The model engine looks great on display, housed in its plastic transparent casing but add 3x AA batteries and you will now have a V8 engine where the spark plugs light up, the pistons move up and down and the crankshaft rotates.

We did make a couple of mistakes towards the end, however: the rocker shafts had somehow been assembled the wrong way around on one bank of cylinders, and the ignition timing was surprisingly fiddly and required some initiative to sort out. The build quality was not great and I swear (despite many attempts and double checking) that the cam timing is totally wrong (ok being a bit pedantic but its a critical part of an engine)and the spark plug lights also seem to be have the wrong timing.Open the box and what you see bears a strong resemblance to an Airfix model, with sheets of plastic parts that need to be cut off their “sprues”. We found the instructions, like Haynes’s car manuals, clearly and concisely written, with essential diagrams illustrating each stage of the building process. My grandson took it into school and proudly stood at the front describing pistons, crankshaft, valves etc.

Having said that, a little more patience with it probably would have paid off - re-reading after having worked it out it actually wasn't too bad. The 103 third parties who use cookies on this service do so for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalized ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products. When looking at all the parts filled with parts it does look like quite a daunting experience but fear not it does come with a comprehensive Haynes style manual and a screwdriver – everything that you need to assemble it and no extras, like glue, needed. Bought for 13 year old son who is interested in cars, not sure what he would think but was very impressed.I was most impressed with the transparency which provides useful in explaining what things do what and all about the suckling squeeze bang and blow without having to visualise in ones mind which keeps little ones entertained whilst providing true world knowledge and useful experience. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Some mention that it works well and looks good, while others say that construction can lead to an almost functioning model, which can be frustrating. Part of what drives our brand is our strong network of official licensees, who share in our do-it-yourself ethos. The Machine Works Haynes V8 Model Engine Kit is a comprehensive but manageable kit of a simplified replica working engine.

Kit includes more than 250 precisely detailed parts and pieces, exceptionally clear step-by-step instructions, and a transparent casing so you can see the action when the engine is switched on. Now as an adult I enjoy helping the kids – when they were younger it was simple marble runs that got more complex and now LEGO sets (which the kids display rather than play with).Not only is it an excellent model building kit but an educational tool to see and learn how an internal combustion engine works and powers a car. Devon 4x4 are synonymous with 4x4 preparation and maintenance, we are generally considered the market leader within our industry.