So many brick-built toy brands out there with so many car models but none has given vintage automobiles a go. Well, that’s until now. Folks, meet the JMBricklayer Industrial Revolution Model A 50001 based loosely on the iconic Ford Model A automobile. The JMBricklayer Industrial Revolution Model A 5001 is a JMBricklayer self-designed set that was released along with western train station bookends which we have reviewed. Speaking of which, we have managed to secure a set too, and have a go with it. And this is my take on the set.
But before we dig into the details, here’s a rundown of the basics of the set:
- Brand: JMBricklayer
- Product name: Civilization Industrial Revolution Model A 5001
- Product number: 50001
- Number of pieces: 1,297+
- Scale: Unknown
- Completed model size: 32 cm long x 14 cm deep x 15 cm tall (12.6 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches)
- Recommended age: 14+
Overview
It is a simple build despite it having almost as many pieces as the bookends. I should say it is deceptively simple. It has its fair share of finicky moments but overall, it should not be a deal breaker for any experienced builders.
Package
The set is supplied with a 104-page instruction booklet. As before, this is no cheap paper with pages stapled together. It is a perfect bound book. The instruction booklet is JMBricklayer’s typical flair. You know, previous steps are greyed out, detailed steps, and when to flip around.
There is also a short intro to how to use the included LEGO-style brick separator et cetera. Speaking of the brick separator. It has a brand new design which I am not a fan of. The “snail” profile design makes it unusable in certain scenarios. The “bump” gets in the way when you need to reach into tight spaces to pry out an element.
Anyhoo, also as before, each bag contains a few sub-bags. And yes, this set does come with super cool light-up elements. Wait. Let me correct it. This set is a light-up galore given the size.
Lights
I love how JMBricklayer did not skim on the lights. In addition to the front and rear lights. It also has side lights, and believe it or not, cabin light—a whole 4×1 plate with two super bright white LEDs. My gripe is perhaps no different from other sets that also have light-up features. However thin the wire may be (super thin in this instance), it does affect the clicking of the bricks at some level which, again, I am not a huge fan of.
Thankfully, though, the wires are mostly calculated and there are not a lot of excess and where there are excesses, they can be tucked into the trunk which I think is super cool. The trunk is where you will place the central board. This brings me to two more gripes. The first is that the light-up system uses too many batteries. It requires three (3) double A cells. This in turn results in a large battery box that you cannot stow away inside the trunk.
So, there it is, sitting out in the open if you want to light it up. You can choose to place it inside the cabin but that will ruin the beautiful cockpit, IMHO. Beyond that, the lights are great and the work is perfect. I also dig how the designers let you in on how you can route the wires.
Design
It is a design that I have no complaints. The designer(s) managed to perfectly recreate the actual car. It is not 100% accurate; the actual car which was produced in the 30s was a lot rounded on the hood. This one is not but one look you know it is the iconic Model A. If you asked me. So yeah, the model leans more to the straight edge but it is still a very, very cool-looking design.
The design results in a solid build. It is really solid. I kid you not. Well, after you have gotten past the finicky moments. The Model A stacked bumpers have been faithfully recreated—with silver finished elements, no less, and the L-head inline-four engine has also been recreated using plastic bricks. The Model A’s signature silver grille, and front mascot, are also meticulously recreated. Granted the mascot is a little abstract. It looks like a mono horn or something.
Special molded parts were used to recreate the front fenders and the wheels were also specially molded parts. It has opening trunks—plus point, and opening hoods. Noticed I said “hoods”—plural—because, like the actual car, it opens upwards on both sides. Like the real car, you have to remove the spare tires (yes, it has those too!) to open either side of the hood. Finally, we have got the removable top, allowing you to display this beauty as a coupe or a drop-top. Super, super cool.
I only wish the steering wheel was a four-spoke item to be more accurate to the real car. But it is what it is. Oh, the gear shift and the bench seat have also been accurately reproduced. One to note is the side mirrors appear to be in the wrong location. I have seen Model A without side mirrors and I also saw side mirrors on the roofline, as well as on the A-pillar but never on the door. But that’s just an observation.
Build
It took me 6 hours and 30 minutes to complete the build. Like the train station set, It is not a walk in the park. As said, it has its finicky moments—most notably the side panels that angled outwards from the front. They don’t hold very well and tend to pop out along the build process. There is some finessing around this part of the build that will be guaranteed to make you go “Ugh! Not again!” I have lost count of how many times the right door popped out of place. Sometimes including the vertical structure. Beyond that, the rest of the build is pretty much smooth sailing.
Quality
In my copy, I find no issue with the quality. Everything that is supposed to click together clicks together perfectly. However, if you are going to nitpick, you may find the tolerance varies a bit with different parts. But it is not a deal breaker, IMHO.
Thoughts
I am quite impressed by the set. I am sure the fact that it is a refreshing design no other toy maker has done, or it is really that good. All I know is that this is definitely going to turn heads and the surefire conversation starter because, how many times have you seen brick-built vintage cars? Hardly—saved for maybe MOCs.
Verdict
Pros:
- Very cool design
- Generous light-up feature
- Quality light-up kit
- Solid build overall
Cons:
- Finnicky built in some sections
- Wish it could have used a smaller battery and allowed the battery pack to be stowed inside the car
If you are down, you can purchase the JMBricklayer Industrial Revolution Model A 50001 from the JMBricklayer store on Amazon US for just US$52.99.
Disclaimer: This review reflects our own opinions and experiences with the product. While the product was generously provided by JMBricklayer, this did not influence our assessment or conclusions.
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All images by Mike for Mikeshouts.com.
