Tom Clement and Jimmy Jones collaborated on the production of a pair of 15cc motors in the 1960s, which we have referred to previously. Tom took his apart with the intention of rebuilding it to a more modern specification. As happens all too frequently, following his death, his workshop was cleared and parts of the motor went two different ways. Luckily the history of the motor was known, so with a bit of negotiation, all the parts were recovered and the motor rebuilt. The only alteration was a new venturi and mounting as the original had been machined off.

Thanks to Jim Jamieson and Dave Singleton for making this possible. OTW photo Dec 2016

In there somewhere is (most of) a Gerald Smith 15cc Magpie. Around 35 of these motors were built between 1946 and 49. Available in four versions, this one has the serial number 297. The odd appearance is probably due to a very bad landing that wrecked the motor. Someone has quite skilfully cast a completely new front crankcase half to take the original contact breaker assembly. The fabricated engines mounts and absence of the advance/retard mechanism would indicate that these all perished in the accident as well. Difficult to be sure, but the crankshaft is probably new as well and has a separate contact breaker cam inside the front housing, most complex. The carburettor is also a combination of new and original parts, but it does have the original 'Magpie' engine plate.

Thanks to Dick Roberts for this item. OTW photo  Nov 2016

This very well made 15cc hydro motor had received unwelcome attention to convert it to RC and water cooling. The fins can be replaced but the suspicion is that the polished transfer passage has erased details of the original builder, can anyone help please? There is a possibility that it was a prototype for a well known manufacturer.

October 2016

When it comes to building, tuning and reworking motors for team racing and speed in the 1950s, three names stand out. George Copeman, primarily with Olivers, Ron Checksfield and Fred Carter with Dooling and McCoys. The work of these three is well known, and recorded extensively, and any motors that can be attributed to them sell at a premium. Ron was also respected designer, and in collaboration with Carter drew up the Carter Checksfield Special CCS seen above. The modified design to the left, carries just CS, Carter Special. Both have been built from original castings by Dave Smith who kindly provided the photo.  Sept 2016

Arthur Weaver turned his attention from hydroplanes and tethered cars to rail racing, primarily with the North London Club. He built several cars and numerous engines, and along with fellow club member Bill Ransom produced the design and serialised the construction of the 'Weaver Ransom' 1cc motor. Here we see sideport, shaft valve and rear rotary valve versions. Three of the motors with clutches are for spur mounting while the larger one in the foreground is for a bevel drive car.

Thanks to john Goodall for allowing us to photograph these engines Aug 2016

This and all the other engines in the series are black and carry the name of Vincent motor cycle models. It was discovered through a small ad in the now departed Aviation Modeller. The other versions went elsewhere, including one to Miguel de Rancougne (Black Knight) but the owner of this one also had all the patterns and the half finished example, which he passed on as part of the deal. The name of the builder is now but a distant memory but these 30cc water cooled lumps are an impressive relic of his work.

OTW photo July 2016

A number of these motors have appeared on the market, both single and twins, all based on surplus Gerald Smith 'Wizard' and 'Lapwing' castings. They were built by Vernon Gray, a model shop proprietor from Leamington for use in cars and boats. They had ratchet flywheels and slide carburetters fitted along with water cooling jackets where required. The addition of a magneto to the rear made them entirely self contained. Gray was well known in the realms of straight running and later in RC events and was featured in articles in the modelling press.              OTW photo June 2016

The first of these motors was produced by Gualtiero Picco way back in 1972, whilst on holiday. Originally it had two large square finned barrels and heads that looked stunning but this is the later water cooled version. The rotary valve rotates at half engine speed and if the carbs could ever be synchronised made a lovely sound at 17,000rpm with twin tuned pipes. We suspect that only a tiny proportion were ever taken out of their boxes, the rest to become instant collectors items that sell for consistently high prices. Currently possibly the most valuable and desirable vintage production motor.          May 2016