Model Fuel

Model Fuel botbar

Model fuel, also nick-named 'Glow-Fuel', is a Methanol (CH3OH) based fluid and is usually mixed with Castor/Synthetic Oil and Nitro Methane (CH3NO2). Methane (CH4) is a gas at room temperature and there is no such thing as nitro on its own. 'Nitro' is only used as a prefix, such as nitro methane, indicating the presense of nitride (NO2) in the molecule. The nitro methane allows more fuel to be put in and burnt because of the oxygen it supplies, therefore giving more power. The amount of Nitro in Methane is given in percentages, from 1 to 50%.

These days, depending on the engine manufacturer, model fuel may contain as much as 40% nitro or none at all. The Castor Oil, a natural obtained substance from the Castor Bean, is used as a lubricant. Castor Oil is clean, transparent, organic and biodegradable and will absolutely not cause any polution if used near or on water. One of nature's many miracle products, in my opinion. Synthetic oil is also used and has different lubrication properties. The 30% heli-fuel I use has a mixture of both castor and synthetic lubricants.

An open container of Methanol fuel is quickly spoiled since methanol naturally absorbes water (humidity) at a very high rate, and so it is important to keep it tightly closed when not in use. It is also important to know that a plastic container of fuel, placed on a basement floor, will in time draw humidity from the floor into the fuel. Always place your fuel on a piece of wood or whatever.