Smithsonian working engine

[Shaners]

My son got one of the Smithsonian working engine models at my wifes kids Xmas party last night.  We just finished building it about an hour ago.

 

It's an I-4, 8 valve motor with a clear block and head so you can see everything working inside.  You can see the crank turn, and the pistons go up and down, along with the camshaft turning and the rocker arms moving the valves.  There are lights to simulate the plugs firing, and the whole thing is spun by a small electric motor.

 

My son is 10 years old, and it was a great project for the two of us to work on.  If you have a young child and want to teach him/her the workings of an internal combustion 4-stroke engine, then this would be a cool gift for them.

[Shotgun]

Shaners do you know where I could order one of those,I checked their web site but didn't find it.....Thanks

[MountaineerTom]

Yeah, it's pretty cool.  Elwood got J.T. one for Christmas last year.  I think it was the Smithsonian one.

[Elwood]

Yeah it was Smithsonian and I got it at Wal-Mart.  They carryi Smithsonian stuff this time of year, but I haven't seen that one yet this year.

[Shaners]

Shaners do you know where I could order one of those,I checked their web site but didn't find it.....Thanks

KBToys has them along with all the other cool Smithsonian projects.  I hope this link works to all the Smithsonian toys they sell.  You'll see the engine is the next to last listing.

 

Smithsonian Toys

[Elwood]

They have so much cool stuff.

[ekonk]

I remember getting a different model several years back called the Visible V8.  Same basic concept, clear block, OHV, etc. except it's hand cranked and doesn't have lights to simulate spark.  It's pretty good, but I had to work on some of the pieces to get them to fit properly (either slightly bent or not cut right from the factory).  

 

I would imagine that an I4 would be a bit easier to see what's going on, and the electric motor/spark lights are cool.  Either way, I think it's good for kids (of all sizes )

[MountaineerTom]

J.T's model has some piston slap on initial startup.  I've been trying to get in touch with Smithsonian to get the problem cleared up.

 

[Shaners]

J.T's model has some piston slap on initial startup.  I've been trying to get in touch with Smithsonian to get the problem cleared up.

 

LMAO!!!  That's funny Tom!!!

 

I actually had the timing belt off 3 times before I got it set close...  I know it's just a model, but I'm a little anal about things like that.

[RyanbabZ71]

J.T's model has some piston slap on initial startup.  I've been trying to get in touch with Smithsonian to get the problem cleared up.

 

Did they tell you it was normal hahaha