Backplates Strato Bug and Space Bug Jr ex

crankbndr Sun Jul 27, 2014 9:05 pm

This my have been covered before but I couldn't find in any search, stupid question, are Space Bug Jr and Strato Bug backplates interchangeable?
They look very similar
Strato

Space Bug Jr

**Cribbs74** Sun Jul 27, 2014 9:19 pm

Yes and no.

Physically they are the same and are interchangeable. The exception is the Strato Bug backplate has a little aluminum tube as a pickup.

The Space Bug had a drilled hole.

Hope that helps. Jason has some good pictures of the differences. I'll see if I can dig them up.

Ron

anm2 Mon Jul 28, 2014 6:45 am

crankbndr wrote:This my have been covered before but I couldn't find in any search, stupid question, are Space Bug Jr and Strato Bug backplates interchangeable?
They look very similar
Strato

Space Bug Jr

There is a really good thread on the forum that shows a picture of the inside of the backplate. Just search under Stratobug or strato bug. Essentially the rear venturi hole is larger, and as Ron stated, it has a small aluminum pick up tube. So it is possible to fabricate a new backplate if you have the original tank. Andy

**Admin** Mon Jul 28, 2014 2:51 pm

Mudhen wrote:Cox manufactured red, yellow, and blue colored Strato Bugs. I had all three at one time. I now have a yellow and red one.
It’s not just the aluminum pick-up tube that differs from the Space Bug Jr tank back. It has a noticeably larger venturi intake and twin-ported cylinder. However, not mentioned in Mr. Dannels book is that the molds used for the Space Bug Jr. were also used for the Strato-Bug. After molding, the tank backs were modified for the Strato Bug. They were not different or separate molds.
I know the seller and he is honest. He is a collector, but not an engine collector per se.
He has engines that resulted from other trades/buys, but I don’t think he actively sought engines as he did other products.
Mud