I recently completed a vintage Williams Brothers model of a Pratt & Whitney Wasp R-1340 engine in ⅛ scale. I shaved off all off the molded-in fastener heads and replaced them with miniature metal nuts and bolts. Wherever possible, I used the fasteners to screw the parts together rather than glue them. The inlet and exhaust pipes were fabricated out of aluminum tubing and rod. I also machined the output shaft out of aluminum rod. The engine components were painted in various shades of Alclad metalizers. This model had a special significance for me because it was P&W’s first product, and I started work at P&W during 1975, the 50th anniversary year of the company. This model sat on my shelf for a long time, so it seemed appropriate to complete it to celebrate the company’s centennial. Although I didn’t get to work on piston engines, I met employees that had worked on them, and worked in some of the same factory areas where these engines had been built and tested. It wasn’t unusual to see old piston engine parts lying around the office, particularly pistons being used as ash trays.
Very nice build and a great way to display it. Welcome to the forum. 
Welcome to the forum! That is one impressive model. I didn’t know that something this size was available. It looks like it belongs in a museum. Congratulations
Wow great job! And welcome. I have a newer (color) boxing of that kit. A couple guys here have done nice jobs on this kit as well. I hunted down a Pratt and Whitney logo and a wasp data plate for my display when I get to it. Really like your display.
Thanks. I think using an actual data plate is a great idea for the display. I thought the mirror background that I used would be a good way to allow a view of the components in the back of the engine, but if I had to to it over again, I’d either mount it on a clear plate, or make some sort of tubular frame that didn’t block the view of the engine.
I remember building “The Visible Aircraft Engine” when I was a kid, which as I recall was also a PW Wasp. I used it as my Science Project display for Jr HS.
Wish I still had it, but how many times have we all said that!!
This model took me back to my HS days at Aviation HS in NYC. We had plenty of these old engines in the Powerplant shops. We learned to take them apart (1 cylinder/student) and inspect them (cylinders, pistons, piston rings, etc.). The only things missing were the electrical harnesses and the intake and exhaust pipes. Great model. Thanks for sharing this.
That is a beautiful model! Great job. I can feel the pride you take in working for Pratt & Whitney.
Looks great 
Looks like you added a bit to the mounting- that mirror is a great idea. That is a great kit. If you are an engine guy I highly recommend it.
Thanks. The struts were all that was provided with the kit. I made the base and backing plate from black PVC sheet, then cut the mirrors from reflective acrylic wall tiles. I cut the base to fit inside a acrylic cube (not shown in the pictures) to keep the dust and curious fingers off, since I’m displaying it in the open.
Wow! Great work on this model. I just found this “old” model (unopened and with all the parts) in a second thrift store for $20. Before I bought it, I checked with Ebay and saw that it sells from $150 to $200. Naturally, I scarfed it up in an instant. When I get around to building it, I’m going to look at your work, take my time, and try to duplicate what you did!
Congratulations on getting a great deal on this vintage model. It took me a lot of effort to take it to the next level of detail, but I enjoyed the challenge. I look forward to seeing your completed engine.