Potaka

That’s really cool! Buddy L toys definitely have a special place in history — those stamped steel trucks were built to last. Thanks for sharing the link. It’s interesting how collectibles can overlap with models in terms of craftsmanship and nostalgia. Do you also build scale models, or are you more into vintage toys like Buddy L?

I’ve been thinking about a question while building models: fundamentally, what are the differences between plastic and metal models? Which material is more popular, and why? From my experience so far: Plastic models are easier to assemble, offer rich detail, and are lightweight—great for complex shapes. They’re also easier to paint, sometimes producing unexpectedly good results. Metal models feel more solid and have a better tactile quality. Their parts are often more precise compared to plastic models. Many metal models also feature complex moving parts, and some can even actually operate, which gives a great sense of accomplishment. For me, I personally prefer metal models, since I’m not very good at painting and would rather have a complete piece right after assembly. I’ve built T700 and DM135 in metal, and WS-15 in plastic. In my opinion, metal models are generally much more detailed and meet my standards for collection better. (Disclaimer: That’s just my humble opinion. 😃 If you have different thoughts or experiences, I’d love to hear them — do you lean more toward metal or plastic kits, and why?) What about you? What factors do you usually consider when choosing model materials? Which do you think is better for beginners or for collectors?

It’s my first time seeing this. It looks really old, full of traces of history.

That's good. It is full of details.

Personally, I find it totally acceptable. Here’s my purchase link in case you’d like to take a look: https://www.stirlingkit.com/collections/turbofan-engine-kits/products/teching-dm135-1-10-turbofan-engine-model-kit-that-works-f35-military-fighter-jet-engine-kits-600-pcs

It's about as wide as the shoulders of an average adult male.

I invite my friends to help me take some videos. But because the shooting location was too noisy, I didn't upload the sound, but it didn't affect the light and fog effects. DM135 总体技术.mp4 135-12机身细节.MP4 Teching DM135 Metallic Blue Light.mp4

Recently, I assembled a 1/10 scale turbofan engine model (Teching DM135). I just finished it and took some photos, which are at the end of this post. I'd like to share it here and see if anyone else is also interested in this kind of mechanical structure. The engine is based on the F135 turbofan used in the F-35 fighter jet, although the model itself doesn't specifically label that. The whole kit includes more than 600 parts, mostly made of metal. From the front fan blades to the high- and low-pressure turbines in the back, every section can rotate. After assembly, you can manually turn the shaft, and the entire airflow path drives the blades to move. Seeing the mechanical linkage for the first time felt really satisfying. The manual was much clearer than I expected, and the packaging was quite well-organized. But the screws are really tiny, so I strongly recommend using a magnetic screwdriver to avoid losing parts. During assembly, there are some things to keep in mind: the small parts are especially tiny, so having a magnetic screwdriver and a storage box is a must; each component needs to be precisely aligned—if not, the rotation can get stuck. I suggest turning each section manually after assembling it to check if it moves smoothly. Also, the manual is detailed, but you shouldn't skip any steps or miss small parts. When tightening screws, be careful not to use too much force, as metal parts can be damaged. The Teching DM135 model is very well-designed. The parts are finely made, with a solid metal texture and high detail accuracy. What I find most interesting is the realistic mechanical linkage. The airflow structure is mimicked through rotating components, and watching it move is quite satisfying. The manual was better than I expected, with clear illustrations that made it easy to follow, almost like assembling the real thing. It wasn't easy, though—it took me about 10 hours to finish—but the final mechanical effect made it totally worth it. Once powered on, the engine can actually run, and it even has lighting effects, which I've never seen in other model kits. I especially love the semi-cutaway design, which lets me see the internal movement clearly. Overall, I think it's a fantastic experience.

Here’s the link where I bought mine: https://www.stirlingkit.com/products/teching-workable-mini-diesel-engine-metal-model-kits-diy-ohv-4-cylinder-engine Feel free to check it out if you’re interested. I think there’s even a discount going on right now. Up to you.

This kit is actually quite affordable for me and everyone. Honestly, if 3D printed models were really pricey, I don’t think many people would be buying them. If you’d like, I can help you find a purchase link.

Really detailed steps, it’s like a step-by-step guide for beginners like me!

Just wanted to share a bit about my experience putting together the Teching OHV 4-cylinder model. Overall, it’s a really cool kit with solid metal parts that feel quite authentic, like a real little engine. That said, it wasn’t without its tricky spots: Some of the tiny parts — especially the valve rocker arms and springs — are pretty delicate. Took a few tries to get them all seated right without messing anything up. Getting the timing right between pistons, cams, and valves took some fiddling. I had to keep double-checking the marks and spinning the crankshaft to make sure everything moved smoothly without sticking. A lot of the metal parts fit really tight, which is great for realism but means you have to be patient and careful so you don’t force anything. But honestly, once it was all running nicely, it felt super rewarding. Watching those pistons go up and down and the valves open and close was almost mesmerizing — like controlling a tiny real engine! I’ve done plastic models before, but this working metal engine was definitely a step up in terms of mechanical complexity. Learned a lot about how engines actually work just by building it. I’d recommend this kit to anyone who likes detailed builds and wants something functional to show off. Feel free to ask if you want any tips — happy to help anyone else building one!

Just wrapped up the final assembly of the Teching OHV 4-cylinder mini diesel engine. Everything’s now in place, including the valve rocker arms, timing components, and small finishing touches. Spinning the crank and watching the full mechanism in motion is honestly so satisfying—cams, pistons, valves… all working in harmony! I’m really happy with how it turned out. Took a bit of patience and a few moments of “where did that tiny screw go?” panic, but it all came together in the end 😄

What a transformation! Hard to believe it’s the same “forest find” from the beginning. The weathering is beautifully done — subtle but convincing. I really like how you kept that aged look while still making it roadworthy. Curious: how did you approach the rust effects without overdoing it?