How a Radial Engine Works - Explained Part 1

Nine Cylinder Radial Engine Explained
Video Part 2 • How a Radial Engine Wo...
High speed spin of another build • How a Radial Engine Wo...

[@mikemajoris8283]

As you mentioned in the beginning of your video, there are plenty computer generated 3D radial engine animations available on the internet, but they don't quite go into depth like you have with this project. I am amazed at your craftsmanship. I believe I speak for the majority of KZbinrs who have watched this video when I say that all of your hard work, time, and energy is greatly appreciated

[@georgemancia7377]

Mike Majoris. thanks. very well Said.

[@erlandandersen5782]

Ditto!

[@korkyou812]

double ditto. I liked the craftsmanship as well as the presentation

[@soldtobediers]

Mike Majoris Easy to to see how out of the 915 comments to date... How your'es has maintained the Top one. During the AutoCad courses from Versions 10-14 i'd taken back in the 90's... One statement rings true in Ian Jimmerson working model... ''If a picture is worth a thousand words; What then, is the worth of a solid working model? -1719

[@mooglemy3813]

Don't get why there would be 4 dislikes or even one, watched this a couple of times. Awesome model and well made. Your explanation and prompts to follow the combustion and exhaust cycles are great. Thank you for an excellent video.

[@keithgale3492]

This guy is dedicated in both his craftsmanship as well as his instruction. Extremely well done. Best video on the subject.

[@MichaelBrown-ys6tj]

I graduated from college (40 years ago) with an aviation degree and went on to become an accomplished aviator. This is by far the best video I’ve seen on radial engines.

[@rinaldy0812]

The best video i've seen on radial engine .terimakasih

[@chopper3041]

Excellent. After 35 years in aviation, I have finally understood how a radial engine works. I must mention that I have never worked on a radial engine. Thanks !

[@mcfast52]

This was the best explanation of the mechanical interaction of the parts inside a radial engine, the best !

[@petekraemer4011]

like you said one of the best explanations of the mechanical interaction of a radial engine.

[@MartiA1973]

True brilliance. If you're not in front of a classroom of youngsters, inspiring them with your passion and total clarity then there is no sense in this world. Thank you.

[@supertramp6011]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the effort which went into this video? Massive thumbs up.

[@Cellottia]

Wow! That's a thing of beauty: firstly in the engineering of how each component works with and on the others, secondly, it's such a beautiful, well made model. It's a wonderful teaching aid: thank you so much for making and sharing it and for your very clear, step by step explanation. I love it!

[@papaike2]

The best illustration of a radial engine operation that I've seen, Thumbs up to you thank you.

[@wizerulz]

Very well done and very informative! Thank you!

[@hectorceccon62]

Ou

[@hectorceccon62]

I

[@michaelcelani8325]

@@hectorceccon62 Hector ...you are

[@michaelcelani8325]

@@hectorceccon62 ....really , really funny.

[@robertcabrera3989]

I worked on those radial engines as a student at Aviation High School in NYC. I remember being awed by the size of the pistons and dwarfed by the dimensions of the powerful engines as a 14-15 year old. Thank you for explaining the workings of this workhorse of WWII.

[@RamiElZein]

I learned something new today. The model is a piece of art.

[@MillTurnBR]

It gives you a small idea how our grandparents were brilliant in a time when CAD systems did not exist. All manual calculations and manually created drawings.

[@oppoandroidf1174]

There must be a CAD system in your grandpa's brain. Amazing... Thnks for this greatjob,bro...👍👍👍👌👌👌😍😍😍

[@rohnerw]

Absolutely the finest and most easily followed instructive video of a radial engine, or any engine for that matter, that I have ever seen. Fantastic work on the model and equally so on the explanation of its internal workings!!!

[@greatkingrat]

This is brilliant. Not only are you an engineering genius but one hell of a teacher also. Thank you. Now I am off to watch part 2.

[@epretorious]

Yes - Excellent instruction!

[@bobmustari6087]

I learned more about radial engines in the last 10 minutes than in the past 72 years. Thanks.

