Editing Radio-controlled model (section)

=== Internal combustion ===
[[Internal combustion engine]]s for remote control models have typically been [[two stroke]] engines that run on specially blended fuel. Engine sizes are typically given in cm<sup>3</sup> or cubic inches, ranging from tiny engines like these .02 in<sup>3</sup> to huge 1.60 in<sup>3</sup> or larger. For even larger sizes, many modelers turn to four stroke or gasoline engines (see below.) Glow plug engines have an ignition device that possesses a platinum wire coil in the glow plug, that catalytically glows in the presence of the methanol in glow engine fuel, providing the combustion source.

Since 1976, practical "glow" ignition [[four-stroke cycle|four stroke]] model engines have been available on the market, ranging in size from 3.5&nbsp;cm<sup>3</sup> upwards to 35&nbsp;cm<sup>3</sup> in single cylinder designs. Various twin and multi-cylinder glow ignition four stroke model engines are also available, echoing the appearance of full sized [[radial engine|radial]], inline and opposed cylinder aircraft powerplants. The multi-cylinder models can become enormous, such as the [[Saito (sompany)|Saito]] five cylinder radial. They tend to be quieter in operation than two stroke engines, using smaller mufflers, and also use less fuel.

Glow engines tend to produce large amounts of oily mess due to the oil in the fuel. They are also much louder than electric motors.

Another alternative is the gasoline engine. While glow engines run on special and expensive hobby fuel, gasoline runs on the same fuel that powers cars, lawnmowers, weed whackers etc. These typically run on a two-stroke cycle, but are radically different from glow two-stroke engines. They are typically much, much larger, like the 80&nbsp;cm<sup>3</sup> Zenoah. These engines can develop several horsepower, incredible for something that can be held in the palm of the hand.