Model building with bolster wood kits turned out to be more complicated than I had originally expected, but it was a lot of fun. I got two kits, an airplane and a windmill. I thought it should be pretty straight forward, and it is, if you start correctly. I soon realized that working out where to begin is essential for a smooth construction. It certainly spares you from taking the whole thing apart half way through to start again. Needless to say our model building turned out to be a family affair with dad joining in the fun.

The kits didn’t come with instructions, just two sheets of bolster wood with laser cut pieces, which we had to push out of the holding frame, and a sheet of paper picturing all the shapes. The shapes are number coded so you know how they fit together.

In the end we made a lovely plane, which for the time being we left in its natural colour, but we will no doubt paint it soon. The windmill was the second kit we put together and with a little less difficulty, which I like to believe it’s due to the experience we gained assembling the plane, but I suspect it is to do with the fact the windmill has a much easier shape.