Make an engine look realistic

Hi guys, I see a lot of pics here with killer engine details. Anyone know of a post that teaches how to make realistic engines here? I can't seem to find one. Thanks a lot

look at real engines. for example if you are building a supra engine look at a real supra engine fore reference

Well... some are stolen from other kits, some are bought over a hobby store or online. but mostly All of the parts are scratchbuilt. Ie: Wiring, Intercoolers, Pipes, Blowoffs, Turbo(s), Turbo Chargers, Battery, Oil coolers etc...

And Reference is a must. You may want to make your model engine look close to your reference if you dont know much abt engines.

There's no substitute for the real thing! Reference pics of the real thing are the best way, but sometimes quite hard to find.

+1 reference is a must, knowledge of what the parts look like and what they do (to connect and plumb them realistically)

but imagination and creativity play a big part. When you cant run out and buy the tiny details you have to get creative and fabricate them from ordinary and sometimes not so ordinary stuff.

all you need is a good picture of the the engine your building, then just make yours look like the picture.

I think engine detail is one of the most fun parts of building a model. I'm not that great at it, but here's some stuff that I learned.

For piping and stuff, use either sheet styrene (paint it chrome or some form of silver) or use aluminum tubing.

Always paint the belts on the engine flat black.

Wires and hoses can be made from real wire. If you have an old broken tv or game system, try using the wires from it.

Remember, not all of those pre-chrome plated parts would be chromed in real life. For things like belts and fans scrape the chrome off with a hobby knife.

If possible, try to paint the lettering.

This isn't everything, but if you do all of these things, your engine will look a lot better. Take your time, and you are scratchbuilding, try to learn what the parts are that you are trying to replicate. This can be fun, and very educational as well. If you weren't already knowledgeable on which parts are which, you will know more about real life cars when the engine is finished.

Like people have said, just look at real pics, and even a real engine. Just go out to the garage and check under the hood.

Also, it takes lot of practice. Just can't do it overnight and be good. It does take time.

There is a wealth of great advice here! Unfortunately, I imagine you were looking for more specific advice. Really, though, there isn't anything else we can say unequivocally. There are a few things that you can check out in the how-tos, but other than that, do what you think would look right. Check reference, check other models, dont' be afraid to copy other people's ideas.

Just to reiterate the best advice already in this thread - just try it, and if it doesn't work, try something again. None of us has ever done anything right the first time. Except maybe Hiroboy.

Hi guys, thanks for all the advice :)

None of us has ever done anything right the first time. Except maybe Hiroboy.
:lol: elected Best Laugh Of The Day! So true! :rofl:

:lol: elected Best Laugh Of The Day! So true! :rofl:


It's true, all his cars are amazing. His parts like the turbo he made and stuff is just amazing.

Some different gauges of wire and a pin vise are a must. Model master metallizer paints for more realistic finishes, Alclad II for chrome parts. Also search the net for aftermarket companies as there are alot of cool PE and resin details out there

1) NEVER trust the paiting info in the instruction sheet :D

2) The best reference is the real thing, helps if you or a friend or someone you know has one you can just look at.

Well, this may get just a tad off topic, but it relates to some of the replies.

As far as painting info goes, try to stray away from it and make the car your own creation.... This'll inspire some creativity.

Using that creativity is the next best thing to do, but if you want realism, use reference as a guide, and throw in some creative aspects like color.

Worked for me.

I see a lot of progress pics with awesome engines. Most of which paint in discolorations in the exhaust pipes. I dont have any airbrush and I was wondering what color is it and is there any way I can do it without an airbrush?

I see a lot of progress pics with awesome engines. Most of which paint in discolorations in the exhaust pipes. I dont have any airbrush and I was wondering what color is it and is there any way I can do it without an airbrush?

Nah...u cant do that, unless you can find a spray with translucent paint. Those discolouration on the engine is usually a mix of yellow, orange and blue. :)

Nah...u cant do that, unless you can find a spray with translucent paint. Those discolouration on the engine is usually a mix of yellow, orange and blue. :)
Really! Damn I hate when people repsond so negatively . And yes SMB you can do that.
There was a nice article in Scale Auto a year or two ago that details this procedure.
Basically you need some transparent colors, red, blue, yellow...
If I remember right the person who wrote the article just used the thin stuff from the top a jar of paint that has settled and seperated. Candy red and blue work well also. You apply light washes of the varying colors in a convincing pattern.A reference photo would be useful.
Wish I had the article for you.

Hmm I just had a thought, I would be willing to bet colored pencils would work as well.

Wow...I really have to try that out. I'll keep you guys posted if I successfully do it. :naughty: