All in, it took 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete our model (that’s Christmas morning sorted, then). It turned over as promised, though the nature of the plastic pieces made it far from smooth when it ran — this is no Mercedes-AMG V8. Some extra time spent on fine-tuning might have helped. Overall, the Machine Works Haynes V8 Model Engine Kit with digital and interactive augmented reality is a fun construction kit that will show what the engine looks like but also how it works with its moving parts and app interaction – it even has engine sounds. It would make the perfect gift, especially with Christmas coming up, for people that like to build models and explore how things work. Tech, gadgets, car accessories and other products tested. Christmas 2023 gift guide Nextbase iQ review: The world's smartest dash cam 5 best ice scrapers to buy › More here...

If you are looking for something educational, and fun, to do then how about a building kit to create a V8 engine with digital and interactive reality? The Hayes Machine Works kit is suitable for 10 years and has 5 interactive engine areas and over 250 parts. By following the clear step by step instructions with diagrams you can construct a fully working motorised model of a V8 engine. Build a fully functional, motorised model of a V8 petrol engine. This model is a greatly simplified version of a real V8 car engine featuring realistic V8 sound and illuminating spark plugs. Contains over 250 pieces and all that you need to assemble the model. Comes with a Haynes style manual giving you step by step instruction as well as interesting information about V8 engines. Arguably there is a fraction more satisfaction in the building process, but if you have a mechanical mind or want a gift for someone of that nature, it would be a pleasing thing to own. Like a Haynes manual brought to minature life, this is a model of the classic V8 configuration engine, similar to ones you’ll find in everything from 1930s Fords to modern Ferraris and McLarens. Rather than being just a static model however, once properly constructed, this V8 actually works – or at least moves with a little help.

Specifications

Whilst you are assembling it you are not just learning to read and follow instructions, but it also helps children develop patience, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity skills and problem solving skills.

To help you discover how internal combustion engines work a special augmented reality App is available via your smart phone. This creates an interactive experience with the finished model so you can see an exploded view of the engine with 5 animations of key components and detailed descriptions of 11 different engine parts plus the engine sound. Brings the workings of the V8 engine to life! What I really think about... supercars, America, foreigners, car launches, Top Gear, the battle of the sexes and cars " Once you have worked your way through the assembly instructions in the manual you will have built a functional, motorised model of a V8 internal combustion engine, measuring approx. 23x30x25cm, and be able to see how it works with its moving parts, complete with illuminated spark plugs and engine sounds. The app works by scanning the completed model. You can switch between normal, x-ray and exploded views. The app also has a How It Works section explaining how different components work and what their functions are. Also in the app is a digital copy of the manual complete with parts list and assembly instructions.This kit has nearly everything you need to build your own model V8 engine (you just need to supply the batteries and a smartphone or tablet if you want to use the augmented reality and digital content), see how it works and learn about the different components and their functions within an engine. Firstly, the instruction/assembly manual. This is very well put together and has step-by-step illustrated diagrams. It is easy to follow and makes assembly straightforward. On opening the box, you are faced with a selection of bags all with different parts in them. I have to say it was a little daunting but nothing ventured, nothing gained! You can’t use it to power your house or even your lawnmower, but this model will show you how a V8 works

The engine is designed as a gasoline engine but works with a 5V electric motor instead of gasoline so you can run it and see all the parts moving. This kit is as close to a real assembly line process as you can get. The Machine Works Haynes V8 Model Engine Kit is a comprehensive but manageable kit of a simplified replica working engine that does not require any glue to assemble. Once completed the battery-powered engine model can be turned on to reveal moving parts, lights and sounds. Encased in a transparent housing so that you can see how the engine works and with the aid of a special interactive augmented reality app on your tablet or smartphone. Not only an excellent model building kit but an educational kit to see and learn how an internal combustion engine works and powers a car. Stories and advice about our beloved classics Are these the 23 ugliest cars ever made? Alan Mann unveils electric Ford Mustang restomod Goodwood Revival's cutest race? Yes and no › More here...This 357 pcs, four-cylinder engine is a true masterpiece. When we first saw this model, we were blown away by its level of detail. This kit will keep you occupied for hours. Extremely well made with high-precision parts in stainless steel and aluminum alloy. Aimed at children aged 10 or over, the kit is a simplified version of a real engine but is not based on the unit from a particular car. 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”. Unlike an Airfix model, it has moving parts and special effects (sounds and lights). We ran into a few difficulties at times and I did have to take the timing belt cover off several times but this was user error and nothing to do with the instructions or quality of the product which is really very good. When I was a child growing up, I loved playing with construction and model building toys such as LEGO. I loved following instructions and building the models as well as creating my own. These kinds of “toys” are not only fun to build but as I know now, help children develop their dexterity skills, cognitive skills such as planning, problem solving and logical thinking, being able to read and follow instructions and other skills such as patience. 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). Therefore, I was delighted when I was sent the Machine Works Haynes V8 Model Engine Kit complete with Digital and Interactive Augmented Reality to work on.