[@MeanBeanComedy]

This is so cool. You're extremely adept at explaining concepts like this to people with only a rudimentary understanding. Thanks! 😁👍🏻

[@RogelioPerea]

Where KZbin shines :-) Great project!

[@uwemobil8847]

Very well said.

[@RustyDockLight]

Kudos to you, sir, this is one of the most awesome things I've seen on youtube and a great explanation of how radial engines work

[@dougfergusson3795]

Wow!!! I've always 'known' about radial engines (not really on radial engines, but I do know how I.C.E.s work, so I've always been a bit confused on how radials work)...this video and how the knowledge was transfered was AMAZING!!! I can now confidently explain this to a lay-person! Thank you Ian!!!

[@geodes4762]

This model should be in a museum like Smithsonian. Copies of it ought to be part of every engineering class at our technical schools and Universities!

[@mrstephenthomas100]

Can I just say this is a brilliant explanation. I have aimlessly watched engine videos but never truly understood what goes into the design of these things. I just accepted they worked ( mostly!) and enjoyed the noise. Thank you very much.

[@alexzander1839]

Ian, this is THE most thorough explanation of the radial engine that I've ever seen. Now I'm totally understand the inner workings of the cam gear ring. It must have given you immense satisfaction in this labor of love project. Keep up the good work my fellow human and God bless you.

[@forrestmohrman8768]

Hi Ian, Excellent job of explaining this engine. Years ago my father and I would always stop by at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton. This is where i saw my first cut away view of a real radial engine on display. I remember distinctly as the light bulb went off in my head about the single giant conrod and all the others that attached to it via a wrist pin. I never had time to figure out the valve cam timing but you have done an excellent job of showing that concept. My background is retired tooling and die engineering. I have a great spacial orientation thing for design and this is one video that has burned into my brain. Great Great job! If you ever get to WPAFB the cutaway engine is still on display!

[@MrMudcatslim]

That wooden mock up is just about the coolest thing I've seen on KZbin to date. You did a really good job on it.

[@Ozzienuck]

My hat is so far off my head to you Ian that you could drive a truck under it. Beautiful work and elegantly explained.

[@michaelcelani8325]

Ozzie...you need a hat with springs on it.

[@Nobody-NoOne]

Very good, cleared up some mystery I had on the workings of radial engines. Thank you for a superb video :)

[@louisvega1834]

I worked on radial engines in the A.F. way back when and know their operation, and have seen cut outs in museums and on film, but this is the most incredible thing so far.. You are to be acknowledged as a true artist and one heck of an engineer for doing such a feat.. Congrats to you..

[@marksilva9555]

I read the recent article in Air & Space magazine of how the Pratt & Whitney R1340 Wasp engine received recognition as a Historic Engineering Landmark and immediately went looking for an animation online to explain the engine's operation. Your model exceeded my expectations. Thank you so much for taking the time to make the model and the videos. You rock!

[@danboren6567]

Wow! This is just an awesome demonstration of how a radial engine works! Your level of detail and craftsmanship are to be highly commended! Thank you for taking the time to do this for us gearhead's that love engines, all engines!

[@Specialized61]

I'm a fan of vintage WWII fighters like P47 and P51. I've always wondered how their engines fired and how the rods were fixed to the crank. This is a great video!

[@hugostiglitz6914]

The Thunderbolt had a radial but the Mustang didn't!

[@stuartwren5526]

Best example of how a radial engine works I've seen. Beautiful workmanship. 🇬🇧

[@kevinklei3005]

Very much appreciated from a retired toolmaker Down Under in Australia . Great instructions and details loved the wooden model excellent work from a real craft man

[@richarddowner4292]

GREAT VIDEO!! GREAT PRESENTATION!! GREAT EXPLANATION!! I could never figure out (in my mind) how It works... thank you! thumbs up and I shared..

[@robertnichols4833]

This is pretty cool. I never understood how radials controlled the valve timing and couldn't quite work it out from watching cutaway views. Thank you!

