OK Cub .149

Well, I finally got around to firing up my recently (ebay) aquired Cub .149. I know, I should be preparing something for Tach Race, but one thing at a time.

I asked over at 049 collectors if anyone knew much about these and got mixed results. Clearly some have had bad experiences with them.

On closer inspection, the engine appears virtually new and compression felt excellent. There's been a mixed response to these engines, so I guess I didn't go into the test with any pre-conceptions. I mounted it up to my test stand with a Taipan 8X4 attached and "home brew" 5% nitro, 20% caster fuel. Due to numerous warnings about the finger biting nature of these engines I opted for the starter.

The engine fired up easily but demonstrated the typical "fussy needle" associated with the blunt Cub needles. I set it slightly rich from peak and tached it at 11,900 rpm. I ran out the small tank, (which didn't last more than a couple of minutes- this thing guzzles) and as it cooled a bit I swapped to a master Airscrew 7X4, which is more in keeping with what people recommend. Once again it fired up easily and settled to a steady 13,500 rpm. I'll give the engine some more test cycling but my initial reaction is that I'm very impressed given the poor experience that some have obviously had. Apart from the very loud bark and high fuel consumption, I think this engine would perform quite adequately in an era-appropriate model.

Rod.