History

An overhead camshaft (OHC) engine of 1914-1918 (also informally called pushrod engine) is a type of piston engine that places the camshaft running above the cylinder heads (with the the crankshaft in the block below), and uses lifters to actuate rocker arms above the cylinder heads that in turn actuate the valves. The lifters or tappets are located in the above the engine camshaft that runs above the tops of the cylinders.

A fellow modeler comments

". . .they are very small parts, and you need to take it slow on an empty desk, not to loose any bits to the Carpet Monster. Taurus have thoughtfully provided some spares, in case you loose any bits (I did). You also have to take care when assembling to get things to line up straight. The timing gear is very slightly long in comparison to the cylinders (As previously stated by Kornbeef). I don't forsee any big issues with this – but it makes placing the springs and lifters a bit tricky. It does make a huge difference once in place, and I think will look great under some coats of paint. A little careful dry brushing should bring out the detail in all its glory.
. . .Mikael Terfors.

kit contents

Taurus Models makes high quality details its forte. Now they spring into action with a set of rocker valve lifters / tappets and springs and camshaft for the 1:32 Mercedes D.IIIaü motors in today's popular kits. As a method of aknowleging fine craftsmanship in the Early Aviation's Group Builds I have prevailed upon a manufacturer to send a new product to one of our members the following is his reaction to the "Easy to Assemble" version.

#D3209 an "easy to assemble" option with the rocker box tops as one item. Now, the first impressions are very good, packaged in a small Zip-lock bag. three blocks of resin, one of springs, one of rocker arms, the overhead camshaft with the boxes. Packed with a simple but easy to read instruction sheet showing what goes where and what needs to be removed from the main kit.

The smaller parts have the usual Gravestone protection stubs at each end. Detail is exquisite on all parts. Something that shows thought is that all components apart from the main assembly come with one or more spares in case of breakage or loss. A Really nice and very appreciated touch by Taurus. The rocker box tops even have individual mounting lugs cast onto them complete with bolts.

Springs are loaded and unloaded profiles. Rocker arms are just beautiful with clamp bolts etc all cast in detail. A large amount of thought has clearly gone into the product.

Here is something for "larger scale" modellers containg timing gear, lifters & springs in 32 scale. A very simple product and very useful. Roden and WNW models don't have detailed items like this in their kits. These are the versions seen on many late built 170hp & all 180hp Mercedes inline motors.

Note these views also include some connector couplings for induction & exhaust pipe that we will discuss in the next Taurus models product review.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.