Hello Makers,
I was an electronics tech, software guy, and project manager for Hewlett Packard's Storage Division for 25 years. After the worldwide group I was part of got told to hit the road, I have spent the last 7 years just working part-time fixing computers and some oddball handyman work. Last week it was updating a house to LED lighting and working on a broken CNC lathe. It does not bring in the big bucks but the diversity is far better than being a project manager with no authority. My dad was a Journeyman Machinist with Boeing and luckily some of that knowledge has rubbed off on me.
I was on the web looking for plans on how to build a 1/6 size 1900's Anzani 3 cylinder fan radial, for a 1/6 scale Bleriot RC plane I am starting.
I have been flying RC planes since 1975 and moved to electric powered planes for over 13 years now, but a Bleriot needs the look and sound of a real gas motor. After finding your webpage and reading about others building these wonderful radial motors, I am excited that there may be CAD/Drawing files around that I can use to build a working motor.
I hope this does not make me a sinner, but in my case, the motor would not need to exactly scale, therefore I would not need custom sand casting. I would just mill the motor body out of a block, and if it works I could soften the outer surface to give the casting look. I would also be open to plug timing from the crank using maybe a hall effect sensor and a small controller. If I could use a modern carburetor it would be nice, and of course, using any proven ideas for the mechanics that would help simplify the motor would be greatly appreciated!
I have a small machine shop with a manual 13"Leblond lathe and series one Bridgeport mill and have spent the last year working with AutoDesk Fusion 360 forum getting a working POST for my 1985 Bridgeport Interact 720 mill (VMC). It has a Heidenhain controller in it that most people have never heard of. (TNC 351/355)
I have been testing cutting machine wax on my "new to me" VMC and it is time for a real project.
I would be welcome to any suggestions to which group would be the best match for what I am wanting to do. I know I will need a lot of help from people who have been down the path before me.
Thanks,
Bryan
Nampa, Idaho USA