About this item

Offered is a gorgeous vintage McCoy .35 "Red Head" C/L Engine circa 1957-1966. This is a great example of the "Red Heads" designed by Dick McCoy and manufactured and marketed by The Testor Corporation during the 50's and 60's. MSRP was $11.95 back then and they sold for even less, making it affordable for "us kids".

This engine comes mounted in a VP Model Engine Display Case. The display case has a golden oak finish, rubber feet and a complimentary gold colored nameplate with "McCOY .35 Red Head" inscribed. Though it is used it's a bit hard to tell. It's definitely 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 excellent. There are no chips present on the color matched ceramic enamel engine finish (heat resistant to 500 degrees). The lugs and their holes show very light evidence of this engine having been mounted. The holes are not oversized. The crankcase was originally cast imperfectly as the "Y" in "McCOY" does not stand out as the other letters do. There is no rust present on the steel cylinder, needle valve or head screws. The head and crankcase cover screws are in near perfect condition if not perfect condition. The prop nut and washer are original. The spray bar and spray bar nut are in perfect condition. The needle valve is in excellent condition and it is the McCOY "springy". All gaskets are present as well as the crank throw spacer. The crankshaft is true and there is minimal crankshaft slop (about 1/32") which is exceptional for this series of McCOY's. The glow plug is a working McCOY Golden Glo which was originally provided with this series of Red Heads.

This engine is "showcase" clean, well preserved and has been kept well oiled. It doesn't appear that this engine was put to any significant service. This is an exceptionally nice engine. Overall, we don't think you will be disappointed in the least with this engine. Also included is a reproduction of the original McCOY .35 instruction sheet.

The shiny case McCoy Red Head came in a center plug and offset plug version. This the offset plug version which began production in 1961. The 1957 (first) version differed in that the venturi was completely round with no flat surface for the needle valve assembly. Production of this series of Red Head engines ended with the "Lightening Bolt" series that was released in 1967. Though the Lightening Bolt series contained improvements over the shiny case series, the shiny case is far more popular with collectors..

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: .775
Stroke: .740
Displacement: .35 cu in
Weight: 7.0 oz
HP Rating: .60 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 ($9.20 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.

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