Revell Visible V-8 Engine 1:4 Scale

Reader Reviews
This is an update to the early review of the Visible V8 kit. Revell has moved their manufacturing of this kit to, (surprise) China sometime during the past few years. The kits are now supplied with metric screws and nuts. The kit was designed here in America about 1960 using 2-56 screws and nuts. The metric nuts and screws are larger and will not fit into some of the pockets and holes correctly. This causes some of the holes not to line up correctly requiring some drilling and cutting of the plastic parts. A stupid cost cutting move at best.Anyway, if you build one of these kits I would go to a hobby shop, buy the correct 34 2-56 nuts,14 2-56 1/4 inch screws,20 2-56 1/2 inch screws, not use the supplied metric nuts and screws. 2-56 Nuts and screws are usually available at hobby shops as most hardware stores don't carry screws that small. Mc Master Carr has 2-56 nuts and screws available on line, but you may have to buy a full box of them. Nylon screws and nuts will also work if needed, but they must not be over tightened. You might also find steel, brass, nylon 2-56 nuts and screws on E Bay from time to time. Steel, brass, and nylon screws can be cut to fit if needed, but stainless steel screws will be harder to cut.Another reason to use the correct screws and nuts is that the nuts are held in place with epoxy and per instructions, placed in position first. Then when the screws are put in, many of the holes won't line up, but you have already epoxied the nuts in place. This can be a problem. Using the correct screws and nuts is a better way to go as some might fit, but some won't.The kit will go together better and faster. These kits will fit together if you take your time to trim and pre fit the parts before using the exoxy and styrene glue. I use epoxy and plastic welder rather than the standard model airplane glue. They really do look good when finished.Update: Dec 22 2010 Do NOT use vegetable oil as the instructions tell you to do to lubricate your Visible V8! Use labelle plastic safe oil or similar. Vegetable oil will trash out your engine after month or two.