that engaged the prop was two rubber covered rods that were spring loaded so when the engine started they would be "kicked" out of the way. To use it you wound it up like a clock and then stuck it over the prop and released it. It would easily turn over anything at least up to a .35 (the biggest engines we had) and it would even start a worn out McCoy .35 the first try. It was compact, worked every time, and it didn't need any batteries. Anyone ever see one? Does anyone know what the brand was? Any chance of finding one today?

[Andrew Borgogna]

I know exactly what you are talking about and have not seen one in 40+ years.  I guess the electric starter just put it out of business.  For what it's worth I use and electric starter 90% of the time.  Sure saves the fingers.
Andy

[James Lee]

Keith
I saw one of those at the Tulsa Collecto (I think!!) a few years ago.  Definately an old piece but like you say, no batteries and worked on most of the engines of the day... Maybe you could whip one up in your shop...?   
Later
Jim

[Keith Spriggs]

Keith
 Maybe you could whip one up in your shop...?   
Later
Jim

I think I will do that in fact I have already assigned it a project number (367) I am just finishing project # 7

[Marvin Denny]

  I saw one on E-Bay some time back, and since I had had  one back when I was a teenager, I bid on it--- HA-- I bid a max of $50.00 and wasn't even close!!! It went for over Two Big bills.
 

  Bigiron