stunthanger.com
Product Review => Product Reviews => Topic started by: Bob Zambelli on September 25, 2006, 09:57:07 AM
-
It's here - the new one from Brodak. More to come very soon but I wanted to get out some preliminary shots.
Bob Z.
-
Here's some more info:
.400 x .400 bore & stroke
Weight 1.7 ounces
12,000 - 18,000 RPM, depending on prop and nitro
Schnurle ported
AAC construction
I have been running this engine most of the summer and it looks like a real powerhouse.
The initial fit was quite tight so it's taken a while to run in.
It still needs more time.
The range of props so far is 5-3 up to 6-4.
The picture below shows a comparison of the Brodak crankshaft to one from an OK Cub .049.
As far as I know, they are in stock - delivery and price info from Brodak.
Bob Z.
-
Is this supposed to be an improvement over the first version. A couple of flips and it was running. It also sounded like it was ready for a plane. DOC Holliday
-
This 'un looks like it's got balls, whereas the original was a plain bearing. True?
-
Interesting choice of words!!! ~^
Yes, it's got balls but it's PLAIN BEARING!!!!! ;)
Initial testing shows that it's a winner. j1
Bob Z.
-
Bob,
I looked on Brodak's Site and didn't see it listed. The original is there.
Does the new one come with a muffler?
By the way I got the RHA plans yesterday. Many thanks. #^
-
I looked on Brodak's Site and didn't see it listed.
It will be there soon - it just arrived a few weeks ago.
The original is there.
It is still offered
Does the new one come with a muffler?
No
Bob Z.
-
HI Bob,
Who is making this one for John? How do you compare it to the Norvel "Start Up" (the milder one) .049?
Bill <><
-
Biil - it is made by the same people that make the .25 and .40. j1 j1
I know nothing of the Norvel so I cannot compare the two. ???
Bob Z.
-
Biil - it is made by the same people that make the .25 and .40. j1 j1
I know nothing of the Norvel so I cannot compare the two. ???
Bob Z.
Thanks, Bob. A fellow came to Huntersville last year as a guest of Roy Trantham. I believe he is the fellow making the engines. ??? ???
Bill <><
-
I visited John Brodak this past weekend and had a chance to put more time on the new .049.
All I can say it that it just keeps getting better.
Easier to start and adjust but this engine needs serious break-in time. It works very well on the Baby Clown but, being new and tight, I'm limiting the fuel to Brodak 10/23.
I will get a hold of some 20% soon and report further when it's broken in.
Bob Z.
-
What kind of plug does it use?
Several other people and I have found that adapting the Brodak Mk I to use either the Norvel button or the Nelson Head yields massive increase in rpm and a more reliable run. Adapting the Mk I to use the Norvel button is really easy.
Remove the gasket, and drill out the plug hole with a size "R" drill. Put the gasket on top of the cylinder and use the head to clamp the Norvel button in place. Good for over 1000 rpm in my testing! Now if only the buttons were currently available.... >:(
On the R/C Universe forum there is a thread about modifying engines to use the "Turbo" style plugs that are popular with the race car guys. They are available in several brands and many heat ranges. Supposedly they are as good as the Nelson, but much easier to find.
-
Larry - it takes a standard long reach plug.
Since the head is held on with three bolts, which also hold the cylinder to the case, adapting another head would be difficlult.
Hopefully, the attached photo will clarify.
Bob Z.
-
Good photo, thanks! Yes, a completely new head would be required, though I think Nelson might actually go to the trouble as he did for the MK 1. That conversion sure made a marvelous difference in my experience!
I see several places where an astute tuner could pull a few more r's out of the motor. I shall have to purchase one. ;D
Any chance of suggesting to the factory that they change the head to use the turbo style plug? I gather that you are acting as a consultant for them. It would take minimal tooling change to do, and perhaps they don't realize what a serious benefit would result.
-
Larry - thanks for the suggestion.
And, I agree - there will be for sure some tinkering done with this engine for improved performance.
The crank is quite substantial and will permit timing changes.
I would hesitate to tinker with sleeve timing as I don't like to cut through a plating interface.
I need more info on the turbo plug. What is it?
With enough data, I can make a new head in my shop and we can try it side-by side.
