TAOLEI hot air Stirling Engine Motor Model electromagnetic Engine Model Pneumatic Engine steam Engine Model Educational Toy kit red, Yellow and Blue (Q1)

A fun kit. Comes partially assembled, it took me about 10 minutes to do the rest of the build. Powered by an included USB air pump, with variable speed so you can control the speed of the engine.It has some VERY small parts that make portions of the assemble a bit tricky, so adult help would be required for younger kids.

First I love motors, anything mechanical, it's just a hobby I've always had. This one is very interesting and actually really well made. When not being used, it's a great display and conversation piece. One thing to understand though is it comes mostly assembled. I'm glad as I like putting things together but if you don't you may or may not like this. It's not difficult to assemble but the instructions aren't the greatest if you aren't very mechanical. It does come with all the tools needed to assemble and some spare parts, as it will have to be disassembled from time to time (depending on usage) for cleaning.The air pump that comes with it isn't horrible but it's kind of loud. It's not fill the room loud but it takes away from the engine. The air hose isn't that long so there's no way to get it away from the engine, which means you hear more of the pump than the engine. I personally want to hear the engine as it has an interesting sound. It's also kind of a pain to get the air tube to fit the engine as well, it's just a hair too big. I get it needs to be tight to stay but I just wish it had been designed a little different.In all it's really nice but kind of fiddly. I really didn't have any problems and was able to get it going in less than 15 minutes but I can see where others might have some issues. Then it really needs either a different pump or longer air hose, possibly both. If the pump were quieter as it's not padded (rattles on everything) and a little better set of instructions for people that aren't as mechanical inclined, it'd be a solid 4 or 5 stars.

My 15 year old assembled this in just a few minutes with no issues, but one small delay in that two of the tiny pins were slightly different sized and not interchangeable. The instructions are lacking, but it's simple enough to still be built with the small amount of guidance... but with some interesting instructions that include some educational content, this could be a popular educational tool.Once assembled, it works very well. I appreciate the "simulation" of steam by using an electric compressor, but at the price (which I think is a bit high), I think they should include a small boiler assembly that would work with tea-light candles or something for the "full experience" and the electric compressor as a quick demonstration tool.It looks great sitting on the shelf as a "nerd toy" also- their use of color parts makes it stand out from several similar products. I think the current prices are a little high, but it's still worth it- especially if you're looking for interesting ways to teach those budding engineers how things work.

What a great desk toy, a running model of a steam engine. Super cool to just sit on your desk and watch. Assembly was simple and it seems to be pretty good quality. Its nice that you can adjust the running speed by using a small dial on the USB cord which adjusts the air pressure coming out of the little air pump. Oh, and it looks really cool too!