Second Hand Tartan Twin 77 44cc Vintage Twin-Cylinder Glow Model Aircraft Engine

Vintage Tartan Twin 77 large-capacity model aircraft engine, manufactured in Italy and designed specifically for large radio-controlled model aircraft. This is the distinctive flat/opposed twin-cylinder glow version, with two horizontally opposed cylinders and a central induction system.

The engine is from the earlier 44 cc version of the Tartan Twin 77, with a total displacement of approximately 43.75 cc (2.669 cubic inches). Each cylinder is approximately 22 cc. Period manufacturer information describes the Super Tartan Twin Glow as a purpose-designed model-aircraft engine rather than an industrial engine conversion. It features an aluminium piston/chrome-plated aluminium cylinder arrangement, twin piston rings and a crankshaft supported by two ball bearings plus an additional roller bearing.

The engine uses methanol-based glow fuel and has twin glow plugs, one for each cylinder. The horizontally opposed cylinder configuration gives the engine a distinctive appearance and helps produce a smooth, balanced power delivery. The engine incorporates a reed-valve induction system and is capable of producing substantial torque at relatively moderate propeller speeds.

Published period specifications give the 44 cc Super Tartan Twin Glow an output of approximately 4.75 horsepower at 9,100 rpm, using a 20 × 6 inch propeller. The same factory test data records approximately 28.67 lb of static thrust with that propeller. These figures were obtained using the supplied muffler arrangement and without tuned exhaust.

The Tartan Twin 77 was designed for large-scale R/C aircraft, with the contemporary literature placing the larger Super Tartan twins in the 16–30 lb aircraft class, making them suitable for large aerobatic, scale and competition models.

The engine is particularly interesting from a historical perspective. Tartan engines were Italian-made and were marketed internationally through distributors including World Engines in the United States. The Twin 77 was available in both glow and ignition/petrol configurations, and later versions of the engine were produced in a larger approximately 50 cc capacity. Owners and collectors generally distinguish the earlier 44 cc Twin 77 from these later engines.

This particular engine has the characteristic earlier Tartan Twin 77 crankcase and twin finned cylinder/head assemblies, together with the period central carburettor and yellow air-intake arrangement. The engine shows normal cosmetic signs of age and previous use, including tarnishing, staining and marks to the aluminium castings. It appears substantially complete from the photographs.

The engine turns over freely, as confirmed by the seller. It has not been stated to have been recently run, so it should be advertised as untested/running condition not confirmed rather than as a running engine.

This is an especially interesting engine for collectors of vintage model aircraft engines. The large 44 cc capacity, twin-cylinder configuration, Italian manufacture and distinctive Tartan design make it a considerably more unusual item than the common 60-size and 90-size single-cylinder engines of the same period.

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer: Tartan
• Country of manufacture: Italy
• Model: Tartan Twin 77 / Super Tartan Twin 77
• Type: Twin-cylinder, horizontally opposed, two-stroke glow
• Displacement: approximately 43.75 cc / 2.669 cu in
• Individual cylinder capacity: approximately 21.9 cc
• Fuel: Methanol-based glow fuel
• Induction: Reed valve
• Cooling: Air cooled
• Published power: approximately 4.75 hp
• Published power speed: approximately 9,100 rpm
• Documented propeller: 20 × 6 in
• Documented static thrust: approximately 28.67 lb
• Aircraft application: Large-scale R/C aircraft
• Recommended aircraft size: approximately 16–30 lb, depending upon model and setup
• Configuration: Flat/opposed twin
• Era: Approximately late 1980s/early 1990s
• Condition: Used vintage engine; turns over freely; running condition not confirmed

The period catalogue evidence is particularly useful here: a July 1988 Model Builder advertisement lists the Super Tartan Twin Glow as a 43.75 cc engine and gives it the 20 × 6 / 9,100 rpm / 4.75 hp figures above. It also lists the corresponding Twin Ignition version.

Manufacturer: Tartan
Country of manufacture: Italy
Model: Tartan Twin 77 / Super Tartan Twin 77
Type: Twin-cylinder, horizontally opposed, two-stroke glow
Displacement: approximately 43.75 cc / 2.669 cu in
Individual cylinder capacity: approximately 21.9 cc
Fuel: Methanol-based glow fuel
Induction: Reed valve
Cooling: Air cooled
Published power: approximately 4.75 hp
Published power speed: approximately 9,100 rpm
Documented propeller: 20 × 6 in
Documented static thrust: approximately 28.67 lb
Aircraft application: Large-scale R/C aircraft
Recommended aircraft size: approximately 16–30 lb, depending upon model and setup
Configuration: Flat/opposed twin
Era: Approximately late 1980s/early 1990s