The “CLASSIC FOUR” 4 cylinder axially mounted piston
motor with “tumbling spider” has its basis in aircraft engines tested
in the 1930's & 1940's.
The Piezo ignition system is built into the base, and is driven with a
toothed belt and a central distributor by the engine. The gas and speed
regulation are controlled by a valve on the gas tank with pressure
indication.
Ball joints connect the tumbling spider and piston.
The elegant motion of the four-cylinder is particularly emphasized by the
open build method.
Parts moving in opposite directions, the tumbling spider,
piston, crosshead and valve rods, result in an interesting mechanical
interaction.