Pistons and crankshaft

 

First out of the kit box are the parts for the all-important pistons and crankshaft. Time to find out how well this thing is designed!

The instructions mention a knife, clippers and a screwdriver being the only tools required for the build, and the last one is supplied. No glue or any other modelling equipment. Sensible, when your audience isn't hard-core plastic kit builders. 

The parts are nicely moulded, and clip off the sprues easily enough. Using a sharp knife, I trim the residue away and start assembly. 

Each piston head is made from two parts and these push together over a plastic wrist pin that retains the connecting rod. All seems pretty solid and unlikely to disassemble itself while working. Since I can't paint these parts, it would rub off when the model is working, I sand and polish the pistons, but I'm not sure it's worth the effort - they looks a bit better maybe, but you can still see the sprue marks. 

The rods fit on to the shaft and screws hold the rod cap. There's plenty of play in the who setup, possibly as much as in a real engine, but I'm sure this is to ensure everything will work. 

All the bits fit together perfectly, and the screws bite into the plastic easily enough. You are warned not to do them up too tight, but you'd have to go mad to do much damage I feel.