On Saturday 12th 2007f May 2007, Peter wrote:

I received these comments within mail from Bob, after he completed and flew his stunning Waco. There are photos of his 'plane within the Pictures gallery.

"It seems to have taken forever, but the Waco UEC I've been building for my pb.33 is complete. The model has a 33-inch wingspan, weighs 11 ounces and has 280 square inches of wing area."
"I've been practicing starting the engine without priming, as I will use the manifold with a vinyl tube to route the exhaust oil away from the model. The engine seems to run as well with the manifold tubing and starting is not a problem."
"The steady power with the 6-3 prop is phenomenal and I have no doubt there will be plenty of power."

"Thought you might like to know that I test flew the Waco this weekend and the pb.33 performed beautifully. In fact, even with the compression backed off somewhat, the engine is too powerful for this model. Next weekend I will try using a 7-3 propeller to slow the speed down somewhat more."
"I believe your props contribute to the power generated by the engine. I suspect my old Holland Hornets would have generated even more power in 1/2A competition in the old days, with your 6-3."
"I flew the model using the manifold, with a vinyl tube about 4 inches long rigged to take the exhaust away from the model. Almost no oil got on the model and this should contribute significantly to it's life."
"I had no difficulty starting the engine without priming, but simply choked it for a couple of revolutions. This surprises me, considering that the fuel supply is below the engine. The engine draws fuel very strongly and the one sensitivity is that it is possible to flood it if you do too much choking."
"In summary, this engine generates enough power to use it in models sustantially larger than I am accustomed to for an .020 c.i. engine. It handles easily and predictably. The manifold enables routing the exhaust away from the model. All told, it's precision and power set it apart from any other model engine I've ever had, and that goes back through 50 years of experience. I'll never get to own a Rolls Royce or an Aston Martin, but at least I get to run this engine."

"You might be interested to know that the Waco UEC I built for my pb.33 earned maximum flying points at the recent Southwest Regional Flying Aces Club contest, hosted by the San Diego Scale Staffel Club. Despite this,I came in third in the power event. The quality of models and flying were exceptionally high and all told, there were more than 60 contestants - quite a good turnout for a strictly free flight contest."
"I remain extremely pleased with the pb.33 engine. Because of the dummy engine and cowling and using the manifold connected to tubing to route the exhaust clear of the model, it is impossible to use a port prime and difficult to choke when starting. Still, I've worked out a fixture to choke the venturi for starting and on the day of the contest, I had the engine running within a minute or two. Fernando, a well known columnist and quite a diesel aficionado, was amazed that an engine of this displacement could fly such a large and (Let's be honest.) heavy model with such authority. I am now using a 7-3 prop mounted backwards to attempt to tame the power. Next time I will build a significantly larger model for this engine and make use of your props."

I congratulate Bob on his remarkable aeroplane and well earned success.