Jacob absolutely LOVES cars – especially fast, sporty looking race cars. He often asks for the Top Gear magazines, just so he can cut out the pictures of the cars and stick them on his bedroom wall. So when we were sent the Meccano Ferrari 488 Spider, I knew it would be right up his street.
Lego is regularly played with in this house, and both Gemma and Jacob are pretty adept at following instructions and building things. I was aware that this Meccano was a bit of a step up in terms of build ability, but felt fairly confident that they would be able to manage it with some help.
The instructions are easy to follow, and laid out well. There are HEAPS of pieces, and we found it was much easier to sort those into relevant piles before starting to build, in the same way we do with larger Lego sets.
Jacob dived straight in and managed to construct the base of the car with some adult help. However, after this, the build became a lot trickier, which caused him to lose confidence. In turn, this led to him losing interest. At 9, he is just below the recommended age range for this set, and so we encouraged Gemma, who is 11, to take over and have a go. She also found this set difficult and frustrating – it is just so different to the type of construction they are used to, and I think this is where the problem lies.
I think in a couple of years time, both Gemma and Jacob will be much more able to manage this Meccano set, and will discover the skills needed to complete it. However, for now, it is packed away. The set is fantastic quality, and really great for older children, teenagers and adults – however children at the lower end of the recommended age may find this set too difficult.
This looks amazing! My kids are a little young but my husband would love it! #TriedTested
WE tried meccano with Isaac last year and ended up getting the teen to help – he is a demon at lego now, so maybe it is time to try again
My kids would have struggled with this, now they would be the right age but would have lost the interest to do it, it’s a difficult one. It does look lovely quality and something I would encourage them to have got into for the educational benefits of working it out, but I know they wouldn’t be interested as they are too old to enjoy the finished product. #TriedTested
I used to love to play with my friend’s Meccano set when I was younger but I can’t remember exactly how old I was. I’m sure Jacob will love it when he’s older.
#TriedTested
That looks really cool but makes my brain hurt. I bet it’s fantastic for kids confidence though -good to know it’s geared for older ones!
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This looks fab. We have it too, but not built yet. I think it looks great. xx
I gave up buying things like this for my kids because they always left it to me to build! Looks great once its complete though 🙂 #triedtested
Thanks for this really well thought out review. We have been thinking of getting Meccano for our 6 year old!! After reading this, I will be sure to look for their basic starter sets as he will struggle with this if your 9 yo did! #TriedTested
I wonder if my boys will be into stuff like this when they’re older – right now toddler W gets bored of anything after 5 minutes!
#TriedTested
This is great for older children. I always remember the ferris wheel one from my childhood and I thought that it was amazing.
Jodie x
#TriedTested
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We recently reviewed a bike and we gave in. It was just to fiddly, would like to maybe have another go wen I have some free time though because it did look great and this car looks awesome. #TriedandTested
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B absolutely loves cars, too. And building stuff. This set is a good few years off for him, but good to keep in mind for the older kids. Worth bearing in mind the age groups it seems suitable for, too. So thanks!
Kat x
My three boys loved macarno when they were growing up, it’s great to see new sets are still as popular with children now
This looks fab, would keep them entertained for hours 🙂 #triedtested
Being an ‘old skool’ meccano boffin, my brother had to step in and help big monkey (now 9) build his set when we had one to review! They are great kits but pretty difficult to constuct! I can see why Jacob lost his conficence bless him!
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I think I’d struggle to put that one together! It does look fantastic though! Something to look forward to when mine are a bit bigger 🙂 #triedtested
We had a meccano like branded item for Christmas and Chris and I REALLY struggled to put it together. This looks like a cool set #triedtested
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Wow this looks like a proper project – the sort of thing Misery Guts would love more than the kids! #TriedTested
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