1/72nd scale motors?

[Guest]

Does anyone know of a Company that produces electric motors specifically for use in 1/72nd scale aircraft kits?. Some of the older members may remember British firm 'Frog' made these years ago.

I've just started buying tug aircraft kits to display with my 1/72nd gliders (got Airfix's Shorts Stirling and a Novo Miles Master so far) - it would be great to have some spinning props on one or two.

Lastly, are there any pitfalls to doing this - e.g, motors getting warm and warping plastic e.t.c?.

[Guest]

One source of small and readily available motors are the ones fitted into servo's. I used two of them for propulsion on my model Revel U-boat and they work very well.

If I remember rightly mine were 16mm diameter but there are, of course, micro servo's which must have even smaller motors.

Google a model supply company called SHG, which is where I got my bits from but I'm sure there are a lot more suppliers that could help.

As for issues, one thing may be that you would want to get to them for lubrication or removal purposes but there again the old Airfix 1/24th motors were glued in for good. They obviously didn't require cooling and I'm sure that turning a 1/72nd prop will require such little current that you won't have any heat issues.

Now if you wanted it to take off that would be different!!!

[Guest]

The Airfix ones used to be spin to start and can be run from a one cell battery (1.5 volts). The shaft is offset from centre. You stop them by just stopping the prop with your finger, and they don't take any power until you spin the prop again to start them. I have dozens of them in my workshop so if you want any just PM me.

If you want a bit smaller try this site, they start at 4mm diameter.

http://www.precisionmicrodrives.com/product_info.php?products_id=109&osCsid=34cd91436f3d19e2149fd9b6513c258b

[Guest]

Thanks to both of you guys for all the help, lots of good ideas there.

Now if you wanted it to take off that would be different!!!

Haha, well apparently there's a 1/72nd scale Spitfire out there that actually flies so who knows where this might lead!.

PM on it's way John - cheers

p.s - Those 4mm micro motors are unbelievable

[Guest]

There is also a radio control 1/72 Corsair flying! Have a look at the site of the South Leicester Aeronutz web site for photos of it and other tiny flying models. Also has info on the little motors they use.

[Guest]

Cool website Nev!, I had no idea it was possible to make flying aircraft that small - the wonders of miniaturisation eh.