I am really impressed with this set. Not all toys have to be educational, but if they are it's best if they are also fun, or they won't get used. As a former mechanical engineer and teacher, I can say this is a fabulous toy that is great fun, and has educational value that will capture the imagination of any young engineer. I remember making huge, complicated, gear-driven windmill machines out of LEGO gears as a kid, and as soon as I saw this set I had to give it a try. The gears here are bigger and chunkier than the LEGO ones, so they are aimed at a younger audience. Our three-year-old (nearly four) niece needs a bit of help right now, but children from four to about fifty-two will love this. The bright colours and packaging make this look like a toddler's toy, but it's really better suited to older children. I'm sure the company's marketing people know more than I do, but I can't help thinking that some of the toy's target audience might be put off. There are loads of gears in the box, a couple of chains which also double as caterpillar tracks, wheels, and blocks to hold it all together. You can buy extra bits too, although if you manage to empty this box, whatever you have built will be enormous! I want to try the set with the dozer blade and wrecking ball though... The original price when I received this set for review was nearly £90, which I thought was a bit high. It's now dropped to £62.99 on Amazon, which is more reasonable, with an RRP of £66. That still seems a lot, but in terms of 'hours per pound', it really isn't. There is a LOT of play potential in this box. The quality of the parts is high, they fit together well and are robust enough to survive an ex-RAF fitter. That says everything! There is a guide manual in the box, which give information on the correct way to match and mesh the gears, and how to assemble the wheels & tyres. It's not a build manual - whatever you make is entirely dependent on your imagination. The Learning Resources website does have downloadable ideas for most of the sets if you need inspiration. Excellent starter set, totally recommended.
