Preference
Many thematic designers nowadays belong to one of two categories —
for boys or
for girls. However, we emphasize that this division is only a general recommendation, and not a strict rule; and when choosing, it is worth putting in the first place the interests of the child himself, and not this convention. Moreover, the manufacturers themselves are increasingly moving away from dividing their products by “gender”. In particular, many sets that were previously considered purely "boys" — for example, "Police Station", "Space Shuttle", "Combat Robots" — are now increasingly categorized as "
unisex " (that is, equally suitable for both sexes). ).
As for constructors that do not have a clearly defined theme, for them the “unisex” option is indicated by definition.
Number of pieces
The total number of parts included in the delivery of the designer. At the same time, the calculation, usually, also takes into account the details that make up individual characters (torso, arms, legs, head, etc.) — despite the fact that the figures are most often delivered assembled and are not designed for disassembly during normal use . Also note that the kit may include several spare parts, in case of breakage or loss of any of the main elements.
Number of characters
The number of characters included in the delivery kit of the designer. In this case, a character means a figure of a person or a humanoid creature (for example, an alien or a robot). Animals do not formally belong to the characters, therefore they are indicated separately, in the notes to this paragraph; the exceptions are anthropomorphic (humanoid) figurines, which differ from people only in facial features, the presence of claws and tails, etc. Also note that this category does not include creatures whose assembly is the main purpose of the constructor. For example, if the constructor is designed to assemble a humanoid robot, and the mechanic of the robot is made in the form of a separate figure, then only the mechanic will be considered a character.
Number of animals
The number of animals in the set. In most cases, the individual collected elements of the set, respectively, in the form of an animal, act as animals. It can be both small cats, squirrels, dogs, birds, and larger animals — horses, elephants, crocodiles, sharks. There are also animals that will have to be assembled from several parts (similar to a character). However, the finished constructor in the form of an animal is not counted as the presence of animals in the set. It is worth noting that an abundant number of corresponding creatures expands the play possibilities of the designer and makes it more exciting and educational for the child.
Moving elements (mechanics)
Details and elements that, after assembling the designer, can move, but are not driven by a motor; in other words, moving parts that need to be moved manually. These can be, for example, windows and doors, hatches, screws, crane booms, etc. The exception is rotating wheels — in this case they are not considered moving elements.
Mechanical moving elements can be combined with motorized ones (see below).
Moving elements (motor)
Parts and elements that, after assembling the designer, can move due to
the drive from an electric motor. In the simplest versions of such constructors, the movement is turned on and off using a switch on the model itself, in more advanced ones, remote control with quite extensive capabilities may be provided.
Note that this feature is indicated only if the motor is supplied in the delivery set. Kits that allow the installation of an engine, but are not equipped with it, are not motorized.
Remote control
The presence
of a remote control in the delivery set of the designer. This remote control can be either wired or wireless. It is found only in sets equipped with moving elements with a motor (see above), however, not every such set is equipped with a remote control, so the presence of this function should be specified separately. Also note that sets that are compatible with the remote control, but not equipped with it, do not belong to this category.
