Detailing engines

May I suggest that you "google" the particular engine you want to build. There are usually lots of photos to show you how to they are detailed. Also, google the type of car that the engine would be in. There again, are usually photos of engine compartments to help you on your trek. Good luck!

Lots of pictures of the real thing. Then print yp some pictures from parts websites on the real motor..parts diagrams are great to see what it all looks like and goes together. 

Then its just lots of tubing and hoses and ways to make brackets. There some good utube vids on it. 

Ted Modeling is a good place to get all this. 

There are a few good YouTube videos that go into engine wiring and weathering. I have attempted to add detail to a couple builds. It definitely takes patience.

There are quite a few sources.

        Up to and including Auto Engine Repair manuals. Good Luck!

some good suggestions. as i have 4 T-34s with complete interior plus a T-34 engine and a T-72 engine as "cargo" i need some detailing information too. plus some of the military trucks have complete engines so thi is not just for autos.

chops1sc

There are a few good YouTube videos that go into engine wiring and weathering. I have attempted to add detail to a couple builds. It definitely takes patience.

 

 

A good alternative to Google for getting photo references is to use Bing.  Bing still allows you to see the photos full-size without having to jump through a bunch of hoops.  It works the way Google used to work before they broke it.

Lot of A/M PE for linkages and accessories, resin replacements.  Plug wire kits, or you can use solid wire to make them.  Bigger wire or fine solder for battery cables and hoses.

Short of wires and linkages and such your biggest detail gain will be various washes. Even the cleanest 1/1 engines have a bit of accumulation forming and if nothing else shadows in the deeper crevices. Washes really separates that look of something out of place even though built perfectly and makes the transition to realistic. Even just a subtle wash helps, it doesn't need to be over done.

Drilling out and adding wiring and fuel lines is a fairly easy add-on that packs a lot of visual wallop. Pre-wired distributors are a fairly common aftermarket item...but scavenging some fine wire from old electrical cords or earbuds can give a good start without much financial outlay.

Plumbing and electrical diagrams for most engines are usually plentiful online, and will give a good feel for what runs where. (You can even match firing order to cylinders if you really want to 'go deep' with the accuracy.)

One tip: if confronted with the choice of a little larger or a little smaller wire size to simulate a line, always go smaller. It will end up selling the scale effect much more easily.

Hi;

       As often non repyable Gregbale says, There are a lot of things you can do. Now to make linkages for Carbs, Accelerators etc. I take medium hard Copper wire. Strip the insulation off. Then Put a very nice piece of steel I got from a friend and put the steel on top of the wire which is lying on a Corian Work surface. Hit it evenly with a Hammer( Either soft or hard tip will do) Viola" you have nice workable strips to use for the flat part of the linkages. Springs? Take the wire from earbuds!

 Twist it around a needle or long straightpin. Pull off, stretch a little and there's your spring! Pins to assemble it" Small short pieces of brass hard wire will work. Snip off after Drilling a hole and then  joining the  parts and the remaining piece ( with a drop of C.A. )will hold the parts together

I love how you did the rust and oily residue look. Great job. 

In case you want to mode some really grungy real-life engines, going to YouTue and finding "Will It Start" videos can be very helpful.

But, where they can really shine is in showing off what new replacement parts look ike on old tired iron.

Start with a wired distributor - google will point you to a few.  This one comes with the ignition coil wire as well:

Different mettalics and washes add a lot as well. 

And when ready to do more google Detail Master - PE heaven for 1/24 1/25 stuff.  Hobby Design and Top Studio amazing detail sets for larger scale cars and bikes.

Lot's of good stuff here: https://www.tedsmodelingmarketplace.com/engine-related/

Also - detail painting can really add a lot.  Tamiya kits that have motors are usually a joy to detail.  This is the Tamiya Toyota GT One

Or this recent Revell release of the Bronco comes with nice engine detail and decals - box stock factory fresh :)

I'm currently buidling that Gt One Toyota kit from Tamiya.  Keavdog is right.  Out of the box it's really fun and the engine is super cool.

keavdog

Also - detail painting can really add a lot.  Tamiya kits that have motors are usually a joy to detail.  This is the Tamiya Toyota GT One

Or this recent Revell release of the Bronco comes with nice engine detail and decals - box stock factory fresh :)

 

 

 

Hopefully the new half cab bronc with trailer and sand buggy is as good in both firerooms

After you get more experienced with cars, you can look into resin aftermarket engines.  If the kit engine is not detailed enough, or you wish to do an engine swap, there are lots of nice resin engines available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_2y_IXUYdk&t=1329s

This has a lot of info..I bought everything he said to and its working well. 

rocketman2000

After you get more experienced with cars, you can look into resin aftermarket engines.  If the kit engine is not detailed enough, or you wish to do an engine swap, there are lots of nice resin engines available.