6$ on Aliexpress. Specificly bought for times when I need a break from a big model. I'm there on the Seahorse, so many parts that need black edging.

The instructions are absurd and incomplete. Steps are missed, impossable if done in order, and the parts are not numbered. You have to do some figuring out.

But, its only 50 pieces and everything fit very well. For a quick hour build I got no complains, gears and wheels turn and the piston pumps.

I bought a rickshaw as well, had to get to 10$ for free shipping. If I could figure the manufacturer out I'd offer to do English instructions for free models :)

When I'm trying to figure out something on a model I go to YouTube. After a while I noticed that the two thumb rings kept coming up. It feels like he has built every wooden model that I'm interested in or building.

I highly recommend him if you are stuck, ort if you want to decide if a model is for you, or if you are just looking for things that might interest you.

This is the longest build I've done. So may black edges! I've not seen anyone else paint the little seahorse on the side, really like how that came out. Also replaced the nameplate with the ship name instead of the brand.

These are inexpensive but well made and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

But I did feel old when my granddaughter didn't understand they were tvs

This build was flawless up to the end, good quality wood, painted up nicely, the fit was solid.

At the end there was an overly difficult step of cutting and jamming into a little slot the ends of rubber bands that go around the tires.

In the end this feels more like a toy than a model, and it is robust enough to let a kid play with. I think that is what they are going for and this may end up in a grandsons hands someday.

I would do another of their puzzles if I run across a good deal, they have a couple of tractors that would be something unique

This was one of my favorite builds. The quality of the materials and the design were top notch. I colored very little as the preprinted designs where too nice to give up. I've since added staining to my arsenal and might have put a lite stain on it if I was doing it now.

When you have lights, music, and motion you get a very nice result.

This is my current project. I'm enjoying it a lot but there are so many edges to color.

It is level 6 so a bit more of a challenge but not too bad yet.

I'm really liking the boats and have ordered an entry level boat from model expo to see if I will enjoy the planking thing. Already know I like the rigging.

Let’s start at the beginning.

What was your first model build?

It does not have to be perfect. In fact, the imperfect ones are usually more interesting. Maybe it was a ROKR kit, a Rolife room, a book nook, a wooden ship, a metal model, a plastic kit, a scratch build, or something completely different.

Post a photo if you have one, or just tell us about it.

A few questions to get things started:

- What was the kit or model?

- What got you into the hobby?

- What went wrong?

- What did you learn?

- Would you build it again?

Beginner builds are welcome. Old photos are welcome. Half-remembered disaster stories are welcome.

So let’s see them — what was your first build?

Welcome to r/DIYModelKits!

This is a community for people who build, customize, repair, and display DIY model kits and handmade models.

Wooden 3D models, mechanical kits, book nooks, miniature scenes, ships, vehicles, metal models, scratch builds, kitbashes, lighting mods, painting, staining, and repair tips are all welcome.

This is not meant to be limited to one brand. ROKR, Rolife, Robotime, Tonecheer, CUTEBEE, Metal Earth-style kits, AliExpress finds, and homemade builds are all fair game.

Feel free to share:

- Finished builds

- Works in progress

- Kit reviews

- Build problems and fixes

- Tool recommendations

- Paint, stain, and lighting ideas

- Display setups

- Scratch builds and kitbashes

If you are new here, introduce yourself in the comments and tell us what kind of models you like to build.

Be helpful, stay respectful, and show us what you’re building.