This is my review of the UGEARS U-9 Grand prix Car:

'Unique wooden eco-friendly mechanical construction kits made in Europe from sustainable sourced wood . Precise laser cut details ready for self-assembly without any special tools, glue and chemicals'.

Here is a link to their website: https://ugears.online

The company was founded in Kiev in 2014, so to say they have created these models in such a short period of time is very impressive

The kit itself looks very compact. The box itself measures 370mm x 170mm x 35mm, and when you open the box, you can see why! Very little space is wasted. the 6 sheets of laser-cut ply fill the box, and every sheet is cram-packed with parts. Although this is a 3D model, the parts are, by necessity, 'flat'. Very little sanding is required, although mating surfaces are given a coat of wax (using a cheap tea light candle) prior to assembly.

The build itself requires no adhesives of any sort. All joints are dowel jointed (tooth picks supplied). The kit comes with a full colour 52 page instruction booklet, with easy-to-follow instructions. The first 2 pages even come with initial instructions in 11 (yes ELEVEN) different languages. After that the picture instructions are straight forward enough, but they do provide a UK phone number on the rear of the box, and the US has also got a web presence and some video tutorials.

The steering, suspension and open-cover 16 valve V8 motor are all moveable. So much so with the engine that you can see the valves opening and closing with each piston stroke! This makes for a fantastic learning tool for those interested in the workings of an internal combustion engine, but lacking the knowledge.

The wheels have rubberized 'tyres', probably very much like a true GP car of the era would have.

The motor is actually propelled by rubber bands (there's plenty of them). basically it is just case of insert the 'cranking handle', give it a few turns, select drive (you have 3 position gearshift: idle, reverse and 'race ahead!), and off you go .

The completed model measures 350mm x 950mm x 350mm. It requires no painting as all details are visible either engraved on or through the wood.

So, what are my initial thoughts? Well i have to say, so far, i think this is a great little kit . The laser-cut ply and assembly instructions really are impressive.

Would i buy another? Yes, i probably would

Ummm, wonder if i have room for the Train

Regards
Gray

Nice kit Gray, looks like quite a few parts to assemble.

Mark

A very interesting kit and I think I'll enjoy seeing how it comes together and how it works..... good luck with the build....

Regards

Alan

Ooooow i am SOOOOO jealous!!!
I would like that one too. They are very interesting to build. One tip: get a soft candle to aid assembly of any rotating part. A lot of it is interferance fit, held together with the toothpicks, but very accurately cut. hardly any clean-up necessary.

I am sure you will enjoy your build, and don't forget to post a diary of how you get on I, for one will follow it with interest

Regards
Gray

Looks like a very interesting build

Hello Gray,

I got my Brother the Train version for Xmas and it does look good and he is really pleased with the way it went together.

Regards
Jackbern

Thanks Capt'n
I assumed it'd be fine, but I didn't want to sand and then find that I should have reamed, and so causing problems later.

I'll make another start tomorrow.

Quick update:
I'd also emailed an address at Ugears. A lady called Helena came back to say, "Do what you think is best, and if you break anything we will send you spares!"

Can't say fairer than that!

I re-waxed both ends of the cam and tried again. I managed to get a follower on the "wrong end"; by the 3rd they were slipping on quite easily.

I now have a complete engine with 16 valves all popping up and down.

My Hint:
* I chamfered the bottom of each valve-stem (may not be necessary)
* used a cocktail stick to line up the followers in turn
* engaged the valve-stem a short distance
* when finished, I set the cam for each valve to it's lowest value and pressed the valve until flush with the block

I love the detail of different size exhaust and inlet valves! (this was taken before I adjusted the valve-stems)


The elastic motor(s) is interesting. Read ALL of the instructions before you begin as the drawings can be misinterpreted. The motor even has thrust bearings! (not seen in this image)