The Rauch 3.2 cc diesel was manufactured in Germany by Ernst Rauch of Ackerstrasse 9 in Nürnberg. There is some uncertaintly regarding its date of introduction, but it seems likely that it was introduced as a stationary engine in the late 1940's or early 1950's when the flying of power models and the manufacture of model engines suitable for aircraft was forbidden in Germany by the occupying powers of the time.

Due to a combination of limited practical applicability and the highly constrained discretionary spending power of the average citizen in early post-WW2 Germany, the engine was not a success. Very few were manufactured, making it an extremely rare collectible today.

A very few examples of the original stationary model were converted to aero configuration either by Rauch himeself or by a successor. Inspection and testing of one of these units has revealed that the engine suffered from a number of design and manufacturing shortcomings, also performing at an extremely marginal level, although it is extremely easy to start. Despite its shortcomings, the engine's rarity and striking appearance combine to make it an attractive addition to any collection.

A detailed review and test of this unusual engine appears elsewhere on this website.