The E.P.C. Moth was manufactured in 1950 in Nottingham, England by a firm called E.P.C. Engineering Co. Ltd. It was a more or less conventional 0.85 cc long-stroke sideport diesel of the early post-WW2 period. Nominal bore and stroke were 0.3750 in. (9.52 mm) and 0.4687 in. (11.90 mm) respectively for a calculated displacement of 0.05177 cuin. (0.848 cc). The engine weighed 1.94 ounces less tank.

At the time when the Moth appeared in 1950, its design was at least three years out of date. It was generally quite well made but included a serious design flaw in the form of a crankshaft which lacked both a counterbalance or even a crankdisc. As a result, severe vibration along with pounding of the main bearing was inevitable during operation. The design of the conrod was also highly problematic from a longevity standpoint.

The engine was originally manufactured to serve as a powerplant for a line of ready-to-fly control line models to be marketed under the PALIKIT label.  However, this arrangement fell through when it was found that the engine failed to develop enough power to fly the models! The E.P.C. company ceased manufacture and attempted to sell off the now unwanted engines at fire-sale prices through the Raylite company, also of Nottingham.

In support of this effort, the Moth became the subject of a published test by Lawrence H. Sparey which appeared in the February 1951 issue of "Aeromodeller" magazine. The seemingly unwarrantably positive test report creates an impression that Sparey may have been a friend of the manufacturer and was doing what he could to aid in at least a partial recovery of the considerable investment which had been made in the creation of dies and packaging.

Sparey's effort was in vain - the engine failed to attract any market attention, quickly sinking without trace. It's highly doubtful that the number entering circulation reached three figures - the Moth is extremely rare today.

A full review of the E.P.C. Moth appears elsewhere on this website.