Tri Motor Engines

**Bionic Modeler** · #1 07-25-2012, 05:50 PM

I would like to build a larger version of Peter's Trimotor. I have an A3 printer. Since I am working in a larger scale I would like to make the engines a little more detailed since they are the prominent part of the plane. I have studied all the pictures I can find and was wondering if any of you experts could help me with some ideas to make the cylinders and heads more realistic. I also have some ideas on making the manifolds from wet rolled paper. The push rod tubes from wire etc. But I know some of you guys really know how to build these engines so---- "How do I do it?"

**Rubenandres77** · #2 07-26-2012, 08:24 AM

Detailed engines add a lot to any model. I recall a thread where Bomarc made some beautiful engines. Though not exactly as those used in the Tri-motors, the thread may give you some ideas. It's his B-25 Mitchell: Orlik PBJ-1H Mitchell he started his build with the engines, and is a pleasure to see. very inspirational. I think you can get some nice ideas from that build

**wag** · #3 07-26-2012, 02:52 PM

Gremir has a Gee-Bee R-1 on his site which has a nice looking Pratt & Whitney Wasp engine. It might be a better starting point than the kit engines and it's free.
Models
Wayne

**milenio3** · #4 07-26-2012, 04:21 PM

Here are four early aviation motors you also may use as reference.

-Engines WWI - Paperwarbirds

**Bionic Modeler** · #5 07-27-2012, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wag

Gremir has a Gee-Bee R-1 on his site which has a nice looking Pratt & Whitney Wasp engine. It might be a better starting point than the kit engines and it's free.
Models
Wayne

Thanks Wayne. This is a big help.

**Bionic Modeler** · #6 07-27-2012, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rubenandres77

Detailed engines add a lot to any model. I recall a thread where Bomarc made some beautiful engines. Though not exactly as those used in the Tri-motors, the thread may give you some ideas. It's his B-25 Mitchell: Orlik PBJ-1H Mitchell he started his build with the engines, and is a pleasure to see. very inspirational. I think you can get some nice ideas from that build

Ruben, this is very helpful as well. I can always count on my fellow card modelers.

**thomaswg48** · #7 07-27-2012, 04:23 PM

Go to Home Depot or other hardware store and just buy small washers in the right diameter. Glue up the quantity needed to create a cylinder, and repeat for the number of cylinders required for the engine

**wag** · #8 07-27-2012, 08:23 PM

I found a set of plans for a Wright Cyclone you might find useful
http://www.arts.ualberta.ca/~idesign/jun-04/cyclone.pdf
It's not the Pratt & Whitney used in the tri-motor but it might give you an idea of how to make cylinders more realistic.
Wayne

**Hudsonduster** · #9 07-27-2012, 08:45 PM

Well, the Wright Cyclone ain't the P&W Wasp, and if we're talkin' details, the details're where we'll go wrong.

I can supply the Wylam drawings for the Twin Wasp, which use basically the same cylinder castings, pushrod plumbing, and diameter; from that, you can extrapolate the gear casing for the single mill. PM me with an Email address & I'll pop off a PDF.

**Bionic Modeler** · #10 07-27-2012, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomaswg48

Go to Home Depot or other hardware store and just buy small washers in the right diameter. Glue up the quantity needed to create a cylinder, and repeat for the number of cylinders required for the engine

I thought of that but the cylinders are tapered. Also the heads are very complicated.