Venator-Class Star Destroyer

I haven't quite finished this particular model but finding it's just as good as the others i've built. I've built 3 other of these cardstock models and have at least a half dozen+ in my stash because i like them so much. There appear to be two predominant brands, 4D Build and 4D CityScape. They're very similar in design but the 4D Build kits have the piece numbers printed on each piece whereas the one 4D CityScape I built didn't have the part number printed on each piece so once it's punched out, there's no way to tell what the piece number is. All the kits i've done are star wars themed and come out looking very very good. The kits are pretty straight forward but will likely need adult assistance for kids under 15-ish. If you can put together Ikea type furniture, these should be doable for you, but if you can't assemble ikea furniture, these may not be for you. Special tools aren't required but can help significantly with assembly and having a better finished product. Special tools range from long tweezers, fine scissors, nippers, razor knife, etc. Toothpicks come in handy if you're using the glue. I found that Elmers glue works as well. Most of them come with a small tube of glue, but I've found that none of them really needed any glue assuming it's going to be a static model that's not played with. If it's going to be played with, glueing on some pieces would be recommended. Heavy play is probably not recommended or it will eventually get beat up, crushed, torn, wrinkled, although it is a very sturdy model when finished.I've found this Tie Fighter is probably the easiest I've done so far and would be a good starter kit especially since it's one of the cheaper kits. The R2D2 model was slightly more complicated but builds into a fine looking replica about 12" high and was fairly priced at $20.I've been significantly impressed with each kit that I've built regarding how well they were designed/engineered for strength, assembly, and an impressive finished product.Very fun. Can even be therapeutic with punching out all the pieces. Highly recommended.

My wife is into puzzles. I came across these 3D puzzles. I started trying it out by purchasing the X-Wing Fighter. My wife loved assembling the puzzle. The resulting assembled piece becomes a great decor for your home or office. From then I started buying different kinds including this Darth Vader bust. The details on these are awesome. When displayed, you wouldn't even think they are made of carton/paper. The puzzle provides enough challenge for my wife but not to difficult that it becomes frustrating. Highly recommended.

I got this for a family member, and they were very happy with it. It goes together pretty easily, and has clear instructions. It's very sturdy as an assembled piece, and is a nice item for display.

I actually built this R2 unit completely on this TV tray.. okay the discarded leftovers I removed. (Also be ready for tons of those little punched out bits, they're probably want to clean those up periodically) I didn't use the glue that came with it(I give it a try on some pieces, just not impressed, but nice to included something!), it was kind of gel like, and took way too long to dry!DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GRAB SOME OF THESE LITTLE SUPER GLUES!The force is strong with this glue! I built this entirely used the little tool that comes with it to punch out the holes(I did consider using one of those keychain size spark plug gap circle things you get at the front counter at an auto parts store), but what I did first was put a layer of super glue (someone else had mentioned this trick, not my idea... Also if you use super glue, keep some acetone on hand because you will get it on you at some point!) on the top bottom and sides of the tongues that stick out, and where they connect at the oval neck to reinforce this area. Once that dried, in a few minutes I was able to use this tool the whole time! ... And if they start to bend again, just do it again with the glue!I only glued areas that were high stress, or I knew would connect to other areas and need a little bit of reinforcing. I would put a drop of glue on a connected joint on the back side and let it wick in, or around the perimeter of a full connected seam.Sometimes you can have tabs tear away from the paper when removing them from the frame, just grab them and pull down and away, and then hold the back piece and pull the paper away cleanly and squarely. Next you're going to have tabs that despite your best efforts get floppy or crushed, just add a little bit of super glue to the perimeter of the tab, give it a few minutes to dry and it will be stiff and ready to go!... You can also use the tab poke tool to expand some slots. I completely used those two full little super glues, bone dry! With the last one finishing up right towards the end.Critical review: close up it can look a bit rough, but easily a 5-footer! And considering the engineering that went into a lot of the construction, no complaint! Read the instructions, and take your time. Only found a few pieces, that were a little too vague, and required test fitting, which you don't want to do a lot of or you will start to wear out the tabs and the slot! Engineering wise, there's only two main vertical runners supporting the mid and bottom internal core ring... This can lend to a bit of instability at the core, because during assembly you will be gripping it as a whole and you will notice some slight shearing/twisting, which will affect fit, ultimately working out, but a bit fiddly during assembly. Always look at the connections leading to connections, so you know where to put pressure, and more specifically where not to!Overall, if one takes their time, it's a day's build, but I built it over a few days, hours here and there. Had lots of fun! I imagine myself building an actual R2 unit from scratch!Update: X-WingAmazon won't let me review this separate for some reason. :⁠-⁠\But it's GREAT! I didn't use any super glue on this model, but may on the rear folding sections over the main body... They keep popping out. Aside from some challenges on the cylinders of the engines and guns( don't be surprised if one or two micro tabs get crushed here, plenty to hold and keep shape. Now into the REAL CHALLENGE, the little R2 unit. Take a deep breath, take your time remember Yoda and the lessons of the swamps.Looks great from every angle! Putting it on the stand....meh a bit wobbly. Not the stand just the ship on it.Space Oddity...the inside of one of my wings has the squadron designation...I don't think I could have built it wrong... But maybe someone else had this as well...either way, you don't really notice it that much...keep telling yourself that! As a nitpick...WHAT graphics person put ALL those stars(looks like dust or a bad print) to distract from the X-Wing and Death star art!? On a side note, I also did the complete build upon the same TV tray, this way you can see if you don't have a kitchen table or large area, these two can be done in a limited space! May the force be with you, always.I also put a pic of how I put super glue on the tips of the supplies tool to make it last a full build! Pic is after building the X-Wing.

It was a really fun build easy to assemble nice design. The size is just perfect. Really nice to put next to my Star Wars collection.