Paper Automata: Four Working Models to Cut Out and Glue Together

I thought it was only fair to update this now that the friend to whom I gave it has reported back. Apparently the models are fiddly, which she loves, absorbing, which she requires, complex, which she appreciates and time-consuming which she also appreciates. She says the finished product is superb and gives her a real sense of achievement. Visitors to her home who have seen the finished product, such as the district nurse, carers etc, were intrigued by the mechanism and assumed that the completed models were given to her. They were stunned to find out that she'd actually constructed them herself. Her young nephew willingly sacrificed valued 'screentime' to cut and glue under aunty's supervision. All in all, a resounding success - what a difference the presence of full instructions make! Original revue below: Only three stars so far as I haven't actually used the book or made up any models, so can't in all honesty say that it is any more than OK, but I will revisit and edit later, if appropriate. I've read through this book thoroughly to ensure there are no obvious disasters as I found in a similar book by a different author, same publisher, which had an entire section of instructions missing. This one looks reassuringly complete; I am looking forward to gifting it to a housebound friend and seeing the finished results.

My dad has made the first one. It took him twelve hours and he says you need fast drying glue and a few wooden sticks to help the glueing but he's really enjoying making it :)

A great fun kit to make the automata characters. Reminds me of my childhood in going to these museums with all these in. Only thing to consider is if it is for a child then this will require a sharp craft knife to cut out the pieces and glue them together. Would have maybe liked the pieces to have been perforated to make it easier to remove them rather than cut out but it is what it is and still good nevertheless. Ideal for creative teenagers to engage them when the weather is poor and they are stuck indoors.

Enjoyed making these models, they need to be cut accurately with a craft knife and steel rule so they wre not suitable for young children although my 6 yr old was able to help with the glueing. We made the models in the order of the book, prancing sheep followed by pecking hen, then flying fish. The Motley man will have to wait for half term or the next snow storm. Unlike Mr Eldridge in the review above I think the Flying fish is by far the trickiest of the first three models and it did not work too well. The chicken (in my opinion the easiest) is good fun as are the sheep. Overall good value for money giving quite a few hours of enjoyment. So after a bit of fiddling the fish flies well, you just need to concentrate on being accurate and letting the glue dry properly. The motley man was completed over the Easter school holidays and works well. I'm looking forward to the release of Amazing Paper Pets by the same author.

... if you don't mind butchering a book !

It was ok but not what I expected

Made these with my children at school as a gift for them. They loved spending the small group time with me and also having something fun to take home. Some of the items were a bit fiddly but we persevered. One or two children found the cutting/pressing out parts difficult, needed careful supervision in order not to spoil them. Also sticking needs patience, if using white glue give each part time to dry - small bits need holding in place.

As a longtime Automata fan I was thrilled to find this book for such a reasonable price. Positives: The models are quite sweet and not overly complicated. The paper is good quality and the colours are nice. Negatives: The Instructions are awful, in my opinion. Very little detail is given so a lot of checking the (very few) pictures has been necessary. I certainly would not recommend it for children unless they are experienced with Automata. All in all, a good book for those who have some experience and can work out what the instructions actually mean! The models are nice and look good on display. Give it a go!

Easy to assemble.. Just follow the markings to tht T

Arrived quickly and in good shape

La selección de modelos es buena, el precio es justo

Very interesting and informative. This gives a great mechanical understanding of automatons and their movements. Great design layout of the books and cutouts. Great instructions. Would make a great gift for a recipient of any age, or in my case for myself.

This book has clear but basic instructions and should provide good entertainment