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Machine Works Build Your Own V8 Engine Toy - Replica Model Building Kit - Features Augmented Reality, Sounds and Illumination, 4 Modes, 250+ Pieces, 14+ Years

Based on 1,786 reviews
Condition: New
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Arrives Tuesday, Nov 10
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At a glance

Condition
New
Style
V8 Engine
Model
HM12USA
Dimensions
11 x 9 x 9 in
Weight
3.7 lb
Color
Neutral
Material
Plastic
In the box
Instruction Guide
Warranty
90 day warranty against manufacturer defects

Features 5

  • BUILD YOUR OWN ENGINE KIT The Build Your Own Model Engine Kits from Machine Works make excellent gifts for vehicle and model enthusiasts who like creating and learning about mechanical systems and engineering. Requires 3 x AA Batteries (Not included)
  • DIY KITS FOR ADULTS AND KIDS This functional model of a V8 Internal Combustion Engine is the perfect activity for both children (over 10 years) and adults to build together. There is also a Special Augmented Reality App available to download via your Smartphone to provide animations and detailed descriptions of key features of the engine
  • DISCOVER & LEARN AS YOU BUILD This Engine is a simplified replica of a V8 Internal Combustion Engine and illustrates thye main operating principles and functions
  • INCLUDES OVER 250 PARTS This 250+ piece kit for kids and adults is enjoyable to construct and includes all of the tools you'll need to complete the operating model. The Fully illustrated step-by-step instructions guide you through every stage of the assembly process. Each component is clearly identified, and each function explained

Description

Haynes V8 Engine Model Kit From the Manufacturer An all- new working model of a duel overhead cam V8 Engine. Easily assembled with over 100 parts, includes a working electric motor, light up spark plugs, engine sounds and automatic shut off. Discover how an internal combustion engine works. Construct a fully working model with see through workings and chrome plated plastic trim pieces. Lots of details and an instruction manual with step-by-step diagrams and easy to assemble components. Requires 2 AA batteries (not Included).

Specs 27

Brand Machine Works
Age Range (Description) Teen
Color Neutral
Theme Vehicle
Item dimensions L x W x H 11 x 9 x 9 inches
Brand Name Machine Works
Age Range Description Teen
Model Name Machine Works Build Your Own V8

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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Tuesday, Nov 10

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Top Amazon Reviews


Fun, detailed, and educational (but not perfect)
Style: V8 Engine
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!! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2021 by Q-fever

A Great Project
Style: V8 Engine
I just completed my Haynes V8 engine build. These comments are based on a model purchased from Amazon on 12/26/17 through MMP Living. Any issues they may have had in the past with the timing belt and electric motor gear/flywheel are not present in this model (see other reviews for more info). The timing belt is secure and reasonably tight and works fine. The electric motor drives the model correctly with no problems. As far as timing of the valves and sparks, I think they must have improved the operation of these. While the timing is not precise, it is close for both of these. The intake and exhaust valves open and the sparks fire reasonably close to where they should. I don't think a real engine would run very well if it was set up like this, but for a model, it's close enough. This is with the engine assembled per the instructions. The only real problem I had was that I could not get the #4 spark to light up when trying to set the timing for the 1-4 distributor. So I let that go and set up the 5-8 distributor, which worked as shown in the instructions. I then ran the engine a few times and rotated the 1-4 distributor throughout it's range to get the timing for that side as close as possible. I got it to where the sparks on that side fire slightly into the power stroke - not quite at the top of the stroke like the 5-8 cylinders do. The intake and exhaust valves operate pretty close to the right times. The only real problems I had were with the fan belt and the timing tool. I couldn't find the fan belt at first. Turns out it was wrapped around the "clutch cover" which is one of the last pieces you install on the engine. Once I found it, I replaced the rubber band I was using as a replacement. As far as the timing tool, I didn't look closely enough at the diagram and tried to insert the pin at the bottom of the tool into the center of the crankshaft sprocket. This didn't work out well as the plastic pin broke off in the hole, which later on needs to be used to attach the crankshaft pulley. So I had to drill out the pin to get the crankshaft pulley screw in. This pin is used to locate the tool on the proper slot on the crankshaft sprocket. I would recommend the manufacturer provide a marking on the sprocket to show where this pin should go. This would help make sure the crank is in the proper position. Overall, I'm very happy with the result. I think the people at Haynes did a good job designing and building the kit. They also seem to be listening to their customers and improving things that need it. I would recommend this project highly to anyone who thinks it might be a fun thing to build. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2018 by MAT_Blue

