Smithsonian Motor-Works Blue, 15.0x11.0x2.0

This is a great model for teaching how a four stroke engine works. It is great for showing the concepts of engine timing between the crankshaft and the camshaft, as well as how the ignition timing comes into play. I have built this model twice — once with my older son when he was young, and now again with my 12 year old son. It is a great model and is relatively easy to assemble. The only complaint I have is that the instructions & image for assembling the cam shaft could be improved, as the orientation of the cams is a little unclear in the image for a couple of the cams. Other than that minor difficulty, I recommend this to anyone who wants to gain a basic understanding of a simple internal combustion engine.

My daughter (7) was ABSOLUTELY absorbed with this engine! She worked for hrs excitedly completing it and then explained to me the working components. Such a great hands on activity for that mechanical/ engineering mind. I really appreciate the poster from the Smithsonian for added learning. Highly recommend.

The media could not be loaded. I purchased this for my son's 6th Birthday thinking it was going to be perfect for him. At his age he has a fascination for how things work and currently his attention is set on engines and other vehicle components. Also I thought what a tremendous opportunity for him and I to work on this together? Father and son both turning wrench on a project. What more could a Dad ask for than quality moments such as that? Putting this model together was not the easiest thing to do. Didactic Instructions are vague and the drawings associated with the steps are poorly drawn. I managed to get it all put together and everything was turning as it should. Except when I attached the motor to the rear that drives the whole mechanism. The small cog wheel that spins the larger cog wheel that turns the internal components of the engine is misaligned and the teeth of the cogs tend to grind. This prevents the engine parts from moving and causes a tremendous plastic on plastic grinding noise. Also in a brief amount of time you can begin to smell that heated electrical ozone because the motor is working against the increased friction between the gear wheels. No matter how many adjusts I made I could not get it to align and the model does not work correctly. I had to break my son's heart when I informed him that I couldn't fix it for it to work and I would be sending it back. That was what bothered me the most was my son's young face of disappointment that his engine that we built together was a dud. Purchase at your own risk. I see some 5 star reviews and I am happy that you were successful with your build. Smithsonian should reconsider having its name affiliated with something so hit or miss.

The media could not be loaded. This is a wonderful model engine. I ordered this for my 8 year old son, hoping that we would build it together, but I did most of the assembly. I can understand- it's a process that young children might get bored with. It doesn't help that the instructions aren't clear at every step. However, I got it done and seeing my boy's face light up was the best! He loves his engine and is genuinely fascinated by all of the mechanisms, but had little patience to help put it together. Keep that in mind- otherwise, a great project!

For the price this is a great kit. Very attractive and well designed. I build exhibits for a living and my general thoughts are that even though this is just a consumer model kit, that it does have some details and color choices that present elements of both scientific and artistic merit. These are some of the details I look for in exhibit production in creative and scientific terms. I like that fact that even though this is a consumer model kit that it has the creative choices of a more expensive device. I think that the end result of assembly is attractive enough to give this substantial review. I frankly like it enough to place it for viewing on a shelf or table so I consider its merits to be both educational and artistically relevant.

No glue. Real screws hold it together. Parts are what you find in a real engine. It provided a great lesson to my grandsons on what goes on in a working engine.

Christmas gift for 9 1/2 year old Grandson who is a hands on learner. He started the project at 10:00 am, stopped for a lunch break and finished it about 4:30 pm. Both parents working, 12 year old sister assisted when asked to help find a part. He thought the written instructions were confusing so went by the diagrams. He said that it was important to not over tighten screws and had no problem with parts breaking. I almost didn’t buy this because of some negative reviews but Grandson enjoyed the challenge of the project and ended up with a working engine and a sense of accomplishment. A great gift!

If you don't meet their requirements they won't post your reviews. Missing parts. My 10 year old needed adult help to assemble it. It isn't easy even with instructions. The quality isn't the best due to missing pieces and the plastic will crack if you arent super careful. It's smaller than we expected. The details aren't as described In the photos and video. Age range 7 years old and up with adult help.