ROKR Model Car Kits Wooden 3D Puzzles Model Building Kits for Adults to Build-Educational Brain Teaser Assembly Model, Desk Decor/DIY Hobbies/Gifts for Teens&Kids (Grand Prix Car)

This was the first ROKR puzzle I’ve purchased, but it won’t be the last. The precision of the cuts on the parts is exceptional. I made the puzzle more difficult by deciding to paint the sub-assemblies as I went, but I thought the final product was worth it (see video). In order to be successful with this puzzle, you will need to be a meticulous, patient person. The instructions are very clear, but they must be followed exactly or you will end up frustrated. Here are a few tips for the adventurous: 1. If you have access to a copier, make a photocopy of the various sheets of the puzzle before removing the parts of the puzzle. This is especially important if you decide to paint it, since the numbers may be obscured by the paint. 2. If you paint it as you go, you may need to use a small file to remove paint on the mating surfaces. The tolerances are so close that the extra thickness of paint may cause parts not to fit. 3. Pay attention to the extra parts that are included on the last sheet of the puzzle. They are parts that are likely to break during assembly. Use extra care when assembling these parts. 4. Be sure you understand the directions before trying to assemble a component. The pictorial directions are similar to those found in IKEA furniture, but these are made with the precision of an architect. 5. When you are tired or don’t understand something, take a break for the night. If you push on, you’ll likely break a part or put something together incorrectly.
I hope this review helps you decide if this puzzle is right for you. It’s definitely not a child’s puzzle. The first page of instructions states that this is for those over 14 years. I think that’s about right. Again, my congratulations to the manufacturer for an extremely well-designed and well-built puzzle. It was a pleasure to assemble.

Easy to put together

This is not an easy build. That is not meant as a negative; simply a caveat that it will certainly challenge even adult builders’ skills. Too, some of the parts are quite small and difficult for an adult’s hands to manipulate effectively. Small hand tools are might prove useful if you have them, and I emphasis small. Standard tools will be too large for easy use and there is a risk of damage to delicate parts. Even with small machine tools, care must be exercised to avoid damage. (first hand experience talking) Fortunately, there were spare parts included and for the very small pins, which were the most vulnerable to mishaps, it is relatively easy to fashion replacements from the abundant excess of the laser cut punch boards. (but it would be easier not to have to in the first place so beware) Again, not a negative, simply an observation and a heads up for builders.

That being said, it was a VERY enjoyable experience and I was both pleased to get this as a gift and quite happy with the ultimate outcome. I would HIGHLY recommend this project. The detail involved was amazing. All aside, that the precision of the gears and the reciprocating wheel mechanisms were remarkable, everything from the coupler assembly, the rotating smoke stack, the cow catcher, down to the roof hatch articulation and even the step for the cab and the ground mount ladder; the detail was superb. A well designed product. Thank you.

Great product. Expertly created and creative. It was fun to put together. Some of the instructions were a little unclear, but overall no issues. They provide many extra smaller parts for when you break one. Will definitely buy similar items in the future.

This was the first ROKR puzzle I’ve purchased, but it won’t be the last. The precision of the cuts on the parts is exceptional. I made the puzzle more difficult by deciding to paint the sub-assemblies as I went, but I thought the final product was worth it (see video). In order to be successful with this puzzle, you will need to be a meticulous, patient person. The instructions are very clear, but they must be followed exactly or you will end up frustrated. Here are a few tips for the adventurous: 1. If you have access to a copier, make a photocopy of the various sheets of the puzzle before removing the parts of the puzzle. This is especially important if you decide to paint it, since the numbers may be obscured by the paint. 2. If you paint it as you go, you may need to use a small file to remove paint on the mating surfaces. The tolerances are so close that the extra thickness of paint may cause parts not to fit. 3. Pay attention to the extra parts that are included on the last sheet of the puzzle. They are parts that are likely to break during assembly. Use extra care when assembling these parts. 4. Be sure you understand the directions before trying to assemble a component. The pictorial directions are similar to those found in IKEA furniture, but these are made with the precision of an architect. 5. When you are tired or don’t understand something, take a break for the night. If you push on, you’ll likely break a part or put something together incorrectly.
I hope this review helps you decide if this puzzle is right for you. It’s definitely not a child’s puzzle. The first page of instructions states that this is for those over 14 years. I think that’s about right. Again, my congratulations to the manufacturer for an extremely well-designed and well-built puzzle. It was a pleasure to assemble.

