Visible v eight

The 1/4 Revell V-8 with the hand crank to operate is still readily available.  Tower Hobbies has it. I always thought that was an awesome kit.

I still see the kit at Hobby Lobby sometimes. They still have the generator and carborator.

Welcome to the forums.

I built the Visible V8 when I was 15 years old, and that was a long time ago.  I got it to work some of the time, but the pistons would not go up and down smoothly.  I have wanted to get another one and this just might be the year I do it. Yipee!

Hi G;

    Well , funny you should mention them . I have built both at different times .I had as much trouble with the model Wankel as many folks had with the real one . My Allison was a dream to put together . I must've gotten one of the good ones . T.B.

BTW other "visible" engine models have been the Wankel rotor and the Allison turboprop.

I've never built this, so I don't know how accessible the parts are for ongoing lubrication after completion. Personally, I would be hesitant to use a vegetable based oil, as these have a tendency to gum up after a while. Also, it may go rancid and make your model smell awful.

I would be looking at something like a plastic-friendly grease, perhaps something like Tamiya ceramic grease or Moly grease, which can usually be found in the R/C section of your LHS.

Wow! No I won't balance and blueprint the kit. But the lubricant is a thing to consider

Hi ;

    I gave this some thought and came up with a Lubricating that seems to work really good . Airfix has a Low Pressure Paddle -Wheel Steam Engine .The parts are somewhat larger but so far this has worked .

 All contact surfaces have been Foil-Chromed , then lightly heated with a hair dryer . Don't get to close now ! After you've gone over all the contact surfaces then let sit in a cool dry place for the night .

  Now go to the Hobby store , Get some Extra - Fine model train gear lube . lightly brush the lube on the contact surfaces and then assemble . DO NOT get glue on the surfaces . Let set and slowly over and hour or so start manually spinning the engine .When it is faultlessly smooth Add the batteries and NEVER run for more than four or five minutes at a time .

 All models , however lubricated have one common enemy , Heat from friction . That's why a circus on a public train layout is so expensive . If the operators run them too long the rides eventually self destruct .  T.B.

Raulduke

Thanks don. Yes instructions recommend oil , I'm thinking 3 in 1 oil for lubrication points. Also thinking ca for all the nuts that have to be captured(they recommend epoxy) I don't see a problem with this,however I value your advise. I intend to paint all parts. Haven't checked the tolerance between piston and cylinder head yet , but I can't imagine it being that tight. Your thoughts?

 

i probably would stick with veg oil.

Petroleum on plastic might be a problem.

Thanks don. Yes instructions recommend oil , I'm thinking 3 in 1 oil for lubrication points. Also thinking ca for all the nuts that have to be captured(they recommend epoxy) I don't see a problem with this,however I value your advise. I intend to paint all parts. Haven't checked the tolerance between piston and cylinder head yet , but I can't imagine it being that tight. Your thoughts?

Raulduke

Yes it is revel. But am I right in thinking the old one was battery powered, and the spark plugs lit?

 

Yes, electric motor and lighting spark plugs.  But lubrication was very important- plastic rubbing against plastic is a pretty high friction situation.  Recommended lubrication was salad oil, and plastic (pistons and cylinders) must have no burrs, scratches or anything, else engine will sieze, running batteries down.

Post in Autos you'll get plenty of interest.

Originally by Renwal, it was electrified and it can be found for collectors prices on eBay.

Revell devices it without the motor or flashing plugs.

Yes it is revel. But am I right in thinking the old one was battery powered, and the spark plugs lit?

Welcome to the forums.  I recall that kit back in the 80's.   Made by Revell if I'm not mistaken.