The Byra range of model diesels was manufactured in Barcelona, Catalonia by Don Fernando Batlló, a wealthy industrialist, and his machinist associate Señor Ramirez (first name not recorded). The name of the range is derived from the family names of the two protagonists, Batlló y Ramirez. Small numbers of individually-produced engines were made during the late 1940's for the use of Batlló and his friends, with larger-scale commercial series production taking place during the 1950-57 period. The Byra engines received very limited distribution outside Spain, hence being quite rare today.

Although not produced in large numbers by world standards, the series of engines which made up the Byra range was built to the very highest standards. The range included a fine 4.5 cc diesel which appeared in both sideport and rear disc valve versions; a series of 2.5 cc shaft valve and disc valve diesels in both plain bearing and ball-race versions; a short-lived and very rare 1 cc crankshaft front rotary valve model; and a fine 1.5 cc twin ball-race disc valve design. All of these models performed very well by the standards of their day. Several of them were the subjects of published tests in "Aeromodeller" magazine.

Don Fernando was a multi-talented individual who not only designed and produced some fine model engines but was also a successful competitor, representing Spain at many International model flying competitions all the way up to 1961. He was also involved in the development of full-scale motorcycles, working in cooperation with the Barcelona-based OSSA motorcycle company.

A full account of Don Fernando's achievements and the engines that he produced may be found elsewhere on this website.