Roadster VM-01

This is made in Ukraine and is made to the highest of standards, precision laser cut with good instructions. I had built the train, which is of the same standard and looks good in my display cabinet. I did manage to break some of the pieces, but a little wood glue soon put it back together. The car is elastic band powered, although it does not run too smoothly (unlike the train) I expect had I paid more attention when assembling the gears it would run more smoothly. But this is a good way to entertain yourself building this model. Worth buying.

I should first explain that I am a retired engineer in my mid eighties with impaired vision. I make the point because attempting these models is not easy for me. I started with the Ugears Bike VM02 inSeptember to fill some Covid lockdown time. I was bitten by the superb quality of these Ugears models with very precise lazer cutting of all components and decided to try something more demanding, hence the Roadster VM01.This is not a model to rush with more than 400 pieces and a complex assembly procedure BUT your patience will be rewarded with a life like working model of a classic roadster. I did find that I needed a selection of tools to assist with the assembly. I worked on my computer desk where I already have a bench magnifier. I also found that a small clamp on bench vice was useful on many occasions in clamping together some components. Although very accurate, some tenons are rather tight in their mortice. To assist with this I did just break the sharp lead of the tenons with a glass nail file that made assembly just that little bit easier.The hand tools I used were parallel pliers, snipe nosed pliers, a small pair of side cutter (I didfn't want to use a Stanley knife to cut the cocktail sticks), a small cross head watchmakers screwdriver to help pushing some of the smaller components from the board, and the glass nail file already mentioned.Most people may find additional tools not required, I can only speak from my own experience and physical limitations BUT with unrushed perseverance you will end up with a super model to be proud of.Best tip: Take your time and follow the very detailed instructions to the letter....... good luck

I bought this as a 'lockdown' project, and it kept me occupied for about a week....This kit is really very cleverly designed and manages to pack in a lot of working features using wooden gears, cams and bearings. It is great fun to build, but does require care and patience to get everything to work correctly. I do not agree with the reviews that claim it doesn't work - it does, provided care is taken in the assembly. Bear in mind that all the moving parts are plywood, so all rubbing and rolling surfaces need to be carefully smoothed with the sandpaper provided before lubrication with wax (also provided). Then each part of the mechanism needs to be checked for correct and smooth operation before moving on. it takes time, but the result is worth it.My one gripe is the need to create different lengths of elastic bands from the set of standard length ones provided by tying knots in the elastic. This really is fiddly (and not very accurately done in my case). Also, there is quite a lot of 'mechanism' packed into a smallish space, and the knots in the elastic can easily get in the way and stop things working - annoying !Apart from that, definitely 5 stars - now that mine is finished it will rush about 10m across a smooth floor.

I bought this kit as Lego is so expensive at the moment.It was not as straightforward as it looked - each part requires fettling and they don't just slot together, it takes a bit of patience.The wax used as lubricant is not sufficient for the rubber-band motor to work, but I didn't buy it to see it going along so that is not an issue for me.I broke one part and there is a replacement on the way free of charge, so you can't knock that. They also provide spares for some of the smaller parts that may break as you remove them from the sheets. It is important to separate the parts from the plywood sheets with a scalpel, they don't just pop out.

This is a great model and quite complex in its construction.You need to follow the pictorial instructions precisely and exercise patience and dexterity to successfully complete it.The plywood it is made from can be fragile in the thinner pieces and care needs to be taken when removing them from the boards.Never apply pressure on a thin section and support the part you are pressing out.Do not rush the build and study the instructions ,double check that everything is correct at each stage before moving on as it is difficult(but not impossible )to disassemble parts after assembly. I used the wax where instructed but still found the mechanism to be a little sticky so I used a little PTFE spray on a cotton bud to lubricate the gears and this helped a lot in the models smooth running.I enjoyed making the Roadster and the kit is well designed and manufactured. It tested my model making skills and my patience at times but the result is well worth the effort to produce a model you will be proud of.

Kit ois ok but I need spare parts number 2 and 27 urgetly

I've mostly enjoyed putting this together, I've made a couple of the "ugears" models now and have found this much the same to assemble.The assembly itself is relatively easy but there are times when pieces are tight to put together and times when it can be fiddly, but by no means complicated.Loses one star because I've found the pictures on the left of each page, where it shows the location of pieces on the board, too small. It is quite difficult to see the locations in many cases.I also had to replace all the "sticks" (cocktail style sticks) as mine were mostly broken...normal cocktail sticks work as well so if this happens to you it's no issue as most supermarkets will sell them.Overall I would recommend buying this, especially if you or the person you are buying for is a petrol head or just generally into model making. It's not messy due to the fact there is no glue needed and the results are rewarding.

Yes wood on wood drives