Very cool and detailed, but some fit issues.
Style: V8 Engine
This model is really cool, but be prepared for minor and possibly significant fit issues with a few pieces. We did this with a mechanically inclined 9-year old, and needed some adult help but mostly did it himself. Pros: As advertised, this is a quite detailed model engine. In particular, we liked the detail of some pieces like the cams and valves; and that it all goes together pretty much like a real engine would. Just one example -- the distributors actually fire like real ones, so you have to set the timing! And the cylinders actually follow a proper timing sequence, so the cams are really operating, etc. The instructions are very detailed (in a good way). There were only one or two places where we scratched our heads. Cons: We had some fit issues. A couple involved minor trimming of plastic pieces, no more than on any plastic kit really. But one significant one on a camshaft that just seemed too long (and/or the hole in the distributor was too tight). Was scary to get out a hammer and hacksaw, and I think we were kind of lucky not to bust a plastic piece trying to get the distributors and timing belt sprockets on the camshafts. [In case anyone else is having the same problem: We had to hammer both camshafts HARD to get them fully through the timing belt sprocket, and we did that hammering from the distributor end with sprocket partially on. And even with that, we could not get one distributor on enough to screw it on to the housing; or, it jammed the camshaft/timing belt gear too much. So we literally hacksawed off about 3-4 mm of camshaft on the distributor end. All good, and plenty of cam to fully seat in the distributor.] Overall, would love to give this 5 stars for coolness and detail, and a very nice challenge for a growing model builder. But I think the fit issues could really stump someone and absolutely require adult help. So go for it if willing to deal with fit issues. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2018 by Jeffrey B. Fiedler

Looks awesome
Style: V8 Engine
It wasn't that easy to assembly, but it wasn't that hard. I will say that it has a medium difficulty (14+ years old). In my opinion, it has more pros than cons. Pros: -It is FUN to assembly. -You will learn about engines terminology. -The manual is perfect (Pretty straight forward to follow). -In 35 steps and 2-3 hours you are done. (I did it in 5 hours, but I was reading more about each part. I enjoyed a lot the experience) -It comes with more screws than the ones you need, which is cool if you loses one screw. IT also comes with a magnetic screwdriver which is EXTREMELY helpful. -It looks cool due to the plastic chrome parts that it has and due to the red LEDs light that simulates the ignition inside the piston chambers. Cons: -Most of the parts are stuck to more plastic (carriers frames), so when you cut away SOME parts, they come with excess plastic. Therefore, you have to carefully trim away any excess plastic with sharp scissors or knife. -Does not come with batteries. (It needs 3 (AA) batteries). -and the worst thing in my opinion... It runs SOOO slow, which disappoints me at the end. BUT I JUST LOVE IT!! I had a lot of fun with it, and it looks just awesome :D Recommendations in order to get a better experience: -Read the first pages of the manual (Introduction) before you go to the assembling engine process. -Before you go to the assembling engine process, skip the assembling steps and read from page 28 of the manual to the end of the manual where they explain in detail the basic principles of an engine. - If you want, you can buy "How cars work" by Tom Newton, which explains every piece in detail you are going to use in this assembling engine process. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2014 by Miguel Tovar

Excellent engine model which captures all of the most essential elements of the combustion cycle
Style: V8 Engine
My small son wanted to learn about how cars move so I began to describe combustible engines to him, but he wanted to know more, so we ended up purchasing this Haynes V8 engine model kit. With the use of this model, I could show him how the pieces of the engine interact. I will elaborate on the model more as time passes but for now, I will say that although it does not replicate any one engine precisely, it is fairly representative of the modern V8 engine found in many sportier cars. I also believe reviewer Jerry Davis above does an excellent job of detailing the ins and outs of the model. His tip on spark plug timing is particularly helpful. the two distributors need to be reversed so that the LEDs shine at the correct time for each cylinder. The only thing I would add is that not enough screws were included with our kit, so I had to source them from somewhere else (they are Philips #2 screws that are 3/8 inch long for North Americans or M 2.5 x 5 for those living in the rest of the world). There is also an included jeweler's Phillips screwdriver that you need to put this model together (and it is in one of the later bags, so it is easy to miss). I will also note that this model is for those who can pay attention to detail. The pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft all need to be carefully sanded when removed from the plastic frames. And every part needs to be pre-fit and rotated for testing before finally screwing it in place. If you do not take these steps and then wait until the very end, it is likely that there will be some tiny rubbing somewhere that will make the model not perform optimally. Attention to detail is very important for this model and is the reason why they recommend for youth ages 14 or over. The model shows all the major parts of the modern V8 engine and does away with all the other systems that are not as important (like the ECM, the cooling system and the oil system). Even better, when it is finished, you can push a button and watch it go in motion for 30 seconds, with an engine start up sound. My small son took his time over two weeks under my guidance and we carefully test fit everything before assembling the next step. Because we were careful, our model works wonderfully. And this engine could be very useful as a teaching or home schooling aid as well. Five stars! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2017 by T. Chardis

