About this item

Offered is a McCoy .29 "Red Head" C/L Engine circa 1958-1966. This is a great example of the "Red Heads" produced by Dick McCoy during the 50's and 60's. These were reasonably priced back then making it affordable for "us kids". We've been told that for every .35 Red Head produced there was one .29. They do seem hard to find, especially in decent condition.

This engine comes mounted in a VP Model Engine Display Case. The display case bas has a golden oak finish, rubber feet and a complimentary gold colored nameplate with "McCoy .29 Red Head" inscribed. It's suitable for your collection and you'll love to show it off... Or if you choose to mount in a period control line aircraft, it's ready to run. The compression is very good. All gaskets (3) are present and intact. There are no chips present on the color matched ceramic enamel engine finish (heat resistant to 500 degrees). Though it's somewhat easy to overlook with the brilliant finish, the large fin opposite the exhaust port towards the front of the engine was ground down somewhat (see photo below). The lug holes are normal with a slight elongation on one hole and one hole has a very light washer mark. The crankcase is in very good condition other than the side of the lug opposite the exhaust port showing a gouge. The black cylinder looks in perfect condition. There is no rust present on the steel cylinder, needle valve or head screws. The head and crankcase cover screws are the McCOY Phillips and in good condition (about a 7 or 8 out of 10). The prop nut and washer are NOT original. The spray bar and spray bar nut are in perfect order. The needle valve is in good, but less than perfect condition. It is the correct McCOY "springy". The crankshaft is true. The crankshaft throw spacer is present and intact. There is no more than 1/16" crankshaft "slop" which is exceptionally good for this series of McCOY's.

This engine is "showcase" clean, well preserved and has been kept well oiled. It doesn't appear that this engine was put to a lot of service. Overall, we don't think you will be disappointed with this engine.

This is a center-fire head. Production of the "shiny-case" Red Heads ended with the "Lightening Bolt" Red Head version that was released in 1967.

Recommended propellers

Break-in: 9x5, 9x6 or 10x5
After Break-in: 9x5, 9x6, 10x5 or 10x6

Recommended fuel:

Airplane fuel with 5% Nitro and at least 20% Castor.

Engine Specifications:

Bore: .732
Stroke: .712
Displacement: .29 cu in
Weight: 7.0 oz
HP Rating: .54 at 12,500 rpm

"Dick McCoy was one of the early pioneers of model engine design and construction. His special interest was in racing tethered model race cars, and he adapted early aircraft model engine designs to suit the special needs of race cars. He was good at getting the most out of an engine and his engines set many speed records. They were popular with both flyers and car racers."

- Internet Craftsmanship Museum -

First Production Year for McCoy Engines of the Era

1957 “McCoy 35 Redhead” .349 glow black cylinder, shiny case.
1958 “McCoy 29 Redhead Stunt" .299 glow black cylinder, shiny case.
1958 “McCoy 60 Redhead Racing Engine" .607 glow - sand cast case ends.
1958 “McCoy 19 Redhead Stunt" .200 glow black cylinder, shiny case.
1961 "McCOY 35 Redhead" offset plug version introduced.

Sales Tax

Ohio Residents, please add 8% sales tax ($4.40 for this item).

Shipping & Handling

S&H is $8.95 USD throughout the Continental U.S. via USPS Priority Mail. Insurance and delivery confirmation included. Canadian shipment is $10.50 USD via USPS insured. Please get quote and payment instructions if you live outside the U.S. or Canada.

- Sold -