Trends UK Haynes Build Your Own V8 Engine

Very gd product. Would have been Breyer with more electronic controls .

Overall, we loved this very well engineered model. We did run into a few problems though. First, the crankshaft was sloppily molded in one section where 2 of the piston connecting rods are supposed to attach (step 2). It’s supposed to be a circle but, since each each half was slightly offset, it ending up being a bit too wide. Also (and for the same reason), it had ridges that preventing smooth rotation of the connecting rod around the crankshaft (see photo). I was able to sand it down with a small file to get it to work. Second, there were 3 instances where screw holes had to be created or widened. If there was no hole, I very carefully started a hole (really just a mark in the plastic) with a small nail then used a small wood screw to widen it. I was worried that the plastic would fracture but it didn’t. I was very gentle. Third, the left distributor (for cylinders 5-8) was quite difficult to place onto the camshaft (step 26). The camshaft is not perfectly circular but deliberately has one side that’s flat as does the hole in the distributor. They were not easy to match but a lot of jiggling and persistence finally won the day. Fourth, during the timing step (step 27), the distributors have to be turned clockwise in order to illuminate the correct “spark plug” (LED light) but even when the right-handed distributor (for cylinders (1-4) was turned as far rightward as the screw slot allowed, it still didn’t light up the correct LED. It turns out that the screw slots had to be turned just a hair past the screw posts in order to light up the correct LED (#4) but that would mean the distributor couldn’t be screwed in place (it’ll make sense when you get to that step). To fix this, I widened the left side of the screw slot with a small file so it could turn just a wee bit more to the right. That was just enough to work. Another fix is to swap the right and left distributors (see the excellent review by Jerry Davis) but I didn’t want to remove them as I had trouble getting the left one on in the first place. Finally, it should be noted that newer version of the model has 2 additional plastic posts on the front of cylinder block on either side of the crankshaft (at about 4 and 8 o’clock) to help keep the timing belt from falling off. I only mention it because it was a little confusing that our cylinder block didn’t quite match the diagram in the manual. A few tips: I was worried that my smaller than average 8 year old daughter wouldn’t be able to screw in the pieces since several reviewers said it was difficult. However, she didn’t have too many problems in that regard. It comes with a a very small Phillips head screwdriver that worked fine. Ours didn’t come magnetized but that’s ok. Some people prefer it that way. We did, however, magnetize the screwdriver with a magnet which I think helped. We also used an accessory screwdriver with a wider handle (whenever we could) to make it easier to turn. We also purchased a cheap modelers tool kit (Rustark 10Pcs Model Tools Craft Set Modeler Building Kit) for about $10 that came in handy, especially the file, the small knife, and the side cutter (for cutting the pieces away from the plastic frame). Just be patient, read the directions very carefully, read some tips in the amazon reviews (Jerry Davis, A. Aurelius, etc) and be prepared to modify a few pieces. Summary: The educational value is through the roof and it was a ton of fun to build. I have almost no model building, automotive, or mechanical skills to speak of but we were still able to get it done in a few hours spread out over 3 days with the timing spot on. It’s extremely detailed and teaches not just how an internal combustion engine works but about a lot of other principles of mechanical engineering like cams, gears, pistons, bearings and other stuff I can’t think of because I don’t know jack about engineering. It also teaches patience, troubleshooting, and persistence. The kit says for ages 14+ but I would guess that an interested 11-12 year old should be able to do it with minimal help. One reviewer says that her 9 year old finished it unassisted but I find that surprising (so did she to be fair). I think most 9 year olds would need at least some help. But that’s part of the fun. I LOVED building it with my daughter (who has expressed an interest in engineering). Almost forgot to mention that this latest version comes with an AR (augmented reality) feature. It’s super cool and educational. Didn’t work on my iPhone X but worked perfectly on our iPad. I would highly recommend this model for kids, teens, and adults who are interested in learning how an internal combustion engine works. My daughter enthusiastically rated it 5 stars but I’m thinking 4.5 just because I had to modify some components to get it to work. Hope this helps and have fun!!

海外製の商品ということで他の方の レビューにも部品の欠品、破損が稀に あるようですが私のは問題無く完成さ せることができました。組み立て説明書は 全て英語なのでスマホのアプリで説明書を 写真で撮り自動翻訳させれば簡単に日本語 に翻訳され組み立てることができます。

Es un artículo para uso didáctico, de muy buena calidad en sus materiales y sus acabados.