UGears mechanical 3d models

This was only the second UGears model I\’ve ever built. The first was the VM-03 Roadster (shown in the picture in green) really had MUCH more complete and clearer instructions. It\’s almost as if they really babied you compared to this build where LOTS of things were left out. They went the extra step of showing you how to cut down the toothpicks and how many you needed etc etc in the Roadster instructions. In this model there really wasn\’t that much of that which was a little disappointing. Also, there were a few times in the instructions where they show a marking of a part for orientation purposes and then in another step the same marking is shown on the other side of the part. Another quibble I have is some parts are shown assembled out of order in different steps, this can be VERY confusing if you haven\’t reviewed the instructions carefully ahead of time. I was honestly quite shocked that at the end of the instruction booklet, where they show the functions, there was no mention of the hood opening with latch, or high and low speeds. I guess you\’re just supposed to know or figure it out??

As you can see, I fully detailed my model inside and out. For areas that move I used Sharpie markers. But let me warn you, only black and metallic sharpies adequately cover the burned edges of the wood. I used wood stain for the floor of the cabin and the interior walls. Portions of the model that can be thickened like the entire outside and, for example the inside of the doors I used acrylic paint. I painted my model to look like Optimus Prime from the live action Transformers Movie! I did spend considerable amount of time detailing the interior only to realize once the model is assembled it\’s VERY difficult to see inside, glad I took lots of pics during assembly. That means that you probably don\’t have to be as meticulous as me since it won\’t be visible. I did add a fabric and pillow to the bed and light to the interior to help you see in there a little bit better.
See my video with my truck in action here: https://youtu.be/Wt7ktLhwhKk

TIPS for OTHER builders:
-Liberally wax ALL parts that interact with each other, not just where the instructions show
-ALL parts that rub against each other should be almost polished before applying the wax with a find sandpaper
-Pay close attention to the orientation and order of assembly so that you don\’t need to disassemble anything
-Don\’t be afraid to sand things so that it\’s not as difficult to press them together, it\’s better to use a little glue if needed than break a part
-The trailer hitch mechanism should be retracted while working on the model. This was the only part I broke while working on the next step, since this is a LARGE lever arm and sticks waaaay out!
-The wheel locking nuts are the most difficult part to assemble and you should use some wax, sand a bit if they are super tight and lastly, don\’t forget to support the axle when installing
-As you can see, these models CAN be painted but be careful to only paint areas that won\’t be moving as this adds thickness to the part

See my video with my truck in action here: https://youtu.be/Wt7ktLhwhKk

Just bought my first ugears kit and had Lots of fun putting together the models. It was by chance that I came across them at the local bookstore here in Oak Harbor, Washington, known as \’the book rack\’, since I love puzzles these were perfect for a afternoon of fun and they had many of kits to choose from. I plan to buy many more in the near future. Thank very much for the fun.

I have built several U-Gears model (6 to date)and enjoyed every moment with them. I found that it is vital to follow instructions carefully to have the final product working as expected. I am anxious to begin on my next kit.

My children loved putting together this project! It was engaging and technical enough for my preteens to feel like they were working on a complicated task. We recently visited the National Clock Museum in PA, and this tied in perfectly to help demonstrate what they had seen there. I bought two more of these to gift to their friends for birthdays. I look forward to buying additional ugear products fir my kids!

THIS WAS MY 5TH UGEARS PROJECT AND CERTAINLY THE HARDEST. DESIGN AND ENGINEERING ARE SUPERB BUT PLYWOOD QUALITY WAS SUB-STANDARD AND RESULTED IN SEVERAL BROKEN PARTS INCLUDING DRIVE GEARS FOR WHICH THERE WERE NO SPARES, A COUPLE OF BEARING, THE HELICOPTER LEFT BODY PANEL, ETC. IN SEVERAL CASES THE PLYWOOD DE-LAMINATED EITHER WHEN REMOVING FROM THE FRAME OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO INSERT PARTS IN HOLES. THIS WAS DEFINITELY NOT THE SAME GRADE OF PLYWOOD USED IN MY U11 TRUCK OR MY OTHER MODELS. i WAS ABLE TO GLUE BROKEN PARTS AND ACHEIVE A WORKING MACHINE BUT IT WAS NOT EASY.