About this item

Offered is a vintage McCoy .35 "Red Head" C/L Engine circa 1957-1966. This is a good 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. This is a used engine. Collect it or mount it in a period control line aircraft, it's ready to run. The compression is fair. There are about three tiny pinhole sized chips present on the color matched ceramic enamel engine finish (heat resistant to 500 degrees). They are hard to see, but they are there. There is a broken small fin behind the exhaust port front screw. The lug holes are oversized with minor washer marks. The crankcase is nice showing nothing unusual. The back plate displays some "gouges". There is no rust present on the steel cylinder, needle valve or head screws. The head and crankcase cover screws leave a bit to be desired. They are the original McCOY Phillips screws, but show "rounding". The prop nut and washer are replacements and are not original. The spray bar and spray bar nut are in good condition but have some minor nicks. The needle valve leaves a bit to be desired, it works, but the "springy" part was replaced with a simple extension rod. The needle valve ratchet is a replacement. All gaskets are present as well as the crank throw spacer. The crankshaft is true and there is minimal crankshaft slop (about 3/64"). The glow plug is a replacement OS Max A3.

This engine is "showcase" clean and is well oiled. 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 is a later offset plug version with the wide web which allowed the crankcase to also support the R/C version (which had an exhaust baffle). Production of this engine ended with the "Lightening Bolt" version that was released in 1967. 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 ($3.60 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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