UGears Top Fuel Dragster

Assemble me. Free my superpower!

Top fuel dragsters are the undisputed kings of the dragstrip. Able to accelerate 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 top speeds 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 fired the 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 a straight track—was born in dry lake beds in California in the 1930’s. Regional and national championship races for dragsters and motorcycles have been held in the U.S.A. since the 1950’s, and from there the sport has moved to many countries around the world.

Model size: 39*12*13 cm 

Number of components: 321

Estimated time for assembly: 8 hours  

Named for the very rich air-fuel mix of 90% nitromethane and methanol that powers the car's  11,000 horsepower engines (the equivalent power of ten Formula 1 cars combined), a top fuel dragster consumes fuel at the rate of 11 gallons per second—the same burn rate as a Boeing 747 jet aircraft, only the dragster engine is four times more efficient! On the straightaway a top fuel dragster will leave the fastest Bugatti or Porsche in the dust—it's not even a competition. The quarter-mile record for top fuel dragsters is an incredible 3.6 seconds!

One look at the Top Fuel Dragster by Ugears tells you this is no ordinary toy car. The model is driven by a powerful spring motor and gear set that transmits power through the crankshaft and belt drive (a rubber band passing through a tensioner with roller) to the rear wheels, which have special silicone gaskets for extra grip. The DIY wooden model has a Start/Stop button, variable driving modes, and is able to rear up on its back tires when peeling out, just like a real dragster. The Top Fuel Dragster has an open "skeleton" body, revealing the 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 of the Dragster about a dozen times in a clockwise direction. Place the Dragster on the floor and while holding it with one hand, flip the "start/stop" button to "start," then release. Because this is Ugears, and because we love including realistic details that add that "wow!" factor, in the "stop" position, the air intake dampers are closed and in the "start" position they 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, and cleaned; damaged or worn parts are replaced (clutch, pistons, connecting rods, rings, spark plugs); and the engine completely rebuilt in about 40 minutes, to be ready for the next run. Mercifully, our stunning DIY wooden model Top Fuel Dragster doesn't require that level of maintenance, but do take care in construction to properly sand and lubricate all moving parts for optimal function.

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