Tacpot,
My curry flavoured Chief (HAL26 Pushpak) has a C90 on the front and has no electrics, either.
When cold the engins starts willingly if suitably primed. Most of these engines are idiosyncratic enough to require different amounts of primer! I use between 3 and 5 depending on OAT and period since last run.
When warm the same C90 can be a little recalcitrant and may need several goes (ten plus swings is not uncommon.)
However, it has always started eventually!
Actually swinging it is not a test of strength - they will turn over without Schwarzenneger-like input, it really is technique, which I am sure that you will quickly master.
Great aeroplane - buy your share, enjoy some inexpensive flying in an aeroplane that can take you all over Europe.
After a hundred hours in mine, I decided that I was probably about right to start to fly some less benign tailwheel types.
The Chief will give you a good intro to tailwheel technique and possibly farmstrip flying, too.
Stik