Not finished building it yet but it’s enjoyable so far.

I had put together the Cello one for somebody else a while back and wanted to do another one.

Great bit of kit, well made and instructions were easy to follow.

As with most mechanical models there is a good chance this model won’t work after assembled. This is usually due to some piece being slightly misaligned and causing a resistance somewhere in the model. Sanding pieces and waxing will help, but still no guarantee the model with work. So would only buy if you will be happy with a model that doesn’t work or just like putting models together.

I painted my model with gouache paint. This paint is water based so did rub off on hands when installing pieces. Be careful that you don’t paint over tabs as it will make it much harder to install.

A few pieces were awkward to install. Not enough room to push tabs in without potentially damaging the other part. In one instance the instructions tell you to pull an installed part out of the way to install another part. Had trouble with the tabs and ended up moving the one part too much and broke it. I was able to fix by gluing.

The coupling rods on the wheels are very loose. They keep falling out.

As seen in video all the gears work, but at best it moves slowly when placed on floor.

It is a very nice looking model on the shelf and highly recommend for the right person.

I have a number of ROKR 3D wooden puzzles and they are fun and challenging to complete. Be aware that Prime Steam Express is much smaller than most of the ROKR products. See the attach photo for a comparison between ROKR’s full size LK701 locomotive on the right and this model on the left. If this is your first 3D model I would wait until you have tried one of the larger models. Although this is a great model when complete, IMHO it is not for a first time builder. Contains many small parts that WILL break even when careful. Fortunately many of these are duplicated, but it’s still a good idea to have some tacky glue available in case you need it. Do I recommend it for an experience builder? YES
Took be about 4 hours to complete taking my time and ensuring I was following the instructions correctly. It makes a very nice display piece, especially if you are into trains.

Bought as a gift.
Very detailed and time consuming. Definitely requires your attention. Does have very small pieces and you must be careful or they will break.

This 3-D puzzle is just genius. No tools no glue needed just patience. This is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever assembled. I can’t recommend it enough. Give it to your kids to pass down as a family heirloom.

This item is extremely hard to piece together, and about half of the pieces broke from slight pressure. It could be better if the product was designed to be less breakable. The finished product is super cool and looks awesome, but it’s very hard to get there.

This was a fun puzzle to build. A lot of the pieces where very delicate and challenging not to force the piece on just slowly and gently work the piece into place. Lots of fun.

Great bit of kit, well made and instructions were easy to follow.

Not finished building it yet but it’s enjoyable so far.

I had put together the Cello one for somebody else a while back and wanted to do another one.

This was the first ROKR puzzle I’ve purchased, but it won’t be the last. The precision of the cuts on the parts is exceptional. I made the puzzle more difficult by deciding to paint the sub-assemblies as I went, but I thought the final product was worth it (see video). In order to be successful with this puzzle, you will need to be a meticulous, patient person. The instructions are very clear, but they must be followed exactly or you will end up frustrated. Here are a few tips for the adventurous: 1. If you have access to a copier, make a photocopy of the various sheets of the puzzle before removing the parts of the puzzle. This is especially important if you decide to paint it, since the numbers may be obscured by the paint. 2. If you paint it as you go, you may need to use a small file to remove paint on the mating surfaces. The tolerances are so close that the extra thickness of paint may cause parts not to fit. 3. Pay attention to the extra parts that are included on the last sheet of the puzzle. They are parts that are likely to break during assembly. Use extra care when assembling these parts. 4. Be sure you understand the directions before trying to assemble a component. The pictorial directions are similar to those found in IKEA furniture, but these are made with the precision of an architect. 5. When you are tired or don’t understand something, take a break for the night. If you push on, you’ll likely break a part or put something together incorrectly.
I hope this review helps you decide if this puzzle is right for you. It’s definitely not a child’s puzzle. The first page of instructions states that this is for those over 14 years. I think that’s about right. Again, my congratulations to the manufacturer for an extremely well-designed and well-built puzzle. It was a pleasure to assemble.