Model engine kits

[ueberooo]

I'm trying to find something like a lego type kit for making custom model engines in rough detail; that is, crankshaft, cranks, pistons, cylinders, connected such that you could rotate the engine and view the pistons in motion.

Are there any such lego style kits where one can make a custom configuration??

I only see replica type models of existing engines on google shopping results, and they have very fine exterior detail which is not really what I'm looking for.

Where would one get a more of a lego style customizable functional style engine building kit?

 

[tom slick]

Is this closer to what you're looking for?
http://www.revell.com/model-kits/engines/85-8883.html

 

[Voltmaster]

If you want to learn/practice the best tool is using 3D modeling software on your computer
solidworks can tell you friction coeffient , life expentacey and everything in between and they will be many files you can download so you not creating everyting from scratch.

 

[Dakota1820]

Originally Posted By: tom slick
Is this closer to what you're looking for?
http://www.revell.com/model-kits/engines/85-8883.html



i assume you can buy that? i looked on the site but couldn't see a price or anything. any help on that would be great.

 

[earlyre]

Originally Posted By: tom slick
Is this closer to what you're looking for?
http://www.revell.com/model-kits/engines/85-8883.html


The Visible V8!!
man I was looking for one of those for my nephew for Christmas a few years back!
all I could find was a Smithsonian branded 4cyl model.

that i don't think he's ever built.

 

[ueberooo]

Originally Posted By: tom_slick
Is this closer to what you're looking for?
http://www.revell.com/model-kits/engines/85-8883.html


All I see is existing specific engines like the above with a lot of intricate detail. I'm looking for bare bones type customizable engine lego-type kits.

The software route might be the best way. I've thought about re-learning proficiency in java to do some animation / primitive graphics. 3-d modeling is beyond my knowledge, and I have a feeling learning a general program like this (or one specifically tailored for motor engine simulation) is going to be a gargantuan task for someone not exposed to this sort of thing.

Originally Posted By: Voltmaster
If you want to learn/practice the best tool is using 3D modeling software on your computer
solidworks can tell you friction coeffient , life expentacey and everything in between and they will be many files you can download so you not creating everyting from scratch.


A 15th century approach seems so much more pleasant. The crankshaft looks like it could be build with hobby store raw materials; dowels and plates. The crank, perhaps with silver wire, wrapped around the crankshaft's dowels, and connected on the other end to rails (rails to simulate travel of piston in cylinder).

 

[earlyre]

given time and proficient wood working skill i think you probably could build the whole thing from wood. maybe some clay.

 

[Propflux01]

Do a you tube search on LEGO engines. Most are made from several of the technic sets and some pretty good ideas are shown!

 

[Gabe]

Originally Posted By: Voltmaster
If you want to learn/practice the best tool is using 3D modeling software on your computer
solidworks can tell you friction coeffient , life expentacey and everything in between and they will be many files you can download so you not creating everyting from scratch.


This is probably the best advice. You could use Inventor if money is a major concern.

 

[ueberooo]

Originally Posted By: Tim H.
Do a you tube search on LEGO engines. Most are made from several of the technic sets and some pretty good ideas are shown!
Nice, I was surprised, but people are making Lego engines! eg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFNkmknREGY

 

[01rangerxl]

The Revell scale engine kit is good and is pretty much as accurate as a store bought kit will get. By accurate, I mean the major moving components all move like they would in a 1:1 real engine. I built one years ago, and IIRC, it even required a light coating of oil on the pistons so they would move smoothly. I wish I still had it...one of the many scale models I built and destroyed as a kid. As far as a one off custom engine though, it looks like Lego is the way to go unless you have the resources to build one of those tiny fully functional V8s that people with a lot of time/money/skill sometimes build and put on YouTube.

 

[Hokiefyd]

You can build one out of wood. I did that for a project in school. It was a traditional V-8 layout. I glued four pieces of poplar together, top to bottom, to make a "brick" of wood, about 3" wide by 4" tall by 10" long. I made two of these, one for each of the cylinder banks. I bored four 2" holes in each one. I made five separate bearing supports and fastened the cylinder banks to them. I made the crank out of wood...that was the most difficult part. That and the connecting rods. I used 2" PVC pipe caps as the pistons. The only thing that was not "correct" was the cylinder banks were not offset front-to-back, so each connecting rod was offset slightly inside the piston, to allow for both connecting rods to fit on that crank journal.

Hard to describe, but it turned out pretty cool. And it "kind of" turned. It certainly wasn't a smooth-running masterpiece, but it kind of worked.

 

[04SE]

Originally Posted By: chevyboy14
Originally Posted By: tom slick
Is this closer to what you're looking for?
http://www.revell.com/model-kits/engines/85-8883.html



i assume you can buy that? i looked on the site but couldn't see a price or anything. any help on that would be great.


Go to your local hobby or craft store. My local Michael's craft store sells this.