Ugears has designed some beautiful and challenging train models over the years, including the Locomotive, V Express Steam Train with Tender, and Hogwarts™ Express. With the Mini Locomotive from the Smart collection, we bring you a simple, "Easy"-rated DIY train model that anyone can build, including junior train enthusiasts. This rubber band-powered wooden train (locomotive plus tender) model has surprising get up and go in such a compact body, and is able to travel over 2m on a single winding. Sleek, retro styling harkens back to the 1930's—the last decade when coal-fired steam locomotives held prominence.

The locomotive features a wind-up ratchet key, "Start/Stop" switch for easy operation, and three main paired wheels with connecting rods, to send the train speeding away along any flat surface. The locomotive couples with an open coal tender that can be used to carry a favorite toy, snack or note to a loved one across the room!

To operate your DIY mechanical wooden train model, set the On/Off switch on the top front of the train to the "Off" position, give 6-7 turns of the ratchet dial on the side of the locomotive, place your train on the floor or on a table while holding it with your hand, then flip the switch to "On" and release. Rotational power is transmitted to the wheels through a gear block, while a flywheel slows and evens the acceleration of the train. The train's rubber band motor can be wound again and again, and if you ever need to replace the rubber bands this can be done easily by spooling out the line to which they are attached, using the ratchet key.

One of the great things about Ugears models is they can be built without glue or special tools. Everything you need for assembly comes right in the box. Just punch the laser pre-cut pieces out of their composite wood boards and snap together. Made from art-quality composite wood, Ugears models can be left in their attractive natural wood state, or colored, stained or painted in a color scheme of your choosing (paints not included). When assembling your Mini Locomotive remember to lightly sand and wax moving parts to make them run smoothly (wax and sandpaper included).

The DIY Mini Locomotive with tender is a great starter model for any youngster who loves trains, and provides an introduction to the larger fascinating world of Ugears 3D puzzles, DIY model kits, automatons, robots, wooden puzzle boxes and STEM Lab model kits. As your child learns to build these delightful, engaging toys they will also be building mechanical competence.

The Mini Locomotive will appeal to anyone who loves model trains, building things with their own hands, or to parents looking for an engaging craft project for a young builder. Get on the adventure express with Ugears' Mini Locomotive!