What Happened to the Fox .35? | The King of Control Line

For over six decades, Fox Manufacturing was a true titan of American model aviation. Founded by legendary machinist Duke Fox in 1948, Fox Engines powered generations of control-line stunt flyers, combat competitors, and RC pilots. From the world-famous Fox .35 Stunt—the longest-running production model engine in history—to high-rpm racing motors, Fox engines were famous for their raw power, hand-crafted American durability, and legendary "4-2-4" stunt break. Then, after nearly 70 years of continuous manufacturing out of Fort Smith, Arkansas, the machines went quiet. So how did a garage startup grow into a global modeling empire, outlast almost all of its domestic rivals, and ultimately fade away? In this video, we dive deep into the history, engineering genius, and final legacy of Fox Model Engines! 🔍 Key Highlights Covered in This Episode The Stunt Legend: How the Fox .35 dominated precision aerobatics for decades and why its metallurgical porting created an automatic power boost during vertical climbs. Made in America: A look inside the Fort Smith plant where Fox melted aluminum, turned crankshafts, and made their own famous glow plugs under one roof. Uncompromising Service: How Duke Fox built legendary brand loyalty by repairing and upgrading broken customer engines for free. The Legacy Today: Where original tooling dies landed after production ended and how MECOA keeps these vintage motors running. 💬 Join the Community Did you ever fly a Fox .35, .15, or .59 growing up? What plane was it mounted in—a Ringmaster, a Nobler, or a custom build? Share your favorite flight memories and tuning stories in the comments below!