Lego Ford Barra Sprint engine completes trio of plastic engines

A third Lego Barra engine has been built by Ford Falcon enthusiast and Lego fan Leo to round out a trio of creations.

The three Ford Barra engine gradually become more complex, though even the first – an XR6 Turbo engine – is rather impressive.

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The most recent, a Sprint-era engine, is the most accurate overall of the three thanks to spinning cams – though its ability to produce 340kW is yet to be tested.

“All three Lego Barras now have dual overhead cams, but only on the Sprint motor do they turn, on the red XR6T and blue F6 motor they are cosmetic but can easily be removed to show the six cylinders and pistons,” Leo tells MOTOR.

“On the black Sprint motor they cannot be removed, this has obstructed the viewing of the 6 cylinders so I have now used some transparent pieces combined with yellow pistons.

“The removable panel on the F6 motor was better but reduced the Lego model’s strength.

“The internal workings on the F6 motor are most correct as the red and black Barras use a second shaft below the crankshaft to gear the spinning turbo – the F6 turbo does not spin.”

Leo says despite the ease of viewing of the F6 Barra he built, or the turning cams of the Sprint engine, he’s most fond of the ‘red Barra’ due to his status as an XR6 Turbo owner.

“The red Lego Barra was my first build and it’s easy to demonstrate the moving turbo, pistons and belts by turning the flywheel.

“The other two engines are more complex to show the mechanical workings, requiring the removal of wiring/piping/hoses etc.”

Each of the three Barras was built using standard LEGO parts, and without instructions.

Each consists of more than 650 pieces, with Leo estimating they take more than 40 hours to build, and around $150 due to the need to order specific parts.

In addition, Leo has submitted the XR6 Turbo design to the Lego Ideas program in the hopes of it becoming a fully-fledged Lego set – something possible due to Lego’s licencing deal with Ford.