Second Hand TTartan 22 cc Super Tartan Single Ignition Petrol Model Aircraft Engine

intage Tartan 22 cc Super Tartan Single Ignition large-scale model aircraft engine, manufactured in Italy and designed specifically for large radio-controlled model aircraft. This is the petrol/ignition version of the Tartan single-cylinder engine, rather than the methanol glow-plug version. The Tartan range was developed specifically for large-scale model aviation and was offered in both glow and ignition configurations. Period Tartan advertising describes the 22 cc single-cylinder engines as suitable for approximately 10–17 lb aircraft, including 1/5 and some 1/4 scale applications.

The engine has a displacement of approximately 1.34 cubic inches / 22 cc and is a large, air-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke design. The ignition version uses a petrol/oil fuel mixture rather than methanol glow fuel, making it economical to operate compared with the glow version. Contemporary Tartan information gives the ignition version an output of approximately 1.75 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. With the supplied-style muffler and an 18 × 6 inch propeller, period testing recorded approximately 7,500 rpm and 14.34 lb of static thrust.

The engine is fitted with a large carburettor and air-filter arrangement appropriate to the petrol/ignition version. The substantial finned cylinder and cylinder head provide air cooling, while the large crankcase and robust crankshaft arrangement were designed for the considerable loads generated by large-diameter propellers.

Period information confirms that the Tartan 22 cc was also available as a glow engine, making it important to distinguish this example from the visually similar glow version. Contemporary model-engine discussions specifically identify the 22 cc Tartan as having been produced in both glow and petrol/benzine versions, as well as in single-cylinder and twin-cylinder configurations.

The engine is a particularly interesting example of the large-scale model-engine development of the 1980s, when increasingly large radio-controlled scale aircraft were becoming popular. Tartan marketed these engines specifically as purpose-built model-aircraft engines rather than conversions from industrial equipment. Contemporary advertising states that the engines incorporated model-engine technology including an aluminium piston/chrome-plated aluminium cylinder arrangement, dual piston rings and multiple crankshaft bearings.

This example is in used vintage condition, with some expected cosmetic marks, staining and oxidation to the aluminium castings from previous use and storage. It retains its large finned cylinder/head, petrol carburettor, air filter, propeller driver and rear mounting assembly. The yellow air-filter assembly and carburettor are particularly characteristic of the large Tartan installation.

The engine turns over freely, as confirmed by the seller. It has not been represented as recently run, so it should be described as untested/running condition not confirmed. It would make an excellent candidate for a vintage large-scale aircraft restoration, period model project, mechanical recommissioning or collection.

The Tartan 22 cc is now a relatively unusual engine and should appeal particularly to collectors of vintage large-capacity model aircraft engines. Its Italian manufacture, petrol/ignition configuration and large-scale application make it considerably more interesting than a commonplace .40–.60 class engine.

Technical information

• Manufacturer: Tartan
• Country of manufacture: Italy
• Model: Super Tartan Single Ignition / Tartan 22 cc
• Type: Single-cylinder, two-stroke petrol/ignition
• Displacement: approximately 22 cc / 1.34 cu in
• Fuel: Petrol/oil mixture
• Cooling: Air cooled
• Power: approximately 1.75 hp
• Published power speed: approximately 7,500 rpm
• Documented propeller: 18 × 6 in
• Documented static thrust: approximately 14.34 lb
• Aircraft application: Large-scale R/C aircraft
• Intended model weight: approximately 10–17 lb aircraft
• Era: Primarily late 1980s into the early 1990s
• Condition: Used vintage; turns over freely; not confirmed as currently running

A German model magazine advertisement from 1989 specifically lists the Super Tartan 22 cc Ignition, confirming that this version was being sold commercially by that time.

Manufacturer: Tartan
Country of manufacture: Italy
Model: Super Tartan Single Ignition / Tartan 22 cc
Type: Single-cylinder, two-stroke petrol/ignition
Displacement: approximately 22 cc / 1.34 cu in
Fuel: Petrol/oil mixture
Cooling: Air cooled
Power: approximately 1.75 hp
Published power speed: approximately 7,500 rpm
Documented propeller: 18 × 6 in
Documented static thrust: approximately 14.34 lb
Aircraft application: Large-scale R/C aircraft
Intended model weight: approximately 10–17 lb aircraft
Era: Primarily late 1980s into the early 1990s
Condition: Used vintage; turns over freely; not confirmed as currently running