The Workshop Experience
Clear the dining table or set up a space in the garage—this is a project that commands attention. With over 250 parts, the build process is intricate and rewarding. It starts with sorting the components: cranks, pulleys, belts, and valves. As they follow the step-by-step manual, they'll piece together the heart of a car, learning exactly what happens under the bonnet when mum or dad turns the key.
Seeing It Work
Most models hide the magic, but this transparent casing puts the engineering on display. Once assembled, it's not just a static statue. Push the button and the electric motor drives the crankshaft. They'll watch the pistons cycle up and down, see the valves rock open and closed, and time the 'explosion' as the red LEDs on the spark plugs fire in sequence. It's a mesmerising loop of mechanical motion that makes complex physics instantly understandable.
Augmented Reality Learning
For an extra layer of discovery, download the free Machine Works app. By scanning the finished model, they can explore an interactive X-ray view and 3D animations that explain the function of key components, bridging the gap between physical play and digital learning.
A Shared Project
While a keen 12-year-old might tackle this solo, it's a brilliant opportunity for side-by-side building. You can guide them through the trickier connections or explain the role of the distributor, passing on practical knowledge in a way that feels like play, not a lesson.
Measuring approximately 28cm x 20cm x 20cm, it's substantial enough to look impressive on a desk without taking over the whole room.