Propeller Mascot

[Bob Bidonde]

What size (tip-to-tip) is the 2-blade propeller on the radiator mascot with the radial engine? I believe this mascot was reproduced, but I cannot find one so I am building one.I know my sketch shows a 3-blade propeller, but I am also considering a 2-blade propeller.

 

[Marshall V. Daut]

Once you build your propeller mascot, Bob, be sure to clean it with prop wash. Ha, ha, ha!
M.

 

[Don S]

Bob , Brattons sold those in their catalog, maybe they could answer your question. Another dealer mentioned that they can’t be used with a stone guard,may give you an idea as to length of blade . I made a quail years ago from a 747 cockpit side window material,looked nice at night with a small light where one wing fastened to the base.
Good luck , Don S

 

[Herb Concord Ca]

Don't radial engines have an odd number of cylinders.

 

[nkaminar]

Real radial engines do have an odd number of cylinders. It has to do with the way the cam is designed.

 

[Brad in Germany]

Here is the one I have on the front of my 1931 Cabriolet (68B). It is a reproduction made out of cast aluminum with some of the parts machined and a ball bearing around the axle, etc. I recall purchasing it in the late 1980's from someone with the last name Payne, if I recall correctly. The propeller measures 7 1/4" from tip-to tip and is very slightly weighted so that it always stops perfectly at the 1:00-7:00 o'clock position, just like the originals.

He had the parts (the propeller, the radial engine and the mounting bracket) cast in aluminum and then machined and polished (the propeller). He and his wife did the painting and final assembly, etc. My understanding is that they have both since passed away, and of course those radial engine mascots are no longer available from them.

You can tell that it is a reproduction by its slightly more pointed front tip (think '28-'29 headlight bucket shape). The originals have a more rounded front "tip" (think '30-'31 headlight bucket shape).

Brad in Maryland



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[Gary WA]

Mine is also approximately 7 1/4+- Also stops at one and seven!

 

[gdmn852]

Hello, I think in the movie Paper Moon (1972 ?) had Model A Roadster that had a similar hood ornament, movie was supposed to be set in the 1930,s .Sorry I couldn’t help on making a replica.

 

[updraught]

We visited Hershey about 2010 during the GFC when the US dollar dropped to about the same as a peso. There was a full table of them. Probably have a photo somewhere.
We are keen for the next GFC to visit again.

 

[Vern]

The one on my roadster measures 7” tip to tip.
It’s a repop, got it years ago from Meets Early Auto at one of the Big 3 Swap Meets here in San Diego.
I jokingly say that it’s my turbo boost, gives me an extra 2 miles an hour going downhill.

 

[Werner]

Guten Abend.


If I understand correctly, they're not available simply to buy by mail order. Instead, I have to make them by myself?

 

[katy]

Could one use a model aircraft engine? Remove the piston and connecting rod.
Or: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/918...f6:LT31770fa4f8feef8e55d1fac221401790a7661827

 

[jw hash]

I bought my propeller mascot from Payne`s toys in the mid 80`s at the Anaheim swap meet.

 

[Bob Bidonde]

Thanks all for your interesting replies. I am interested in purchasing the reproduction radial engine mascot should one come up for sale. As for the number of cylinders, I went with six so the power to light the LEDs is within the capacity of the generator I am using.

 

[Wello]

Faced the same issue trying to find an original, so I made my own. It’s surprising how much attention it attracts. I really never cared how many cylinders it has. Good luck on your quest.

Almost forgot, 9” wooden model prop.

 

[katy]

Looking good!!

 

[Bob Bidonde]

Wello! Nice job.

 

[rotorwrench]

The folks that made toy airplanes and accessories like that generally didn't know or care how many cylinders the engines had. Most folks don't know about power overlap or master rods in the basic principles of radial engine design. They just wanted it to look like an airplane engine.

 

[Werner]

I have a lot of model engines.






I also have a radial engine. (Propeller diameter 22".)







But none of them fit the Model A hood ornament mascot.

 

[Brad in Germany]

I have a lot of model engines.

I also have a radial engine.

But none of them fit the Model A hood ornament mascot.

Yeah, I too curate radial engines, but all mine are various types of mascots designed to fit on the radiator caps of Ford Model A's and most other cars of the 1920'-1930's.

Here are some of the radial engine (and propeller airplane) mascots in my collection:

Brad in Maryland




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