[@michaelcelani8325]

I could never understand how the con rods didn' crash into each other....maybe I'm dumb..

[@CaptK-py8rq]

Two things in my life I have always loved, the sound of a radial engine and the smell of home-made bread. Thank you Ian! We always enjoy flying the AT-6 Texans. Oh...the third thing would be my wife of 44 years...

[@klos4480]

Good save at the end!

[@acarter9036]

You are an outstanding teacher. You should be getting really, really, really paid for your skill. Plenty of people have the knowledge, but very few have the talent to convey their teachings. I have very little prior knowledge of engines, like just enough know that camshafts, intake and outlet valves, and pistons are engine parts, but not how they all function together. I was the guy who'd up until a few months ago would curse the "dumb motor makers" for not making the firing order in my truck 12345678. I've learned more from you in 9 minutes than I have in the 20+ years of tinkering with my own cars. I'm definitely subscribing after just seeing just this one video. Thanks. I know you put a lot of hours into this.

[@jimmbbo]

Excellent!! A true labor of love and magnificent teaching tool! Well done!!

[@jeffco47]

This is one of the best presentations of anything I've ever seen. Very well done!!

[@woohunter1]

Holy cow! I'm blown away by the detail of this build, simple explanation of how it actually works, explaining why they have to have an odd number of cylinders, etc....... Awesome video!!! Thank you!

[@rickclark9377]

Ian - Absolutely fantastic job on the construction & presentation of the radial engine. My father was an USAF radial engine mechanic (R-3350), instructor & training equipment specialist for the AF. I can only imagine how much he would have appreciated this video!

[@alneal100]

That is a work of art! Take a bow, Mr. Jimmerson.

[@larrysauriol759]

What a beautiful thing to watch... kinda mesmorizing to me. Your model was SO well done, and your explanation SO straight forward and clear. Thanks for a great job. No wonder these engines had such a power to weight ratio. I'll be looking into who did the original design work which was genius relative to the crankshaft design and camshaft layering. Truly a thing of beauty. Well done!!

[@Ni999]

I don't have the words to describe the quality of the model, the video, and the narrative. I'll just say - outstanding!

[@prevost8686]

Absolutely great video! As a automotive technician I’ve always wondered how radial engines worked. Ingenious design. Thanks for the video.

[@NoFeeRE]

Excellent presentation. I always wondered how that work. You explained it beautifully. Thank you for taking the time.

[@The762nato]

I'm impressed with your work and explanation .

[@maddoxlogging2303]

This explanation answered every question I had when 10 minutes ago, I didn’t know what a radial engine was. Friggin awesome!

[@keithalexander6154]

I've struggled for years to understand and visualise how a radial engine works - this is the best thing I've ever seen on the subject and the way you dismantle the engine and explain it all is just amazing. Thanks for an awesome video.

[@Jungleland33]

Wow. Very impressive project. Well done.

[@bigfootingermany]

That is an amazing model!! I always wondered how a radial engine worked. Thank you for the excellent step by step explanation and demonstration of your beautiful masterpiece!!!

[@thatNKrider]

I have recently gotten into scale WWII warbirds and have always wondered how a radial works. Very informative and the way you show how it works explains everything I needed and wanted to know. Great Video!!!

[@lorynnmarie8812]

I'm currently doing research for a SolidWorks project proposal on a F4U-1 Corsair for one of my classes. It is a little more simplified, but it is something I am passionate about building and creating part by part, and I've been doing a deep dive into how radial engines work (the R-2800 Double Wasp is amazing) and how I can implement that into my model with little understanding, and your videos have made it so much more easier for me to comprehend! Thank you!!!

[@peternolan814]

Hello Ian, You rig is a masterpiece. :) The radial engine is pure mechanical engineering genius. I have some physical intuition also called mechanical aptitude but I have have nothing like the intelligence needed to design the radial engine. All the best, Peter Nolan.(Ph.D., experimental physics). Dublin. Ireland.

