COMPARED to a few years ago, interest in I/C engines has grown  greatly. Many have been inspired by the work of Ron Chernich and his outstanding website at http://www.modelenginenews.org/ , and of designers like Jan Ridders and Nemett (the late Malcolm Stride).

Many of the most interesting and exciting models of the day are I/C engines, whether classics from the E T Westbury era, virtuoso projects like Norman Lawrence’s Napier Dagger or the wonderful new designs from people like Dave Bramwell and Tom Pasco who provide highlights at the Harrogate show every year. Our Model of the Week is Tom’s recently built flat twin, winner of this year’s Warco Trophy for the best engine at Harrogate.

Built to Tom’s own design it is a 77cc four-stroke, fitted with air-cooled double acting pistons of the type used in the 1913 Delmont rotary aero engine. A gear pump draws oil from a tank in the base to lubricate the big ends and camshafts. Ignition is 6-volt.

The engine is not only superbly finished, as can clearly be seen, it is reported to be a very smooth runner, revving at 1000 to 5000rpm.