Build a Model Car Engine

Materials

• 1/4″ balsa wood
• 1/8″ balsa wood
• 1/16″ balsa wood
• 3/16″ dowels
• 1/8″ dowels
• 1/16″ dowels
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper
• Hobby knife
• Ruler
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Cut the parts out of balsa wood.

1. For the base, cut a piece of 1/4″ balsa wood to 4″ x 6″.
2. For the sides, cut two pieces of 1/8″ balsa wood to 3″ x 4″.
3. For the top and bottom, cut two pieces of 1/16″ balsa wood to 4″ x 3″.
4. For the crankshaft, cut a piece of 3/16″ dowel to 2″.
5. For the connecting rods, cut two pieces of 1/8″ dowel to 1″.
6. For the pistons, cut two pieces of 1/16″ dowel to 1/2″.

2. Assemble the base.

1. Glue the sides to the base, flush with the edges.
2. Glue the top and bottom to the base, flush with the edges.

3. Assemble the crankshaft.

1. Drill a hole in the center of the crankshaft, 1/8″ from one end.
2. Insert a 1/16″ dowel into the hole.
3. Drill a hole in the other end of the crankshaft, 1/8″ from the end.
4. Insert a 1/16″ dowel into the hole.

4. Assemble the connecting rods.

1. Drill a hole in the center of each connecting rod, 1/8″ from one end.
2. Insert a 1/16″ dowel into each hole.

5. Assemble the pistons.

1. Drill a hole in the center of each piston, 1/8″ from the top.
2. Insert a 1/16″ dowel into each hole.

6. Assemble the engine.

1. Place the crankshaft in the base, with the dowels inserted into the holes in the sides.
2. Insert the connecting rods onto the crankshaft.
3. Insert the pistons onto the connecting rods.
4. Gently push on the pistons to make sure the engine moves smoothly.

7. Finish the engine.

1. Sand any rough edges.
2. Paint the engine if desired.
3. Attach the engine to a model car body.

Tips

• Use a sharp hobby knife to cut the parts out of balsa wood.
• Be careful not to cut yourself when using the hobby knife.
• Use wood glue to assemble the engine.
• Let the wood glue dry completely before using the engine.
• Sand any rough edges before painting the engine.
• Use a light coat of paint to avoid weighing the engine down.
• Attach the engine to a model car body using glue or screws.