[@davephilpott4543]

wow what a great model! ...and an equally great way to explain how a "complicated looking" engine works. It also makes you appreciate the many great minds and years of experience that combined to develop this engine.

[@johnpfeifer71]

i hold an A&P license. (post radial engine era) I didn’t really know how these engines worked until i watched this video. I have since become a machinist and welder and am super appreciative of the manufacture of these engines pre-cnc as well as the high level of skill you’ve showcased at making your model. kudos ian!

[@maramayo8957]

I've been a professional mechanic for over 30 yrs. And today I learned something new. Thanks for your excellent explanation.

[@88mike42]

Absolutely brilliant! The engine itself and the expert explanation.

[@ScottSSSUlmtd]

Great Job, Sir. 3800+ likes and 24 dislikes (24 haters) just goes to show that there will always be haters! As for why they took the time to actually dislike this video is beyond me. Probably just mad cause they couldn't do it or still didn't understand a radial after watching...therefore they will never understand. Good job, Ian J!

[@trav1971]

Scott S. The haters are probably low IQ trolls or jealous teachers 🙄

[@DawnOfTheDead991]

Dislike hate

[@jcz232321]

Wow! Thank you for taking the time to create and also explain the workings of an engine type my father flew behind for over 40,000 hours! I'd never fully understood radials until watching and truly enjoying this video. Thank you!

[@adhcms]

Absolutely amazing! Thank you for the fantastic explanation of how those engines operate. I have always wondered how they operate and what the inner workings look like.

[@paulf6768]

Stunning craftsmanship and great explanation!!!!

[@recursive_dream]

this is a beautiful model. really appreciate the amount of work put in and the in depth explanation. people like you are why I love this website :)

[@harrymills2770]

Stumbled across a radial steam engine, which caused me to stumble across your explanation of a radial gas engine. Very good stuff.

[@allansnape416]

What a great tutorial video, I knew the principle of the rotary engine but now I know exactly how it works. I’m 71 on Saturday but still lots to learn, thanks a million

[@hamishmacleod8616]

Absolutely beautiful. Artistic, creative and informative.

[@m0ther_bra1ned12]

Your a great teacher. Thanks so much for this.

[@Andrew-ep4kw]

Excellent demonstration of a radial engine's operation. I never knew how the cam system worked until now. Thanks!

[@thebollock9427]

That's an amazing model, and a great explanation of the inner workings of the radial engine. I understand how they work much better now. Thank you.

[@stevenl7878]

Thank you for the time you spent working on this engine model and video.You have done an excellent job with the explanations and demonstrations. I too find the old radial engines absolutely amazing. Did you utilize a CNC router for cutting your cam ring and gears? Do you offer a set of plans for your engine model?

[@edwardlinchester2206]

I've always wanted to know how the camshaft was setup on one of those. Thank you for the best explanation ever!

[@yuka1339]

The best radial engine explanation video. I’m apprentice AME and having difficulty to understand basic system. Your 10 minutes video much worth than 2 months of BCIT AME course I took. Thank you so much for your effort and if it’s possible, please keep making great videos.

[@oceanmariner]

I worked on radials in the 1960s. I can't wait to see you build a 4 row radial.

[@jollyroger1009]

What a cool model! And now I finally know how all the con rods hook on to the crankshaft: could never picture how it looked.

[@sonyashotinthefoot8764]

Hi Ian. Amazing. well built very well explained. Learnt much. Also very impressed.

[@deweyfoulk3630]

Thank you so much for explaining cam rings. I have decades of experience as an automobile mechanic and I knew an automobile style camshaft would not easily fit in a radial engine. I am amazed at how elegant the the cam ring system and lifters are.

[@williamscheuer5933]

I just now stumbled upon this and what a treat! This model takes the mystery out of some workings of this type of engine. You are not only a fine craftsman but also a wonderful teacher. Can’t imagine the hours spent constructing this. Just don’t fire it up!

[@keithlucas6260]

You are one Heck of an "instructor" on this, as well as a craftsman. I fly RC airplanes, and one has a radial Saito on a Boeing PT-17 Super Stearman. I've always loved the radials my dad flew back in WWII.

