Mini V12 RC car engine produces not-mini power
Click above to watch a video of the mini V12 engine in action
Today we've seen something quite small and extremely awesome: a small-scale V12 engine designed for model radio controlled vehicles. This is an entirely functional model and features twin camshafts and overhead valves. It's air-cooled to simplify things by ridding itself of the need for complex water jackets, radiators and the associated plumbing, though the crankshaft is made from multiple pieces. The lilliputian engine displaces just 87-cubic centimeters, but produces between 6 and 8 horsepower running on a mixture of methanol and nitro methane. The best thing of all is the builders say they will be making kits available soon so enterprising craftsmen can power their RC cars, planes and boats with a real V12. To truly get an idea of just how awe inspiring this little machine is, click past the break for a video of the mini V12 in action.
[Source: Wawu via Carscoop]
Video:
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
JJ 8:13PM (10/08/2008)
you think that's cool (it is) check out the mini wankel...
http://www.osengines.com/engines/osmg1401.html
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Mirko 4:02AM (10/09/2008)
The Mini Wankel has been available for quite some time. It's not even that expensive:
https://shop.graupner.de/webuerp/servlet/AI?ARTN=2717&SessionCheck=4711&language=en
Now compare that to this nice radial 5-cylinder:
https://shop.graupner.de/webuerp/servlet/AI?ARTN=1415
They even make a turboprop:
https://shop.graupner.de/webuerp/servlet/AI?ARTN=6797
Only 5000 ;)
Rob 8:13PM (10/08/2008)
I used to run a carburated 2.5cc engine in a nitromethane powered 1/10th scale touring car. Thing could top out in the low 50mph range fairly easily, and supposedly it put out around 1.3HP. Of course, it didn't even weigh 3 pounds with batteries loaded to power the servos and radio receiver, and a full tank of fuel.
RC engines are largely single-cylinder 2-strokes though, and they're not the most powerful things in the world. You're talking revving these things well past the 20,000 rpm range to develop this power. I think 2.5cc engines were pushing 30K, though it's been nearly a decade since I was in the hobby and racing cars. Think when I got out of it 1/8th scale kits with 2-speed transmissions were pushing 70mph without much issue.
There's fuel-injected engines and 4-strokes nowadays. Planes have had the luxury of 2 and 4 piston engines for a while. A V12 though? Crikey, that's going to cost some coin.
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ichime 8:15PM (10/08/2008)
That is so friggin awesome!
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sk 8:26PM (10/08/2008)
Check out his old web site. There you'll find a 14 cylinder radial engine "doublestar".
Here is the link: http://qualu.de/Radialenginevideo.html
Nice, you can see the torque when he opens up the carburetor. The hole engine twist to the right.
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Moose 8:55PM (10/08/2008)
This reminds me of that French guy who hand crafted a scale Ferrari 312, including the engine. It was an earlier Top Gear program.
If you haven't seen this, its a classic, and a must-watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeUMDY01uUA
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Dustin 9:01PM (10/08/2008)
Here are a couple other related autoblog articles I knocked the dust off..
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/31/a-desktop-v8-that-runs/
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/origasmic-model-v12-engine-made-from-paper/
N'Joi
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SupaYoYoMan 9:11PM (10/08/2008)
how cute!
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Jmanbball 9:29PM (10/08/2008)
That engine looks and sound beautiful
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Stuka 9:35PM (10/08/2008)
That thing would be so awesome in a WW2 fighter model.
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Celly 10:15PM (10/08/2008)
That's a very impressive piece of machinery!
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jman 10:30PM (10/08/2008)
Now just put that in a Smart and OFF WE GO!
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Tom 11:39PM (10/08/2008)
I would love that to power my lawnmower! It would make it soooo fun! And make my neighbors hella jealous!
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Mike 11:47PM (10/08/2008)
Wow! I like that, sounds like an old Ferrari v12.That would be very cool in an RC car,with a classic Italian body around it, like a late 50's Testarossa or a Lambourghini Muira.....
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Mwmorph 12:24AM (10/09/2008)
OHV and 2 camshafts? How does that work? I think it is designed as maybe 2 I6 engines welded together?
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Zeus.:God 1:04AM (10/09/2008)
That's nice... Old video though- watched it long ago.
I don't find this to be that impressive though. I much prefer the Conley precision scale replica motors (functional) compared to this.
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GeoTracker 2:43AM (10/09/2008)
Pushrods and rocker arms. This is how motors worked before someone decided to move the camshaft above the valves and get rid of the rocker valves. If you look at the engine carefully, you'll see the pushrods and rocker arms.
MONTE 1:08AM (10/09/2008)
A NA, aircooled V12 mini is ok, but nothing on the scale of the blown replica V8s that are out there. Of all of the scale engines I've seen this one has to be one of the simpler. Just because it's a V12 doesn't make it any better or harder to make than a V8, and this one isn't even blown. Great craftsmanship of course and something I personally wouldn't even know where to start, but there are better examples.
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drumr 3:00AM (10/09/2008)
v12 with two cams?
wouldnt that be a W12?
the V reps the layout of the engine but unless its two V 6's welded together frontside together (leaving the middle unconnected) it would have to be made in a V shape with the cylinders staggered...
i think...
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Craig 7:35AM (10/09/2008)
I saw this like a year ago...
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