Built it with my 8yo. Everything about this toy is incredible, he had fun at each step of the way checking what individual parts do. And a few days after putting it all together, he still runs to it in the mornings for a few extra turns.
A few observations :
1- it is easy to separate the pieces from the wooden panels, but you have to be careful
2- we also used a nail file, wooden glue, tweezers (pressure and cut), screwdriver (used only as a light hammer), and a pin.
2a- The pin was cut when some delicate pieces needed repairing: would put glue with a tiny metal piece in the middle to be sure the structure would hold.
3- there is a lot of extra pieces, but we only broke those without spare, so be extra careful with pieces that have thinner parts.
4- it is great that the identification of the pieces are on the piece themselves, making it easier to find what you need.
5- my 8yo needed help because he didn’t have enough strength at times, and rarely needed a few tips. It was a team effort and very entertaining.
We already have another set by the same company, and probably will buy more in the future. Can’t recommend it enough!