In MasterClass #10 – Let’s Talk Fuel/Motor Setups, Joshua Orchard and Brian Schiller take a deep dive into preparing the Old School Model Works Minuette for glow-powered flight using a Saito four-stroke engine and a full lineup of DU-BRO fuel system components. This episode blends hands-on demonstration, detailed technical guidance, and hobby camaraderie, giving viewers a complete roadmap for assembling a reliable and efficient glow fuel system.
Giveaways, Build Progress & Viewer Q&A
Joshua and Brian kick things off by sharing progress on their planes and announcing a major giveaway—one lucky viewer at the GATS at AMQ event will win a fully built Minuette (either glow or electric). They also answer early viewer questions, covering topics such as:
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Hatch mechanisms, including DU-BRO’s dependable Hatch Latch, which works on many models beyond the Minuette.
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Thrust angle setup, where Joshua stresses following the plans and using washers to fine-tune angle only if needed.
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Magnets for hatches, recommending magnet-on-magnet contact for better hold.
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Painting over stain, advising water-based paint over water-based stain and thorough scuffing/priming when needed.
A fuel-related trivia session follows, with the correct answer—diesel, nitromethane, gasoline—earning a DU-BRO hat.
DU-BRO Tools & Fuel Supplies: Essential Gear for a Glow Setup
Moving to the bench, Joshua demonstrates the key tools needed for building dependable fuel systems, including pliers, Sharpies, cutters—and of course, several DU-BRO essentials:
1. DU-BRO Silicone Fuel Line
Perfect for glow engines thanks to its flexibility and fuel resistance.
Silicone Fuel Tubing
2. DU-BRO Fuel Line Clips
Ensures secure connections at the carburetor, muffler pressure port, and tank tubing.
Fuel Line Clips
3. DU-BRO Quick Fill Fueling Valve
Allows fueling without removing the cowl and seals the carburetor line for clean handling.
Fueling Valve
4. DU-BRO In-Line Fuel Filter
Placed just before the carburetor, it keeps debris out of the fuel metering system.
In-Line Fuel Filters
5. DU-BRO Fuel Tank (HDPE)
Durable, crack-resistant, and easy to service—DU-BRO tanks are the industry standard.
Fuel Tanks
Joshua walks through cutting and bending the brass tubing (using the DU-BRO tubing bender), installing the stopper, adding the vent and supply lines, and verifying the clunk’s position. He stresses ensuring the clunk moves freely and reaches the tank’s lowest point for consistent fuel draw.
Fuel System Assembly Tips & Best Practices
Joshua details the difference between the vent line (connected to the muffler for positive pressure) and the fuel supply line (leading to the carburetor). He explains common questions such as:
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CG shift with fuel burn: Models are balanced empty so they remain stable at the end of a flight.
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Flight time with a 6 oz tank: Typically 15–20 minutes with a four-stroke Saito engine.
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Tank height vs. carb height: Capillary action and internal carb pumps minimize concern about tank position.
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Clunk reliability: Modern silicone tubing prevents the clunk from binding or bending back.
He also demonstrates how the Kwik Fill valve, fuel filter, and line routing simplify both maintenance and field operation.
More Q&A, Engine Behavior & Glow Plug Trivia
The hosts field additional questions about low-pressure fuel pumps, electric vs. glow CG balancing, and pump mechanics in carburetors. To wrap the session, Joshua poses a final trivia question:
Which rare earth metals are used in glow plugs?
The answer: Platinum and Ruthenium.
Fueling Confidence Through Quality Components
This episode reinforces how proper technique—paired with trusted DU-BRO parts—creates a fuel system that is clean, reliable, and easy to service. Whether you’re installing a Saito glow engine on a Minuette or outfitting your next sport model, these methods build confidence for smoother starts and safer flights.
