DYI Radial Engine Mascot Project

Bob Bidonde

Bob Bidonde

Well-known member
I have long yearned to have a radial engine radiator mascot with a propeller that spins. Unfortunately I waited too long to buy a reproduction because the reproduction is no longer available. This prompted me to build a radial engine mascot, and my plan is attached.
Power for the LEDs is either provided by a DC generator or the Model A's electrical system. Perhaps one of you may want to try this DIY project?
Yeah, I know that radial engines prototypical have an odd number of cylinders, but my project uses a 6-cylinder engine.

 

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The generator & propeller I am using is from an inexpensive kit from STEM by EUDAX. STEM is an acronym for Science-Technology-Engineering-Math. The LEDs are Red 5mm bought on line. The rest of the parts were purchased from Home Depot. The adhesive I use is GH1200 Super Glue.
My first attempt is to use a propeller, wind driven to power the 6 LEDs. As the electrical output of the generator is variable, and the 6 LEDS connected in parallel require a regulated 1.8V & 120ma power supply, I designed a circuit with a 2V Zener Diode to keep the voltage constant.
As the generator goes from 0 to 2V, the Zener does not conduct, so the generator powers the LEDs. Once the generator out is 2V or more, the Zener Diode conducts at a constant 2V and powers the LEDs.
The uncertainty in my design is the propeller driven generator relative to the car speed to get 1000 RPM generator shaft speed necessary to generate 2V. If the generator turns out to be impractical, Plan B is power the LEDs using the Model A's electrical system. In this case, the circuit can remain the same except the resistor value to limit the current to the Zener will be a separate values for 6V and 12V.
My mascot is under construction, so this project is untested. More to follow after my mascot has road tested.
 
Bob Bidonde said:
I have long yearned to have a radial engine radiator mascot with a propeller that spins. Unfortunately I waited too long to buy a reproduction because the reproduction is no longer available. This prompted me to build a radial engine mascot, and my plan is attached.
Power for the LEDs is either provided by a DC generator or the Model A's electrical system. Perhaps one of you may want to try this DIY project?
Yeah, I know that radial engines prototypical have an odd number of cylinders, but my project uses a 6-cylinder engine.
Click to expand...

Any geek that questions your cylinder count, tell 'em it is a model of a Curtiss R-600 Challenger. The Challenger was most often used in the Curtiss "Robin" aircraft. Radials need to have odd cylinder counts...but only per row. The R-600 is two rows of 3 cylinders. You're not being exact by not offsetting the rows...but only a geek like me would know.

Cool project!

edit: getting that prop to turn the generator at any given speed will be a function of airspeed (wind or vehicle velocity) there is probably a pitch calculation on the net somewhere to help you with the appropriate pitch.

I would go far simpler and make the lights battery powered. LEDs don't draw very much at all. A 2032 coin battery ought to last a long time with 6 LEDs. Getting them to flash in sequence shouldn't be a big deal...but I'd have to look up the R-600 firing order...:)
 
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One other option is an actual operating radial engine mounted on the radiator cap. Some really neat radial engines are sold for model aircraft. But they can set you back the cost of another Model A. Plus they will spit caster oil all over the windshield.

Sorry, my attempt at humor.
 
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