There’s a new crowdfunding project for a complete model kit of an engine, focusing on precision for modellists, collectors and car enthusiasts like we are. All parts are miniaturized versions of real parts, so the building process of this model is the same as a real engine, and the clear engine block allows the visualization of the inner workings of it.
This is a project from Fábio Neto, an administrator from the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He’s a car nut like us since he was a kid, and now as an adult he’s realizing his dream of building model engines. Plus, he’s planning to do this in a modular model kit form, where you can buy only the modules you want or buy them all and build a complete model powertrain, complete with suspension, driving shaft, gearbox and everything!
In this video, he tells a bit more about his project (in portuguese, but with english subtitles)
The best thing of all is that all pieces work like in a real engine! Camshafts, spark plugs (which are LEDs here), crankshaft, gearbox, steering system... This is so crazily detailed that if you want to change the brake disks you need to disassembly the brake calipers like in a real car!
There is a total of 7 different modules: Engine block, engine header, transmission, front suspension, rear suspension, steering and brakes. This isn’t only for collectors or gearheads, he thinks of an even nobler purpose: To aid in the learning of how a car works. He imagines this kit being used in mechanical engineering classes or mechanics schools, or by any kind of course which focus on learning about how engines work. It can be used at schools too, or by gearhead parents to teach their kids about engines.
(Just in portuguese this time... But it’s a nice overview of the modules!)
The crowdfunding page is here (english text below portuguese text):
More and more people are contributing every day, and it’s open for people all around the world to contribute as well. I speaked with Fábio Neto and he’s searching for information about shipping costs overseas, but they won’t be super high. The goal is R$97k, or something like $32k USD, which isn’t really but for a crowdfunding project. I contributed with R$245 myself, and my perk is the engine block and engine header kit, to build the complete engine!
(Showing the build of the lower engine block)
Since the Brazilian Real (R$) is worth something around $0.35 and €0.3, the complete engine kit perk (R$245) is something around $80 USD. There will be a small shipping fee for overseas perks ($30 USD for shiping to the US), so if you want to contribute please contact him here for more details on international shipping.