Second Hand Tartan 1.32 22cc Vintage Single-Cylinder Glow Model Aircraft Engine

intage Tartan 1.32 large-capacity model aircraft engine, an Italian-built single-cylinder two-stroke glow engine designed for large radio-controlled and scale model aircraft. The Tartan range was marketed through World Engines and became particularly associated with large-scale model aviation during the late 1970s and 1980s. The Tartan 1.32 is a substantial and relatively unusual engine, offering approximately 1.325 cubic inches / 21.7 cc displacement.

The engine has a 32 mm bore and 27 mm stroke, giving a displacement of approximately 21.7 cc (1.325 cu in). It is an air-cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke glow engine with a large finned cylinder and substantial crankcase designed for the demands of large model aircraft. The published Model Engine News reference records the Tartan 1.32 as a glow engine and gives a weight of approximately 35.1 oz (995 g).

The Tartan 1.32 was intended for large-scale and giant-scale radio-controlled aircraft, where its considerable torque and relatively low operating speed made it particularly suitable for turning large-diameter propellers. Contemporary information records the engine being used with a Top Flite 18 × 6 propeller at approximately 7,000 rpm, illustrating the type of large propeller for which this engine was designed.

The Tartan range is also historically interesting because the larger engines were offered in both glow and ignition versions, with Tartan engines being marketed for large aircraft during this period. Contemporary advertising from the early 1980s describes the Tartan range as including large single-cylinder and twin-cylinder engines in glow and ignition configurations.

This example is in used vintage condition and shows normal cosmetic signs of age and previous use, including surface oxidation/tarnishing and marks to the aluminium castings. It retains its large finned cylinder, original-style carburettor, propeller driver and rear crankcase assembly. The photographs indicate a substantially complete engine.

The engine turns over freely, as confirmed by the seller. It should, however, be regarded as untested/running condition not confirmed, unless the seller has subsequently run the engine. The condition therefore makes it suitable for a vintage aircraft restoration, large-scale model project, collection or mechanical restoration.

This is a particularly interesting engine for collectors of large vintage model aircraft engines, as the Tartan 1.32 is considerably less commonly encountered than the smaller .60–.90 class engines from manufacturers such as OS, SuperTigre, Webra and Enya. Its large physical size, unusual appearance and association with the early giant-scale movement make it an appealing period engine.

Technical information

• Manufacturer/brand: Tartan
• Manufacturing origin: Italy
• Model: Tartan 1.32
• Engine type: Single-cylinder, two-stroke glow
• Displacement: approximately 21.7 cc / 1.325 cu in
• Bore: 32 mm
• Stroke: 27 mm
• Cooling: Air cooled
• Fuel: Methanol-based glow fuel
• Approximate weight: 35.1 oz / 995 g
• Typical propeller: approximately 18 × 6 in
• Documented operating speed: approximately 7,000 rpm with an 18 × 6 propeller
• Intended use: Large-scale and giant-scale R/C aircraft
• Period: Approximately late 1970s/early 1980s
• Condition: Used vintage engine; turns over freely; running condition not tested/confirmed

The 1.32 was definitely established by 1980, as a published test appeared in Model Aircraft News in December 1980. This places this engine firmly in the vintage large-model-engine era, making it roughly 45 years old or more today.

Manufacturer/brand: Tartan
Manufacturing origin: Italy
Model: Tartan 1.32
Engine type: Single-cylinder, two-stroke glow
Displacement: approximately 21.7 cc / 1.325 cu in
Bore: 32 mm
Stroke: 27 mm
Cooling: Air cooled
Fuel: Methanol-based glow fuel
Approximate weight: 35.1 oz / 995 g
Typical propeller: approximately 18 × 6 in
Documented operating speed: approximately 7,000 rpm with an 18 × 6 propeller
Intended use: Large-scale and giant-scale R/C aircraft
Period: Approximately late 1970s/early 1980s