Eitech Deluxe Solar Powered Metal Building Kit

by Eitech

Product Features

• Over 300 parts to build your very own solar powered deluxe set
• Build up to 5 models
• Tools included in set
• Illustrated building instructions
• Designed, engineered and manufactured in Germany

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14 x 11.5 x 3.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B001DJHP46
• Item model number: 10073-C73
• Manufacturer recommended age: 8 years and up
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #7,828 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Get hands-on experience with solar energy with eitech's Deluxe Solar Powered Metal Building Kit. This innovative, hi-tech construction kit gives you the choice of building one of five different models, including a car or a helicopter, that are all powered by the included solar panel. Kids ages eight and older will enjoy building neat models while learning about solar energy along the way.

Deluxe Solar Powered Metal Building Kit Ages: 8+

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: 5 exciting models and included solar panel will encourage learning about solar power. The Challenging: Small assembly pieces and complex instructions may frustrate some youngsters. In a Nutshell: Some adult assistance may be required for assembly.

This hi-tech construction kit harnesses the power of solar energy while teaching kids about renewable energy sources. View larger.

Build Solar Powered Cars, Bikes and More
While most model cars or bikes require batteries to run, this kit offers a renewable energy alternative: solar power! Make your car environmentally friendly, thanks to the included 2 x 4 inch solar panel. Attach the panel to the car's roof and then watch as it drives away! All it takes to get the model oil derrick pumping or the wheels of a bicycle moving is a little sun or electric light.

Choose from Five Solar-Powered Models
The kit includes instructions and materials to build any one of five models, including a helicopter, car, bike, windmill, or oil derrick. Of the five available models, the helicopter is most exciting, but first-time builders may want to practice with something simpler like the bicycle or windmill. Kids can also try their hand at constructing the car or oil derrick.

Every model is composed of at least 100 different pieces, and the small size of the screws requires a pair of steady hands. Even adults may find themselves fumbling pieces and losing patience. But building is part of the fun, and the payoff is well worth it. Each model, if it is correctly assembled, will roll, spin, or pump as soon as it is placed in the light.

Easy-to-Follow Instructions
The key to success with any model-building kit is a good set of instructions. To make things easier, the kit includes an 8 x 11 inch instruction manual complete with large, full-color illustrations. Red arrows tell you where each piece goes, and the pieces themselves are pictured and clearly labeled in a key toward the back of the manual. Two screwdrivers, two wrenches (all included) and a single pair of nimble hands are all that is needed to complete the job.

With or without the help of an adult, assembly times can range from 90 minutes to an entire afternoon. Having built the models themselves, kids will appreciate the movement of each part and how it contributes to the whole. Best of all, they'll come away with first-hand knowledge of the benefits of solar power.

About eitech: German Engineering and Quality
Since 1977, eitech has produced metal construction sets and component systems that are designed to promote fine motor skills, creativity and engineering prowess for children and teens. All eitech component systems feature interchangeable parts, leaving no boundaries for the imagination, and they all feature high-quality "Made in Germany" technologies and craftsmanship.

What's in the Box
300 assembly pieces, two screwdrivers, two wrenches, instruction manual with full-color illustrations.

Watch this oil derrick bob up and down as it absorbs sunlight. View larger.

Your model car will reach impressive speeds -- powered only by the sunlight. View larger.

This cyclist will pump his legs when exposed to sunlight. View larger.

From the Manufacturer

Explore the world of solar power by building, learning, and having fun. All models move without generator or batteries and include a powerful solar panel for environment friendly play. High quality, creative metal building kits designed, engineered and manufactured in Germany.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun, but does not live up to potential., December 20, 2009

By	Wayne & Sarah (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Eitech Deluxe Solar Powered Metal Building Kit (Toy)

First off : Unless your child is a mechanical genius, do not buy this for them if they are under 13. Even being 13+, patience is needed. These models are very intricate, require good coordination and some mechanical know-how.

Germans, they make the best stuff, right? Or so Mr. Sham-wow told me. Well, for the price I bought this at (eighty dollars) I feel I paid a little too much. So unless the price is below eight - zero, I would not reccomend it.

With that being said...

Complaints : The instructions look like Ikea building instructions for hades. No words, just arrows and pictures. And boy, are some of these pictures loaded. Very intricate stuff.

The solar panel is tiny and requires a lot of sun to work. I had to put mine directly underneath an incandescent bulb for it to spin. I haven't been able to get it to work outside. Most likely will not be able to until summer.

You can build only one model at a time. Not five.

Pieces are easy to lose and will most likely be mixed up in the box

Positives :

If you and your child have the patience to build this, you and they will have the satisfaction of a job well done once this is built. For whichever model you may choose. And for me, that is all that matters.

Components are high quality.

Instructions, while being dense, are clear.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My 9 year old son likes this!, January 9, 2010

By	Logan - See all my reviews

Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Eitech Deluxe Solar Powered Metal Building Kit (Toy)

Review from my 9 year old son: It was a good experience. I built the helicopter first. It doesn't fly, but the solar panel makes the blades turn. Don't be confused by the picture - the helicopter is too heavy to fly. The instructions have no words, but I go by the pictures anyway. I did not have much trouble following the instructions, although some parts were confusing. Sometimes it's hard to get into the small spaces to tighten bolts, but I was finally able to do it. Learning about the solar panel was neat because you could see how it made the motor work and you could experiment with the different amount of sunlight. Maybe it's the California sun, but as soon as I took it outside the blades started turning! Building the helicopter was a little bit easy, but still worth it. (It's rated age 8+). We bought it on sale for $25. Not sure I would pay full price for it. I'm looking forward to building the windmill, oil driller, the bike, and the car.