Hi Stew, the ignition system is not that bad, it's just the added expense of purchasing an electronic system. I do have one ignition system that I made years ago with a standard 12v. automotive coil and condenser in a box. The engine has a set of points and I plug a battery into it. It works fine but it has all the high amperage issues, point wear, battery size etc. Don't be afraid to tackle an IC engine, maybe just a hit and miss style, they're great to have running.
George