Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Twenty plus years ago, I stumbled into a cache of old modeling magazines, and there was a plan for a 1/4 scale Ford Model A engine. As I recall it was all machined from bar stock, no cast block etc. though I was concentrating on giant scale R/C airplanes at the time, the idea of a running, stand mounted flat head four with the manual spark advance, etc just seemed cool as heck. 

It occurs to me that Jin probably is the guy who could make such an engine a reality.  Imagine the possibilities? From an RC Model A to a homespun style saw mill.....  Jin, or anyone ever thought of building such an engine?

Has anyone ever seen those plans?  My old magazines were lost to a downsizing move years ago.  Perhaps a better question, am I the only one who thinks the “A “ engine is the quintessential example of pre-V8 auto engines?

I’d sure try if I could scrape together the cash.

Today I read about parts and castings kits for classic British model boat engines from the 1840s, including a 30cc side valve four that sounded so sweet running on the stand. I imagine the A motor would be a hoot. I could see all sorts of repurpose options to make it do work. As you said, they were used for most anything.