F3D models have more in common with high performance gliders then your average power model, with clean efficient airframes and wing sections, its always amazing to see how long they glide for after the engine has been cut. The motors used are normally built by small specialist engineering companies, who are able to manufacture small batches to very high standards, producing power per cc more in line with a drag race motor than one for model flying. Airframes like motors are built to very high standards, they have to be, the stresses inflicted in turning the number1 pylon at over 200mph are immense. It is possible to design and build your own models, but generally most flyers use an established design being built buy specialist builders, some of which take orders for complete models with engine and radio installed and test flown. Most flyers will go somewhere in between by buying an airframe and install there own equipment, models can normally be taken from box to test flying in a week of evenings, its up to you, you do as much or as little as you want. As the quality of most engines and airframes are so high, this leaves you to work on you're flying and setting up. This in some ways makes it easier to get started than sport 40, that is until  you take of for the first time with an untrimmed model doing over 200mph. It's not for the faint hearted.

 

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Engines

F3D motors have no throttle as fitted to most R/C motors in its place is a venturi with a needle valve and a separate fuel cut off, you just don't need one. For the past twenty years rear induction was the norm, but in resent years there has been a move to front induction, with the advantages of less moving parts and cooler clean air being inducted, all motors have port timing to allow the use of a full-length tuned pipe to gain the maximum power. Nelson pylon supremos Dave Shadel and Jim Shinohara working with engine designer Henry Nelson, have been developing Pylon Race motors since 1990 for the FAI F3D class. There first outing was the 1990 USA Nationals taking four of the top five places, that success did not end there they have now add several World championships. The European MB Metkemeijer Brothers motor is proving to be a credible challenger, with many flyers finding these motors easier to operate and with just as much power. Dubb Jett F3D motor looks to be a good bet for the future, with the success they have had in building motors for other pylon classes in the USA they know what they are doing.

Dubb Jett

Nelson

MB Metkemeijer