Field Equipment for Glow Engine Powered Model Airplanes
Posted: 10/5/18
The field equipment needed varies depending on how your aircraft is powered. The list below shows what's typically needed to fly a glow engine powered model. For convenience, most modelers store this gear in a "flight box" caddy for easy carrying. Except for fuel, most of the items are one-time purchases. You can use them for a lifetime, with as many different models as you fly.
Power Panel
Outfitted with a 12V field battery, the power panel serves as a central power station for operating your electrical field equipment.
Outfitted with a 12V field battery, the power panel serves as a central power station for operating your electrical field equipment.
Chargers
Recharges your starter, motor, or radio batteries
Recharges your starter, motor, or radio batteries
Glow Plug Clip
Electrical device that gives your engine's glow plug the initial heat it needs to burn fuel.
Electrical device that gives your engine's glow plug the initial heat it needs to burn fuel.
Fuel Pump
Moves fuel from your gallon can or jug to the plane's fuel tank. Available in hand-crank or electric-powered styles.
Moves fuel from your gallon can or jug to the plane's fuel tank. Available in hand-crank or electric-powered styles.
Fuel Line, Filters & Cap Fittings
Fuel moves through these from your can or jug to the pump, and from the pump into your model's fuel tank.
Fuel moves through these from your can or jug to the pump, and from the pump into your model's fuel tank.
12V Electric Starter
A motor-equipped device for easy engine starting, powered by the power panel. A small wooden dowel (sometimes called a "chicken stick") can also be used.
A motor-equipped device for easy engine starting, powered by the power panel. A small wooden dowel (sometimes called a "chicken stick") can also be used.
Miscellaneous Tools
Screwdrivers, nut drivers, glow plug wrenches and etc.
Screwdrivers, nut drivers, glow plug wrenches and etc.
Glow Plugs and Propellers
It's always a good idea to carry extrasâŚwithout a spare, you might be forced to stop flying early.
It's always a good idea to carry extrasâŚwithout a spare, you might be forced to stop flying early.
Glow Fuel
The glow fuel used for model engines carries a percent rating, which indicates its nitromethane content. For trainer aircraft, 10% or 15% is recommended. Use a good quality fuel with a blend of castor oil and synthetic lubricants to protect your engine. Avoid "cheap" fuels, which sometimes attract moisture and cause engine parts to rust.
The glow fuel used for model engines carries a percent rating, which indicates its nitromethane content. For trainer aircraft, 10% or 15% is recommended. Use a good quality fuel with a blend of castor oil and synthetic lubricants to protect your engine. Avoid "cheap" fuels, which sometimes attract moisture and cause engine parts to rust.
Shop the Story
Related Articles
HobbyZone Mini AeroScout - Horizon Insider All In One Box
Kyle Roberts shows us how the HobbyZone Mini AeroScout has everything needed to get you airborne out-of-the-box.
Learn More
Gasoline Engines for RC Airplanes
Learn about the history of gas engines in RC airplanes along with an overview of how these systems work today and tips for flying your own gas engine RC airplane.
Learn More
Differences Between Electric & Gas RC Airplanes
Choosing your next RC airplane? We break down the differences between electric and gas RC airplanes: cost, noise, upkeep, and more.
Learn More