I spoke to John a few minutes ago and mentioned it to him - as usual, he's interested in product improvement. I will visit him in two weeks - we'll discuss it more at that time.
Bob Z.
-
Turbo plugs are standard thread plugs with a beveled bottom so they seal into heads with a matching bevel. The seal is at the bottom, so the combustion chamber shape is not compormised. It is supposed to work as well as a full head button type plug.
Enya and a few others make them, primarily for the hotshot car racers. Tower has several brands! They should be easy to get, and they are available in various heat ranges.
There was an extensive thread on it in RC Universe. You should be able to go there and do a search, probably in the small engine forum. Look at:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4533758/anchors_4533758/mpage_1/key_Turbo%252Cplug%252CCox/anchor/tm.htm#4533758
-
Bob
After your glowing review, I tried to get a Mark II from Brodak. I was told they are not quite out yet (about 10 days ago). I got a chance to get a brand new Mark I (?) at a bargain price and am delighted with it.
What engine mount is that in your posted pictures? Is it a Dave Brown? The people on the phone at Brodak couldn't tell me which mount would fit. Dave Brown has two that are similar sizes. Help me out, please.
Bill Marvel
-
Hi, Bill - I think it is a Dave Brown part but I will check.
I just found it at the hobby shop. It's in a clear bag with a yellow tag stapled on.
I now use this type of mount on most of my planes.
Bob Z.
-
Hey, Bob
Answered by own question. I was out running errands and stopped by a couple of LHS since they were on my way (That's my story and I am sticking to it!!!).
Dave Brown's Glass Filled Nylon Motor Mount, Model 0506, is an exact fit for the Brodak .049.
Hayes makes one that needs to be slightly camphered to fit. It is equally well made. The Hayes motor mount is Model KM-05. Both were in the same price range of around $2.50.
Hope this is helpful.
Regards
bill marvel
-
I haven't looked at it in detail, but I think you can drill out the hole from a long plug and leave enough of a land to seal a Nelson plug. It's tapped 11/32-32, I believe. The plug taper on the seal is a degree or so more than the angle on a standard drill, you just have to be very careful not to drill too far and get the seal area smooth.
-
I just took a closer look at the teardown photo. I'll bet you can just drill out the head with a size "R" drill, get longer head bolts and clamp down a Norvel plug! It works great on the MK 1 engine, almost as well as the Nelson head.
Much later:
I was wrong. I took the head off the Mk. II and it is not a trivial fix. Too bad. However, a diesel head could be made for it easily! Bob Davis where are you?
-
Ok, but can it be modified to scream at 19,000 to 23,000 on 35% nitro?? Serious question for 1/2A free flight where the engine runs are very, very short. ???
I really doubt that it will ever compete with either the Cyclon or Fora; but on the other hand, it doesn't cost $200!
Afterthought - If the B.049 could be made to perform like either of the above-mentioned hotshots, the mods would probably raise the total cost to the same level.
-
(SNIP)
All I can say it that it just keeps getting better.
Easier to start and adjust but this engine needs serious break-in time. It works very well on the Baby Clown but, being new and tight, I'm limiting the fuel to Brodak 10/23. (SNIP)
Well, Bob, you are not exaggerating!!! I have a brand new Model I and it took some real patience and whacked fingers to get it to run the first time. Every tank full gets better. It is a fine engine but takes some time to get up to optimum running! I really like it.
Regards
bill marvel
-
Hi Bob Z
Is this available now with silencer please?
do you have Brodak part number please ?
Thanks in advance
Vincent
-
Hi, Vince - at this point, we are not offering a silencer.
That is, unless something has changed that I'm not aware of.
I find that most people using 1/2 A engines do not bother with a silencer.
And, by the way, if you are running in any of the small Brodak engines, it's best to omit the silencer.
And, only use it if it's really needed.
Bob Z.
-
Many thanks Bob
I will try one in th enear future, but still
dont see the MK II on Brodaks web site?
Product number
Price
If in stock
What silencer to use, if needed
Vincent
-
Vincent,
Sams has them listed on their web site.
Still haven't seen them on the Brodak site.
http://www.sshobbies.com/brodak049mkii.html
Bill