Engine Plastic Model Kits

Thrilled by the sound of a V8 engine rumbling to life, or hearing a powerful V8 zoom down the highway? Then you’re going to love our model engine kits! Realistic and hand-operated, you can learn how an internal combustion engine works in the comfort of your own home.

Here at Frontline Hobbies, we stock the Revell ¼ Visible V8 Engine Model Kit — a level three model kit that’s perfect for modellers aged 12 and up. In fact, this little engine won the 2008 Parent's Choice Award and the Silver Honour of 1995: Doing & Learning Toys, so the Revell V8 Engine Model is recommended for older kids and teens!

Browse through our collection of model engine kits and check out online for fast, affordable shipping throughout Australia! We offer flexible payment options like Zip, so you can “zoom” now and pay later.

History of the V8 engine

The V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine with two banks of four cylinders that share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration. The first V8 engine was manufactured by the French company Antoinette in 1904 but the American Cadillac L-Head engine is considered the first automotive V8 engine to be mass-produced. 

V8 engines in cars didn’t become popular until the introduction of the Ford Flathead V8 engine (otherwise known as a “flatty”) in 1932. This engine was listed on Ward’s list of the 10 best engines of the 20th century which is understandable as it was a staple for hot rodders in the 1950s and has remained famous in the classic car hobbies of today!

The first Australian designed car to use a V8 engine was the 1965 Chrysler Valiant (AP6) but it was built with an American Chrysler engine. The first locally designed V8 Ford was the 1966 Ford Falcon (XR) and soon after, Holden started mass-producing V8 engines for the Holden Commodore, Statesman, Kingswood, Torana and Monaro. 

Now, V8 engines are used in everyday cars, racecars, aircraft and marine vessels, thanks to their incredible power and speed!

The Revell ¼ Visible V8 Engine Model Kit

What better way to see how an internal combustion engine works than to be able to see all of the parts move! The Revell ¼ Visible V8 Engine Model Kit features a hand crank that operates the pistons, camshaft, rocker arms and valves. As you turn the crank, you can watch all the parts move and come to life.

The kit comes with a rubber fan belt, vinyl ignition wires, a display stand and a screwdriver for construction. It also features a rubber fan belt that operates the generator, pulleys and fan; a detailer carburettor and intake manifold; a fuel pump with an operating activator arm; a clear fuel bowl and so much more.

Truly, the Revell ¼ Visible V8 Engine Model Kit is an excellent educational tool! Children and adults alike can build the Revell ¼ Visible V8 Engine Model Kit and learn the inner workings and construction of a V8 engine. 

Whether you’re obsessed with V8s or you have a child who’s interested in cars and mechanics, the Revell ¼ Visible V8 Engine Model Kit offers a unique, hands-on learning experience for everyone. 

FAQs about our engine models 

Do I need additional tools to build my engine model? 

No! The Revell ¼ Visible V8 Engine Model Kit comes with a screwdriver for construction, so you do not need any other tools to build the engine. This is a level three model, so it’s not overly difficult to build.

Are model engine kits good for kids? 

Yes! Broadly speaking, our model engine kits are best suited for children over the age of 12-years-old (due to the build and small, moving parts). Your child can learn how to build a V8 engine and see how it works first-hand — they’re a great educational tool or gift for kids. 

Do you offer working model engine kits for adults? 

Of course — in fact, our engine models are perfect for adults and children alike. The Revell ¼ Visible V8 Engine Model Kit works just like a real V8 engine, so you will still get a thrill from building and operating your own V8 engine.

The model engine kit I want isn’t in stock. Will you be restocking it? 

If the engine model you want isn’t in stock, you can sign up via email to be notified when it becomes available again (unless the item is on clearance — in this case, we will not be getting the model back in stock). Alternatively, you might see “Sold Out - Backorder Available” — this means that the item is temporarily out of stock but you can still place an order. We will notify you once the item is back in stock and/or once we’ve shipped the item.

Do I qualify for free shipping? 

Here at Frontline Hobbies, we offer free shipping on orders over $150. If your order doesn’t meet this threshold, shipping will cost $9.95 to all metropolitan and regional areas. Alternatively, we do offer a free click and collect service from our store in Broadmeadow, NSW! Simply select “free pick-up from store” as the shipping method in the checkout and we’ll organise your order for pick up instantly.

How soon will my items be shipped? 

We have a hardworking team here at Frontline Hobbies, so we’ll have your order dispatched within 24 to 48 hours. Our orders are shipped by Australia Post, TNT, Toll and Fastway Couriers, who all operate from Monday to Friday as a rule. Due to these unprecedented times, please allow an additional 24 hours for shipping time.

Can I track my order in transit? 

Absolutely! Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an email via the carriers with electronic tracking. Please note, however, that we cannot divert parcels that are already in transit, so make sure your shipping details are correct before finalising your purchase.

Shop model engine kits online or in-store with Frontline Hobbies!

Fascinated by the thought of building and running your own V8 engine? Shop model engine kits online today! We offer fast shipping throughout Australia as well as free shipping on orders over $150. 
Alternatively, come and see us in-store to talk shop with our team and find an engine model that’ll spark your imagination. We’re located at 5 Lang Road, Broadmeadow NSW, just 10 minutes out of the Newcastle CBD. We’d be happy to give you a tour of our massive hobby shop!