TOYS THAT TEACH - WORKING WOODEN MODEL KITS

The Pathfinder Working Wooden Models are a brilliant range of kits, some of which are based on Leonardo da Vinci's famous drawings. They are designed to teach and educate on the workings of things such as Catapults, Trebuchets, Helicopters, Robotics, Hydraulics and much more. Some of the kits have even won awards, such as the Creative Child Top Toy of the Year

Pathfinders are an environmentally friendly company and use recycleable materials, natural, untreated wood, and local resources & production as much as possible with these kits.

THE ORNITHOPTER

An iconic part of Leonardo’s legacy, the ornithopter, was designed in about 1505 and shows his desire to see humans fly under their own power as birds do. 

THE HELICOPTER

Another of Leonardo's most iconic ideas, the Aerial Screw (also known as the Helicopter) illustrates the ingenuity of da Vinci, and indicates his obsession with flying. 

While it is clear this helicopter-style flying machine didn’t work, it has sparked the imagination of many generations as one of his iconic inventions.

 

 THE CATAPULT

Leonardo made two drawings of catapults in the codex Atlanticus, dated in the 1480’s. Gun powder had been invented well before his drawings, but he seemed to understand that it wasn’t always reliable and that catapults still had a place in warfare.

 THE TREBUCHET

Considered by many to be the most powerful and destructive of all the siege engines, the trebuchet would hurl huge rocks, giant fireballs and even diseased animals at castles.

The Trebuchet model kit allows you to create a tabletop working replica of a trebuchet made in the 13th Century. Standing 26 inches tall by 18 inches wide this model will shoot balls of plasticine (which are supplied) over 20 feet!

ROBOTIC ARM 

The robotic arm is an easy-to-build 3D model that grabs and lifts items horizontally, and can turn very close to 90 degrees

This model kit provides a great way to learn about Robotics, Levers and Simple Machines, Fluid dynamics, Engineering, and Invention, and Design and Technology - or just moving things around the house

A Hobbies customer lets us show off his wonderful Wooden Models

When Hobbies customer, John Hickman wanted to make something a bit special for his grandchildren, he browsed his trusty Hobbies Handbook, settling on the plans for building a realistic wooden Model Traction Engine. A real symbol of a bygone era, and suitable for children aged 5 years and over.

The resulting models impressed us enough to ask for some photographs that we feel sure will inspire readers to have a go themselves at this or one of the many plans and fittings on offer: vehicles such as a Toy Jeep, Land Rover, Trucks and a Toy Train Set are all robust, working toys that can be made by the enthusiastic beginner or professional hobbyist.

Thank you to Mr Hickman for these photos of his impressive models which his grandchildren are bound to be delighted with. 

We want to encourage readers to send in photographs of their own completed models.

Was it harder than you expected? Do you have any tips for someone else making the same model?

Send a brief outline of how you completed the model to blogger@alwayshobbies.com