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 The author of this review for the Cameron .09 marine engine heaps
praise upon the creation, extolling it many advanced features. Robust construction and smooth running
evidently are two of its grandest characteristics. A few examples of the
Cameron .09 marine engine appear on eBay, with a montage of photos of a new-in-box
(NIB) example provided here. Weight including the built-in flywheel is 10 ounces - quite beefy compared
to a Cox Medallion .09, which tipped the scales at around 3½ ounces.
Cameron .09 Marine Engine
The Cameron .09 Marine Engine is perhaps the first inboard internal combustion model engine developed
especially for powering model boats.
 The Cameron is easily recognized from all other engines by its
vertical cooling fins. These are properly proportioned for extra rigidity, freedom from stress and efficient
thermal regulation. It is undoubtedly the heaviest and most rugged .09 engine ever produced in this
country. The weight including fly wheel is approximately 10 ounces. Its extreme running smoothness is
attained by an exceptionally heavy crankshaft counter-balance and a special recessed friction-drive
fly wheel that mounts in such a manner that it extends rearward as well as forward, beyond the outer
end of the main engine bearing. The main bearing is hardened steel, with approximately a 1/8 inch wall
thickness.
The governor porting provides for maximum power development, steady pulling characteristics, ease
of obtaining proper needle valve settings and the elimination of all possibility of the engine running
away with itself when not under load. Needle valve adjustments are absolutely not critical. The engine
starts very quickly whether hot or cold and may be primed either by priming directly into the exhaust
port or by conventional choking methods, with equally good results.
Ability not to over-rev itself when not under load was immediately apparent during the test. The
Cameron .09 will power the largest kit boat now available.
The main engine block is die-cast of aluminum with deep vertical fins and is fitted with a hardened
steel main bearing. The back cover is also cast of aluminum. A special metallic gasket is used between
the crankcase and the back cover to allow proper heat transfer. The water-cooling back cover plate is
stamped from aluminum and fitted with brass inlet and outlet pipes. It is separated from the crankcase
cover plate by a fibre washer. Thick-walled cylinder liner is machined from steel, hardened and microlapped.
The finned cylinder head is die-cast of aluminum. It is fitted with a small gasket which allows metal
to metal contact and transfers heat. Hardened steel crankshaft and counterbalance are machined in one
smooth piece with the crankshaft end ground to a smooth finish. A round rotary shaft port is employed.
Hardened and ground steel crankpin is made to form a spacer washer for the connecting rod. Connecting
rod is of forged aluminum. The hardened and ground piston is of the straight baffle type and is relieved
from a point midway at the wrist pin to the skirt. The steel wrist pin is fitted with brass pads to
insure against cylinder scoring.
The fly wheel is machined from steel and is both knurled and slotted. It is friction driven, fitting
a taper on the forward end of the crank shaft. It is securely held in place by a single round head machine
screw. Its forward end is slotted to receive a ball and pin universal, as supplied with the drive shaft
accessory kit, available for an additional $2.50. The brass needle valve body is relieved on the fuel
entering side of the orifice to provide for ease and consistency in obtaining desired needle valve settings.
Proper needle valve settings are maintained by use of a friction type threaded needle valve thimble,
eliminating the minor vibrations of the needle point at the jet opening. We feel that the engine will
be capable of long life.
Articles About Engines and Motors for Model Airplanes, Boats, and Cars:
Posted February 4, 2017
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