Model Kits

I realise that this is model assembly rather than Model Engineering, but some members might be able to help me.

After having sold my lathe and generally downsized I fancy buying and assembling a small table-top plastic engine kit, a cut-away one or a four in-line or even a V8 engine. Say £50 maximum plus a motor and batteries.

My problem is that almost all of the customers' reviews I have read have been very critical of the quality of the kits. Some say that none of the screws fitted their holes, cambelts fall off etc.

The big names I have seen are Revell, Haynes, Airfix and in the USA, Smithsonian.

I still have hand tools and an Emco Unimat 3 so I would be able to put small things right but I don't want to be fighting bad design and materials all the way through - it isn't worth it to me.

I would be grateful for any advice, thanks.

With a handle such as yours, you should be making a V12, surely?

The Revell Visible V8 at 1/4 scale is probably the best. Minimal engineering required but you can customise it as much as you fancy.

https://www.revell.com/products/visible-v-8-engine.html

I did have, many years ago, the Revell Visible Aircraft Engine, I was at the time a bit disappointed in the quality, allthough I may have been biased as I was doing an apprenticeship as an aero- engine mechanic, and though a P&W R-1340 should look like an R-1340. I would say go for it, they are mostly held together with screws and little nuts.

Ian S C

Thanks for the advice.

I have just bought a Haynes in-line four engine. I would have preferred to make radial engine but the people I asked didn't know anything about it. These kits are not easy to come by and I guess that they have had their day, compared to more sophisticated, probably digirtal, games and models.

Thanks again.

Merlin

Sorry no radial engine.

But I do have a part completed Revell Visible V8 which can be yours for a donation to your favourite charity, plus the cost of the postage. Send me a PM

Mike

Revell reissued a Renwall kit of a Wasp radial engine in 1/4 scale. Not sure of its current availability but they crop up on eBay.

Not cheap. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Revell-8614-WASP-Radial-Engine-Motor-Sternmotor-1-4-Modellbausatz-Kit/253967053092?hash=item3b219db124:g:-vcAAOSwtbxbz20H:rk:1f:0