1:48 Gnome Monosoupape 9B2

The Gnome Monosoupape 9B-2 in 1:48 scale

An accessory set with the Gnome Monosoupape 9B-2 engine for aircraft models in 1:48 scale. It replaces the simplified engine from a kit or completes an aircraft with an open nose.

The real subject

The Gnome Monosoupape was a French nine-cylinder rotary engine of the early days of aviation. Rotary does not mean the same as radial: on a rotary engine the crankshaft stands fixed and the whole cylinder block turns along with the propeller. No flywheel is then needed and the air cooling is even, but the spinning mass of the cylinders noticeably pulls the aircraft round in a turn and the pilot has to allow for it. The name Monosoupape refers to the single valve in the cylinder: the exhaust one. The mixture reached the cylinder through ports in the wall that the piston uncovered at bottom dead center. The engine ran practically at full revolutions and power was taken off by interrupting the ignition; it was lubricated with castor oil, which went out and covered the whole aircraft.

Building and painting tips

• Cut the surplus material away with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the remainder down carefully.
• Wash and degrease the parts before painting, or the paint will hold poorly on a smooth surface.
• Choose the glue according to the material of the parts; the manufacturer gives the exact procedure in the instructions.
• The cylinders and heads come alive with a dark wash and light dry-brushing in a metallic shade.
• Try the engine dry before closing the fuselage, as there tends to be little room around rotary engines.

Who it is for

For builders of First World War aircraft who want a real engine under the cowling, and for makers of display cases and dioramas where the aircraft is part-built or under repair.

The aircraft model, paints and glue are not included in the set, unless stated otherwise.