Diesel fuel

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

I have a couple of old model aircraft diesel engines, but can’t find a supplier of fuel.  It seems that the only commercial fuel available is for glow plugs.  Any ideas ?

 

I used to make my own fuel, mixing Ether, Castor oil and paraffin in equal proportions,  but even ether seems hard to get today.

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Hi Robert,

 

It is difficult to get diesel fuel these days from what was the usual sources. I’m not sure if they still do but  Model Technics used to provide made up diesel fuel in three grades as well as ether and castor. If a local model shop stocks their glow fuel then they should be able to order you some.

 

The other more definite source is Southern Modelcraft – see the Rivers engine thread – but the problem with that is that it is only available at model shows. Give them a ring as they attend quite a few all over throughout the flying season, there may be something nearby. They have very good products and have very reasonable prices compared to most model shops.

 

Short of that and particularly the latter in attending specialist shows the availability of this gets ever more harder to source.

 

Hope that’s not too much of a dis-illusionment.

 

Regards – Ramon

[Alan Gordon 2Participant @alangordon2]

Try Scoonie Hobbies in Kirkcaldy they have plenty, might no send through post though

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Thanks for the ideas.  I live in France so postage is normally out of the question, but visit Cornwall, so hope to see a model aviation show down there one day.

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Robert,

 

When I was flying I used to correspond with someone in France- he was very keen on diesels. Can’t guarantee anything but fairly certain his address is tucked away up the loft. If I can find it tomorrow – have to go out tonight – I will let you know by PM. He may be able to help.

 

Regards – Ramon

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Thanks for that – would appreciate it. 

[SpurryParticipant @spurry]

Robert

 

It may be more appropriate to ask your question on a model flying forum. RCMF has at least a couple of members in France.  http://www.rcmf.co.uk/4um/

 

Pete

[MichaelRParticipant @michaelr]

Robert,

 

I have read somewhere that cold engine start fluid can be mixed up for model diesel engines in place of ether, see Here 

Mike.

[Steve FParticipant @stevef]

Robert

 

Model Technics still manufacure diesel fuel. 3 different mixes D1000, D2000 and D3000. Unfortunately they do not deal with the public. Most good model shops already sell their glow fuels so they should be able to get the diesel fuel. Model Technics website http://www.modeltechnics.com/diesel.htm

 

regards

 

   Steve

[CirclipParticipant @circlip]

Hard to belive there ain’t no Hospitals in France Robert OR schools with chemistry labs. Bet they know where to buy Ether.

 

  Regards  Ian.

Edited By Circlip on 20/05/2010 13:01:55

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Hi Robert

 

I have just had rather a nostalgic hour going through all the old control line correspondence but regretably to no avail. How his letters are not in the file I have no idea. However I have just emailed another control line modeller in France to see if he can help. I will keep you posted whatever the outcome.

 

Regards – Ramon

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Hi again Robert,

Not good news I’m afraid, Robin has replied as follows:

 

“Wish I could help with a source for Diesel. The last lot I acquired was from a pal who brought it from the UK.

Previously , I’d bought Ether from the Pharmacy near home here in France but it was enormously expensive. I also had to buy 5 litres at a time.

Don’t know anywhere who sells diesel.

This chap will have to enquire at his pharmacy for ether like I did . He won’t be able to buy any additives either to improve the mix.

Castor and paraffin are easy to buy .

Wish I could be of some more help.

The diesel fuel I have will last me a while thank goodness until I venture back to the UK for a visit.

I suppose this chap could get in touch with the Surugue brothers of Team Race fame maybe ?

They would know where to buy the ether and the additives.

Kind regards ,

Robin.”

 

Looks like it’s a visit to the UK then Robert

 

Just a thought – Southern Modelcraft are based in Tonbridge in Kent not a million miles from Folkestone or Dover if that’s where you arrive.

 

Really sorry I can’t help you more – best of luck with your endeavours though I hope you are eventually succesful.

 

Regards – Ramon

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Thanks for trying,  I may have a quick shot of easystart/paraffin / castor oil.  Its just for a nostalgic run up and to get my workbench all oily again.  Then when in UK,  get some proper stuff.

 

So I suppose its back to loco making – Diesel was just a little interlude.

 

Thanks for your time

 

Bob

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

And smelly – mine still has a nice aroma from running the Racers last week.

Hope the easy start works ok – have fun

 

Regards – Ramon

[Anthony BrookesParticipant @anthonybrookes]

Yesterday I tried to buy diesel fuel at my local model shop, and was told that they can no longer get it. Model Technics still supply it but couriers won't handle it. Looks like the only way to get it now is to buy from trade stands at major meetings.

[Brian WoodParticipant @brianwood45127]

Speedy,

Amazon and eBay have it for sale, but quantities >100 ml are crippling

Look up di-ethyl ether

Regards

Brian

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I bought some D1000 from a model shop in Cannock last year.

Neil

[Russell EberhardtParticipant @russelleberhardt48058]

Have you tried contacting your local club d'aéromodélisme? You can find one here.

https://www.ffam.asso.fr/fr/pratiquer-l-aeromodelisme/trouver-un-club-pres-de-chez-vous.html

Russell

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

If you have a local Model Technics stockist they should be able to add it to their next order if they don't actually keep it.

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember32069]

[This posting has been removed]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

But you can't buy it online from them – shop only purchase which seems to be the same with other dealers.

Edited By JasonB on 16/08/2018 18:56:55

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember32069]

[This posting has been removed]

[Mark RandParticipant @markrand96270]

I think the world might be going too paranoid for its own good. It's not as if it's difficult to make diethyl ether by dehydrating ethanol with sulphuric acid.

Or is it just that so few people actually run model aero Diesels these days?

[Brian WoodParticipant @brianwood45127]

Hello Mark,

It isn't quite as simple as you imply. You need concentrated sulphuric acid and the process is one of distillation, with due care being taken to condense the ether vapour that is released in the process.

Being heavy, excess vapour that isn't condensed to liquid tends to gather on the surface of the bench in use and naked flames will ignite it with alacrity.

Regards

Brian

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