UGears: Top Fuel Dragster (321pc)

Top fuel dragsters are the undisputed kings of the dragstrip. Able toaccelerate from 1–100 mph in under a second, with 5 G's of force at launch(more G's than an F-18 catapulted off the deck of an aircraft carrier) and topspeeds of 335 mph, top fuel dragsters are the automotive epitome of technology,power and speed. With their long dragonfly-like bodies, fiery exhaust plumes,large top fins, and parachute-aided stops, these iconic racers have long firedthe imaginations of everyone who loves fast cars, a good head-to-head battle,and a touch of crazy. Drag racing—a battle of acceleration conducted on astraight track—was born in dry lake beds in California in the 1930's. Regionaland national championship races for dragsters and motorcycles have been held inthe U.S.A. since the 1950's, and from there the sport has moved to manycountries around the world.

Named for the very rich air-fuel mix of 90% nitromethane and methanol thatpowers the car's 11,000 h­orsepower engines (the equivalent power of tenFormula 1 cars combined), a top fuel dragster consumes fuel at the rate of11 gallons per second—the same burn rate as a Boeing 747 jet aircraft, onlythe dragster engine is four times more efficient! On the straightaway a top fueldragster will leave the fastest Bugatti or Porsche in the dust—it's not evena competition. The quarter-mile record for top fuel dragsters is an incredible3.6 seconds!

One look at the Top Fuel Dragster by Ugears tells you this is no ordinary toycar. The model is driven by a powerful spring motor and gear set that transmitspower through the crankshaft and belt drive (a rubber band passing through atensioner with roller) to the rear wheels, which have special silicone gasketsfor extra grip. The DIY wooden model has a Start/Stop button, variable drivingmodes, and is able to rear up on its back tires when peeling out, just like areal dragster. The Top Fuel Dragster has an open “skeleton” body, revealingthe beauty and amazing inner mechanics of this racer.

To operate the model, make sure the “start/stop” switch is set to the“stop” position, then twist the non-removable winding knob at the back ofthe Dragster about a dozen times in a clockwise direction. Place the Dragster onthe floor and while holding it with one hand, flip the “start/stop” buttonto “start,” then release. Because this is Ugears, and because we loveincluding realistic details that add that “wow!” factor, in the “stop”position, the air intake dampers are closed and in the “start” positionthey open!

Real top fuel dragsters have an engine life cycle of just 3 minutes,including warm-up. After each 4-second run they are disassembled, inspected, andcleaned; damaged or worn parts are replaced (clutch, pistons, connecting rods,rings, spark plugs); and the engine completely rebuilt in about 40 minutes, tobe ready for the next run. Mercifully, our stunning DIY wooden model Top FuelDragster doesn't require that level of maintenance, but do take care inconstruction to properly sand and lubricate all moving parts for optimalfunction. Be sure to carefully follow the step-by-step instructions, availablein 11 languages (English, German, Ukrainian, French, Polish, Spanish, Russian,Japan, Italian, Chinese and Korean), to guide your build.

The Top Fuel Dragster is a proud addition to our growing catalog of Ugearsrace cars, motorbikes, trucks and other outstanding automotive DIY models. Thisspeed demon is a worthy opponent for the Drift Cobra in your Ugears race club,and covers up to 8 m on a single winding. The Dragster model kit has321 pieces, is rated “Advanced” difficulty, and promises 8+ hours ofassembly fun. Start your collection ofUgears wooden model cars today, thenbranch out as you explore the wonderful world of Ugears 3D puzzles, DIY modelkits, automatons, robots, wooden puzzle boxes and STEM Lab model kits.

The Ugears Top Fuel Dragster will appeal to those who feel the need forspeed, race junkies, car lovers, automotive model enthusiasts, and anyone wholikes a bit of badassery.

Specifications:

• Model size: 15.3 × 4.7 × 5.1 in(390 × 120 × 130mm)
• Package size: 14.9 × 6.7 × 1.2 in(378 × 170 × 31mm)
• Number of components: 321
• Estimated time of assembly: 8 hours
• Level: Advanced