UGEARS V-Express Steam Train with Tender - 3D Wooden Puzzles For Adults DIY Train Set Model Kit - Mechanical 3D Puzzle Model Kits For Adults To Build - Advanced Level Building Set with Track - 538 Pcs

I am not a "modeller", but I am a keen and decent DIY'er, but I have run out of projects in lockdown, so decided to buy this model for something to do. From the reviews it appeared the best; movement, quality of materials, and the look of the final train. To start with, I was very impressed with the materials: the parts are securely housed in their respective sheets, but there is a tool provided which makes extraction easy. I was concerned as I built it that there would not be enough rubber bands or toothpicks (the "accessory" items used to secure parts together). But there were plenty, so dont feel you have to skimp ! The instructions were simply brilliant. I have bought many items over the years, but these instructions were as good as any I have seen. All done with wonderfully drawn pictures, in colour, and on glossy paper. Well done uGears!. With these in hand, and a bit of thought you will do it. As I progressed, I made a schoolboy error in building the "motor" and broke a piece, but lo and behold, there was a replacement part provided (one of about 10 duplicate parts), so I guess I am not the only one to mess that part up!. To avoid a repetition, I went on the internet, and watched some videos of mounting the 16 drive rubber bands, and realised I was using poor technique. Problem solved. I would definitely recommend watching these videos if you are in any doubt. That was the only real issue ... everything else fitted perfectly, and I used wax to ensure I didnt damage anything ( and were I did, through careless "pressure" to mount a part, a bit of glue secured everything) This was simply a joy to work on and I am delighted with the final model.

I saw the UGears carousel before Christmas and had a spontaneous urge to ask for it as a present. I enjoyed making it so much that I bought this train as an extra present to keep me busy during the latest lockdown. It was a major step up in complexity and has given me many happy (and sometimes frustrating!) hours of 'busyness'. A few tips: 1. It is absolutely worth taking your time to wax the moving parts, sand rough edges and cut the little pins (cocktail sticks) accurately. You'll get a much smoother result and it makes the puzzle last longer, why rush? I think the suggested time of 12 hours to make is probably a good average but it could take considerably longer. 2. Read the instructions VERY carefully, look at the diagrams and check you have the pieces the correct way round at each stage. It's quite easy to make a mistake and have to backtrack. 3. It probably won't work immediately. You'll need to spend some time easing cogs, wheels and other moving parts. I watched a YT video to see what the problems might be and eventually got it working really well, but it took persistence and care. 4. It will really help to have a craft knife (and cutting board) and small lightweight hammer (3oz head or less). You don't need glue for assembly but I did use a tiny amount to repair a couple of fragile pieces which broke during removal from the wood sheets. The final result is a beautifully engineered masterpiece, see the video. With all the little details it looks brilliant and friends and family have been very impressed. Finally, if you're not sure whether this is for you, I'm a 57yr old grandma!

A good model to make which requires concentration and dexterity. The pre made parts are very fragile and would be good if some of the smaller parts had spares as I have had to repair some of then as the fit was so tight they broke. Eg items no 11 .Also some of the parts split when removing them from the pre made proforma pack. When it is done it will look great

Excellent build, but this type of model is complex, requires a lot of time and patience a steady delicate hand and strong fingers. It will take you quite sometime to assemble correctly, there's just no way you can rush this build. My top tips... read all the instructions thoroughly before starting this build. Use several coats of mineral oil and beeswax before you assemble while the parts are still on the boards. Wax all edges. Buy a good quality craft knife and sanding boards. Build the truck first, if its only for displaying build the end sections and put them together. Then build the rear carriage.This will prepare you for what is to come. Then start at the front of the manual and build the engine components as instructed. You will get far more enjoyment out of this build and less broken parts and frustrations if you follow my tips. Lots of preparation work is required for this build so take your time and you will reap the rewards of your hard labour. Just remember that this build is fragile and is a working model and it should become apparent whilst contracting this, it is not a toy, but a detailed scaled model.

I received this model as a Christmas gift from my daughter. This is the 7th UGEAR model I’ve built and it’s by far the most interesting and complex but great to build. The finished item is a beautiful functional model of a steam engine with coal-tender truck. I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but you must READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY before attempting each construction stage. Be patient and don’t forcibly fir the parts. I used candle wax on just about every join to ease pieces together. Remember, these models are designed to a very exacting specification so any error could impact elsewhere in the build. Take your time and at the end you’ll have a beautiful model “steam train” which deservedly draws comments from just about all who see it. Finally, I’d like to draw your attention to the after sales service provided by UGEARS… It is simply first class as is their communications (email). I’ve experienced the full spectrum of dealing with UGEARS, from purchase to constructing and now the after sales care and I have to be honest, they are exceptionally good in all areas.

Not for the faint hearted, and certainly not a beginners Model build. My dad is an amazing Model builder so I wanted to get him so that would push his skills far! This certainly did! It took him a few weeks to complete and he spent about 4 hours a day on it! He said it was very enjoyable to make and although a few small pieces snapped while he was handling them, he didn’t mind Glueing them together again. Over-all he was very impressed, and the train runs along the track believe it or not, powered by a rubber band! Fantastic product we would say. It’s rather expensive but definitely was worth it for my dad who’s stuck at home during Lockdown. I shall be purchasing another model or this brand for him soon

I wanted to buy a kit for adults, something that would make my brain think when putting it together. I was a little resistant to get this wooden kit and wanted something made out of metal. BUT I need not have worried, this was a lot of fun putting together, the laser cuts are precise and should you have any accidents, a bit of wood glue will soon put things right. There is a video on Youtube to help you, but once you got use to how it is put together, you won't need it. Once assembled the elastic band power was forceful enough to make the train move and while this is not a toy, was fun to use. It now looks quite good in my display cabinet. Building the car next

This was a great model to build but found some of the pieces delaminated when removing them from the panels which has an impact on the look of the train.