That Old Timey Round Sound

By Gene Yarbrough

A last perusing of the ultralight area at EAA Airventure uncovered a hidden gem and a harkening back to the “good old days of airplanes”. Sam Watrous, the North American distributor for Verner Engines had two units on display. A three-cylinder and a five-cylinder example of the Czech product.

Upon inspection these little engines appear to be well built and ready for action. Sam said he discovered Verner engines while searching for a suitable power plant for his sister company, Scalebirds, which builds WWII fighter styled reduced scale experimental aircraft. Upon discussing Sam’s needs Verner suggested he become a dealer and he agreed.

When asked why he chose Verner over others Sam indicated the Verner was better suited to the size of his airframes and was more affordable than other similar output mills. Sam said the Verner product line fits the needs of his airframe project better than other engines he considered, including Rotax and VW based offerings, because they are more realistic and the radial planform integrates well into the airframes which were originally intended for radial engines. His first airplane of the line will be an F6-F hellcat, a perfect candidate for a radial engine.

The product line includes a three cylinder, two displacements of five cylinders and a seven cylinder to choose from ranging from 42hp to 137hp. Scalebirds will offer repair and overhaul services for Verner Engines, expecting to be the only US service center. The engines will come with a 1 year/100-hour factory warranty. Technical aspects of the engine include electronic ignition on all units, carbureted induction on the 3 cylinder and small 5 cylinder (the larger engines use fuel injection), dry sump pressure lubrication. All engines include and integral pancake alternator putting out 15-20 amps.

When asked about the unusually low power to weight ratio (about 1:2, where many radials are around 1:1) Sam indicated that the engines are only designed for 7.5 to 1 compression ratio. This should result in very long durability and rugged reliability, and there is possible room for improvement by enterprising owners. Sam stated that Verner has no intentions in testing the engine to LSA requirements and is content playing in the experimental-amateur built arena.

Although the engines were static displays only, and are slated to go into airframes soon, a search on Youtube.com found some videos of the engines running. They make that beautiful pitter-patter and throaty roar only a round engine can.

(Images by the author)

FMI: http://scalebirds.com/about