One of the best visible V8 models that I've ever built.
Style: V8 Engine
I was looking to build a visible V8 model. I built the Revell's visible V8 as a kid, back in the early '70s. Back then, it was manufactured in the USA. This was an excellent model. But now, it's manufactured in China. Pure trash. Knowing this, I tried getting an older manufactured version of this model from eBay. It turned out to be trash, I ended up throwing it out. There was too much gluing, too many pieces that didn't fit, etc. So, I decided to try my luck and find another v8 model on Amazon. The Haynes v8 had good reviews, so I bought one. This model was a pleasure to build. Everything needed to build the model (except for an Xacto knife to trim excess plastic) was included. Pieces either snapped together or screwed together, no gluing. All the pieces fit perfectly. Just take your time and don't force the pieces together. The instruction manual was more than adequate. It had a great section on how v8 engines work. The build was going so smoothly that I was sort of afraid to complete the last step, pressing the "on" button. I did, and everything worked great. I strongly recommend this visible v8 engine. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2020 by David Onions

I almost completed the project
Style: V8 Engine
All the plastic parts appeared to be of very good quality, the packaging was outstanding, and the instruction manual is more than acceptable, or at least up to the point before securing the distributors to the camshaft. I don't know whether plastic shrinks and/or expands with the changing temperature, but a few pieces did not seem to align 100%, but I was able to make do. There are over 250 parts, of which 108 are phillips head screws. The screws are 5/16 inch long and 1/16 inch wide, so if you have big hands and fingers like I do, good luck handling them as you will probably get a little exasperated every now and then, but keep your cool and take your time. The screwdriver included is too small, and fortunately I have a mini-screwdriver kit that has a phillips (PH1) magnetic screwdriver with a much larger handle. I also used a utility knife with a long, new razor to remove the pieces from the frame. There are 16 springs, 8 on each shaft. When you take them off the shaft, I suggest you do it such a way that the springs do not fall on the floor or get stuck together as you take them off the shaft. If you don't, be prepared for some frustration like I had to endure. One part that had to do with the fan belt assembly would not tighten securely. I don't know if it is suppose to be that way or not. Regardless, one of the distributors would not fit all the way on the camshaft, and now I'm frustrated to the max. And just like another review stated, project over, return to sender. One purchaser posted that a 9-year-old started at 11 AM and finished at 4 PM with a few breaks in between. It wasn't mentioned what date the kid started the project and the date the project was completed. Regardless, and again, if you have big hands and fingers like me, you'll be spending many more hours than the kid. If it weren't for the one huge problem I had with the distributor, I would have more than likely completed the project and given a 5 star rating, thus its worth a 3 star. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2020 by The Major

Great fun! Highly recommended.
Style: V8 Engine
This little engine is complete, down to the smallest detail. It even has individual cams, which have to be placed, in the right order on the camshaft. The camshaft operates the cam followers, through rockers and on to the three-piece valves, complete with springs. Even the valves are in their correct proportions with larger inlets than exhaust. Yep, it's that detailed. The kit has the usual pieces, held to a frame by tags. The frames are designed so that you use them in order to avoid getting pieces everywhere and easily lost. All pieces are numbered individually for easy identification. The tags are best removed with a sharp knife or fine sandpaper to facilitate the engine going together, and operating, smoothly. Once the engine is completed, each cylinder lights up to imitate firing. The timing is controlled by two distributors and each can be adjusted so the spark occurs before TDC. The engine is turned by a small electric motor, powered by three AA batteries, which also power the "sparks". The kit is completed without the need for any glue, as it is all held together with screws. The screwdriver provided is adequate but the very thin handle means it can be difficult for young hands to develop enough torque to screw the metal screws into plastic. The same size screwdriver with a fatter handle would be easier for small hands. This is a brilliant project for completing over several evenings with a child or grandchild. Follow the directions religiously. Knowing how to put together a real V8 is no guarantee you can put this one together without a hitch. The box says it's for fourteen years old and above. I had great fun building it with my six-year old grandson, making allowances for his shorter attention span and allowing him to determine how long the building sessions would be. The engine can be torn down and built again if need be, a number of times, which makes it great value. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2015 by Knapweed
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