--- title: "This Working Lego Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine Would Make the Allies Proud" date: "2023-11-26" modified: "2023-11-26" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-working-lego-rolls-royce-merlin-engine-would-make-the-allies-proud" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Rolls-Royce News" tags: - "Rolls-Royce" --- # This Working Lego Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine Would Make the Allies Proud ![]() *Ronald Tewes | Beyond the Brick* Without question, the [Rolls-Royce]() Merlin engine is one of the greatest piston pushers ever made. The 27-liter V12 was built in the 1930s and 1940s and would eventually go on to power allied fighter planes during World War II, such as the Supermarine Spitfire and [P-51 Mustang](). Not only did it sound incredible and have a higher specific output than any other aviation engine of its time, it helped win the Allies the war. So a functioning Lego recreation of the Merlin warms my heart. The builder of this Lego Merlin engine is Ronald Tewes, whose [*YouTube* ]()channel is filled with fascinating Lego and miniature builds. In addition to the Merlin engine, Tewes also built a Lego Rolls-Royce seven-cylinder radial engine. However, it's the Merlin that's most exciting, since it powered both America's and Britain's most beloved fighter planes, the P-51 and Spitfire, respectively. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4VQM1srU_I While Tewes didn't create an in-depth video of the Lego Merlin's functionality, there is a video from *[Beyond the Brick]()* showing the engine working under the power of a small electric motor. While "running," you can watch the pistons, valves, and camshafts in action, since the engine features a skeletonized block and heads. And just like the real Merlin engine, the Lego version features little exhausts, which would normally stick out on either side of the engine compartment. We've seen[ transparent engines]() and[ Lego engines]() before, but this is an incredible combination of both and one of the best we've ever seen. Obviously, the Lego version doesn't sound as good, since all you hear is the whine of a tiny electric motor instead of the real deal's eardrum-pummeling V12 thunder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR4n3zQd5Qc These sorts of Lego builds always overheat my brain. I'm currently having a hard time with the Lego [Bugatti Bolide]() that my son and I are building and that comes with instructions. Lego doesn't make a Merlin engine set, so Tewes had to come up with this build in his mind and just imagining that is causing my ears to smoke. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()