[@Marco-nx5tj]

Keith Lucas if only they put fart cans on them XD

[@AMilitantAgnostic]

Someone has really taught this guy the intricacies of education, this is a tough skill that generally comes from hours and hours of learning from a parent figure willing to painstakingly explain things. This is what a world class professor sounds like, I only wish I was still in the position to help him. I've always give more credit to my high school wrestling coach for my academic success than any other teacher I've had. Just the point by point logical progression of building fact upon fact to a reasoned outcome is priceless, no mater what profession you choose.

[@davidcallista8618]

I wish your videos were around when I was a kid. Thanks for a great instructional video.

[@darrellbarbery3988]

I hope you're a teacher because you sure have the heart of one and the patience to describe what was a revolutionary engineering feat in history. Your craftsmanship and grasp of subject is exemplary! I hope to see more examples of your work in the future . I'm subscribing. Your content has value for curious minds. Thank you!

[@qeijkak]

This was incredible. It turns so smoothly for being made of wood. Thanks for teaching us how it all works. The part about the cam ring was the most interesting. It's the part 3d models don't show well.

[@bobpell6425]

Now I finally get it after many years of head scratching. Nice job!!!!!

[@georgesmith4509]

An absolutely brilliant video, one the best I've seen. Extremely well explained without talking down to your watchers. Also good steady photography, not shaky hand phone stuff. The craftsmanship of the mock up puts many others too shame. A really great piece of work in all directions. All you tube videos should be like this

[@morganahoff2242]

I love how you made all these props just to clarify your explanation. Really good!

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

The engineering in this is so amazing to me...so simple and yet such a unique operation compared to inline OHV engines, especially cam/valvetrain wise

[@velcroman11]

I agree with John McDonald, it has ALWAYS puzzled me how the radial worked. I could never visualise the operation. This explanation has taken all the mystery out of it.

[@M3au]

What a wonderfully clear description of the geometry of a radial engine. Thank you for putting in such an effort. KZbin at its very best.

[@kranson8514]

5.5 years later found this and still deserves credit for your ability to not only build a functioning model but the explanation of it principles. Question is in that time have you finished the rest of the aircraft, guess I'll just have watch the rest of your channel's content. Bravo sir.👏👏👏

[@Acornoa]

amazing! you're a wonderful teacher

[@jamesbrininger6287]

Thanks and well done. I've always wondered how those worked.

[@LieutenantDan98]

I just want to say that you are inspirational, I’ve never seen so much passion for something. your built was flawless and it was made easy to understand. Well done. I have to say, If you ever had any doubts on your abilities, don’t! go for it! you know you will succeed, believe it, it will happen!

[@Wildcat5181]

You are amazing, a Craftsman, an engineer, a high order mechanic. I always wondered what was going on in a radial engine. Thank you very much.

[@tsmith7666]

Absolutely outstanding! As was suggested in an earlier comment, it would be great if you would donate your outstanding model to the Air and Space museum. Or, at least donate this video to the museum for visitors to watch.

[@philippebenz2643]

Or in schools.

[@mikea6977]

I like this...best explanation of how radial engine works

[@robertporter4501]

An excellent explanation of how a radial engine works. Till now I've never understood how so many conrods are connected to the crankshaft and how the valves are opened and closed. Very good.

[@danielkennedy1524]

Brilliant instruction! Had to learn the radials in A&P school, however never to the degree of this! Extraordinary teaching!

[@williameudy633]

Thank you for this brilliant explanation and beautiful model.

[@Binze1507]

brilliant. such a clever design

[@toddburgess6792]

Thank you. I've never been able to wrap my head around how the radial design worked. For aircraft, it had to be simple, and this is as simple as it gets. I am amazed! Pretty awesome woodworking, by the way!!

[@russwentz3957]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I have wondered about how radial engines work and at the same time your excellent teaching abilities, helped me to finally grasp the four stroke concept!