If you, or someone you know, is a lover of all things nautical, then this is the kit to get. It's the strangest submarine you'll ever meet, and that's what makes it so appealing.

Building Submarine is a fun project for both young and old and although some experience with model building will help, it doesn't require a huge amount of skill. These kits are often referred to as a 3D puzzle, but they're not like a jigsaw puzzle. Step-by-step illustrated instructions guide you along the way and as long as you're patient and take care, you'll be rewarded with a new friend to share your desk.

Build difficulty

Intermediate
160 pieces
Average build time: 8 hours

Contents

4 plywood sheets & all other required parts
Music box
Screwdriver
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Tweezers
Illustrated instructions

Specifications

Model Number: AM680
Music box tune: La Mer
Model weight: 200 grams
Box weight: 600 grams
Assembled size: 181 x 100 x 196 mm
Box size: 195 x 74 x 273 mm

Warning

Not a toy - not suitable for children 3 or under
Includes small parts that could be a choking hazard

FAQs

What could possibly go wrong?
Although you're pretty much just punching out parts and putting them in the right places, all model building requires skill. If you're not careful, you could damage the parts during removal, lose parts or install parts the wrong way round. Some parts are delicate and can get damaged if you apply too much pressure. As with any skill, the more practice and experience you have, the better the result. Take your time and enjoy the experience.

What is the recommended minimum age to build Submarine?
14 - however be prepared to help out. If you're looking for an easier build, try the regular Music Box collection.

What is the recommended maximum age to build Submarine?
You need steady hands and decent eyesight. The writing on the instructions and some parts are small, so if you've hit middle age and you're not already using glasses, you might need a small magnifying glass.

How does the music box work?
A key is supplied that fits through the back of Submarine into the music box. Give it a few turns and enjoy the music. The box also drives the gears on top.

Do all the parts need to be glued?
Most of the parts are secured by simply pushing them into place. However some steps do require glueing and this is indicated in the instructions.

Do any parts move?
Yes. She has gears that move when you activate the music box. No batteries are required.

Is Submarine fragile?
If she topples over? Probably not. If she is dropped from a height? There's a good chance something will break.

Do I need to sand the parts?
The parts on some wooden model kits can be slightly rough on the edges and it's recommended that you give them a light sanding. However with most parts in this kit, this is unnecessary. However occasionally when you remove parts, they might not detach from the sheets cleanly, leaving a tiny burr. You can remove this using the supplied sandpaper.

Can I paint Submarine?
We think she looks cool in a raw finish, but one of the nice things about a kit is you can make it your own, so feel free to personalise as you wish. Submarine is made from plywood so you can apply just about anything including paint or lacquer. Our recommendation is to paint prior to assembly as getting a brush into every little section would be really fiddly once she's been built. The moving gears on the front of her body need to be carefully aligned and excess paint may prevent these parts from moving. If necessary, lightly sand your paint on parts that need adjusting.