Machine Works Build Your Own V8 Engine Toy - Replica Model Building Kit - Features Augmented Reality, Sounds and Illumination, 4 Modes, 250+ Pieces, 10+ Years

This is a pretty cool kit. Some of the parts have a lot of moulding flash so some work with a craft knife, file, sandpaper etc will be necessary if you want this to fit together as well as it can and look as good as possible. I built it with my car mad 15 year old daughter and it does show the basic mechanics of a V8 very well. I'm not convinced many 10 year olds could manage this unaided. The very many screws are tiny but thankfully all the same and there are plenty of spares. It has two distributors, one for each bank, driven off the cam shafts which is not usually how a real set up is and these are, again a little bit fiddly to install. You need to read the instructions! Nevertheless it all worked first time. We used some tiny zip ties to tidy up the ignition leads and hold them away from the exhaust manifolds. On the whole, really pleased. It looks great put together.

A good model when built showing all the working parts of the engine. However when building pay particular attention to the diagrams as the placing of some parts are not mentioned in the text. Overall a very good model, enjoyable to build and worth the price,

For the cost, it’s ok. It is not an easy build for novices.Im 78 and worked as a mechanic from age 14 through to 66. I have worked on the real thing many times. The kit is what it say, just a toy not even educational. For a start it should have just 1 distributor, no matter how hard I try I cannot get the two distributors to work in the correct timing sequence, but all ‘Spark Plugs’ light up ant to the untrained eye light up in order. The only reason I needed the assembly instructions was due to the moulding of parts. However if you follow the instructions, clean up moulding tags etc and take your time, all parts fit correctly and the basic operation works well. Yes the timing gear was dodgy but all held in place once the timing cover was fitted. A big problem was the poorly made ‘Camshafts’, one was machined pretty well but the second was very hit and miss. With patients and my mechanical knowledge I was able to fit all parts together. Overall I was pleased with the finished item, it resembles a V8. Do not listen to the sounds, just a noise and nothing like an engine at idle, or even being revved up, shocking noise so just be aware. Would I buy it again ? After some deliberation, Yes.

Note: Before you think parts 15-18 are missing ( if you cannot find the sprue as shown in the good and clear instructions ) :- in ours these parts were already stacked together and safely placed, in a bag, inside one of the large fan blades - thus ensuring they arrived with no damage. There is a measure of care needed when separating the turbine blades from the sprues - not to break, or bend, a fine turbine, but also to ensure the lengths of the 4 connected blade-ends are trimmed back to match the remainder - otherwise you will find they have difficulty freely rotating when inserted in the casing: Ideally a small pair of side cutters should be used to separate the parts; we also filed them smooth with an emery board. The long metal shaft will not 'roll' on a desk as it has a flattended (/keyed) side which aligns with some of the turbines during the final shaft assembly, to ensure those blades all turn together. The drive belt is translucent so that this 'unoriginal' component is not obvious in the completed model. A very impressive model assembled in a short time [unpainted] at christmas

The Machine Works Build Your Own V8 Engine Toy is a brilliant hands-on experience for budding engineers and curious minds aged 10 and up. With over 250 pieces, this kit offers a rewarding challenge, bringing the mechanics of a real V8 engine to life. The augmented reality features, sounds, and illumination take it to the next level, making learning both fun and immersive. With four interactive modes, it’s perfect for STEM enthusiasts. Educational, engaging, and a blast to assemble—this kit is a fantastic introduction to the world of engineering!

My grandson was so looking forward to building this together with his Dad on Christmas Day, but they had to abandon it one third of the way!! There were parts missing. So disappointed. Returning item for a refund.

Bought a previous engine from this brand and was perfect. However this jet engine has already been replaced once due to missing parts and now this one is fully built it seems as though the drive belt isn’t tight enough to turn the fan blades as per video. There is no contact seller option so hoping this review is read and someone can contact me please?

I've bought this as a Christmas gift, so have only opened it for a quick look. I will say it appears to be everything I expected and arrived on time.