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 base 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 excellent. All gaskets (3) are present and intact. All head fins are present. This has a beautiful color matched ceramic enamel engine finish (heat resistant to 500 degrees). There are three darn near microscopic chips (very difficult to see but they are there) on the fins and there is a small amount of paint lifting right at the very top of the glow plug "platform". The lugs show signs of mounting as light washer marks can bee seen and there is a slight over-sizing of the front hole opposite the exhaust port. The crankcase is in very nice condition with quite minor scratches and scuffing. The back plate is 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 excellent condition (about a 9 1/2 out of 10). The prop nut and washer are original and are in very good condition. The spray bar and spray bar nut are in perfect order. The needle valve is the correct McCOY "springy" and it looks near new. The crankshaft is true. The crankshaft throw spacer is present and intact. There is about 1/64" or less of crankshaft "slop" which is exceptional for this series of McCOY's. The glow plug is the original "McCOY Golden Glo" and is in working order. It does have what appear to be some unfortunate pliers marks which are visible in the photos.

This engine is "showcase" clean inside and out, 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.

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 ($6.96 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 -