In 1996, Estes Industries, the model rocket manufacturer, bought out two famous names in model airplanes, Cox and Sterling. The Sterling line, which once included many WWI subjects, was soon dropped. Cox's once extensive line of glow-powered control line models -- which had included a Camel, Dr.I, and D.VII at one point -- had already shrunk dramatically and that trended continued as the Cox line increasingly consisted of electric RC flying toys.
As for glow engine production, it was moved overseas, quality declined, and the line eventually wound down to a single .049 engine and parts. Parts production ended a few years ago and recent assembly and sales were from inventory alone. In March 2009, Estes reportedly shut down its Cox operation.
But not long before then, large amounts of Cox engines and parts were found in the Estes warehouse, along with some tooling. The parts are coming onto the market and some parts have reentered production.
For details, see:
''' - Xenalook''''s Store - COX'''
Cox parts from MECOA
eBay Store - COX 1 2A DISTRIBUTOR: 049, 051, TEE DEE
(Thanks to Pat Tritle's column in the June 2009
Flying Models, the source for much of this information.)
18 June 2009, 08:47 PM
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