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?

What a great diorama! The sense of movement and daily life is really strong here — I can almost hear the engine running and people shouting orders. The little details like the cargo placement and figure poses really bring it to life. Do you plan to add any lighting or background elements?

It’s been a while since I last built a model—guess this one’s going to take me a bit more time than usual...

Just wanted to share my progress on the Teching OHV 4-cylinder mini diesel engine kit. I’ve finished the main assembly of the model — the block, pistons, crankshaft, and camshaft are all in place now. It’s been an awesome build so far! The precision of the metal parts and the working mechanism really make it feel like a tiny, real engine. I’m amazed how smoothly the pistons move when I turn the crank. Here are some pics of the current build (see attachments). I still have some smaller details and final touches to add, but the core is all together. Has anyone else built this kit or something similar? Would love to hear your tips or experiences! Also open to suggestions on what to tackle next. Thanks for checking it out!

Really impressive work on the ’63 Corvette! The chop and section look super clean, and the bobbed rear gives it such a sleek, custom vibe. Love the attention to detail on the body lines and the paint finish. How did you decide on the height for the chop? Would love to see more progress photos if you have any!

Thanks so much—that’s really helpful! I’m planning to visit Germany for about a month around September–October, and might explore a few nearby countries as well. If you happen to have any model-related recommendations outside Germany too, I’d love to hear them! 😄

Thanks for sharing. I will consider it.

Thanks so much—that looks incredible! I’ve seen a few videos of Miniatur Wunderland before, but I had no idea just how massive and detailed it really is. Definitely adding it to my itinerary now. Have you been there yourself? Any tips for first-time visitors? Also, do you happen to know of any model exhibitions in Germany where visitors can actually bring and display their own models? I'd love to participate if there's a chance!

Hi everyone, I’m planning a trip to Germany sometime soon, and I’m really interested in checking out some model exhibitions while I’m there. I’m into military models, railway models, and other scale models, so I was wondering if anyone knows about any good model shows or fairs happening in Germany? From what I’ve heard, Germany has some big events like INTERMODELLBAU Dortmund, Modellbau Bremen, and Faszination Modellbau Friedrichshafen. Has anyone been to these or other exhibitions? How are they? Are they worth visiting for a model enthusiast? Any tips on when and where to go, and maybe some advice on what else to check out nearby, would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I noticed the website you mentioned seems to be based in China—how did you come across it? Have you purchased any products from them yourself? Curious about the quality and service from firsthand users.

What a fun topic! Those classic TV sitcom cars from the 50s and 60s have such a nostalgic charm. I’ve always loved how their designs capture the spirit of the era. Has anyone come across any good kits or aftermarket parts that help replicate those iconic vehicles? I’d especially love recommendations for the more obscure or lesser-known models!