This Company Looks to Upgrade Traditional Toy Modeling Sets

Millions of kids around the world love modeling sets. From LEGO to Lincoln Logs, children have been using their innovative thinking to produce one-of-a-kind creations (even if they're only temporary). One of the most popular modeling sets on the market is thin wooden pieces that culminate into an incredibly detailed structure. A new Kickstarter idea is perfecting the popular modeling kits and giving them an incredible overhaul. 

EWA crafts robust and complex wooden modeling kits designed with all ages in mind. Each model is a 1:48 scale of its real-life counterpart. The pre-cut pieces come with a step-by-step guide for each model, and there are up to 700 unique pieces in each set. The more dynamic models are powered by rubber-band motors. Simply wind them up and watch them work after building the model. 

The Belarus-based EWA started in May 2016. The models were designed by engineers who still like playing with model sets themselves for inspiration.

"EWA is a small team of inspired, adult children with the ambitious idea of creating something more than just a toy or a puzzle for both children and adults," the company said. "Nobody remembers how the idea of a plywood set came up. But we remember how we dragged our first laser bench into our friend's garage to create a draft version of our T-34 template."

The EWA team also understood that there's little more frustrating than having a partially-completed masterpiece get kicked to oblivion by a careless foot. To prevent utter devastation during play time, they created each modeling set for long-term play.

"Our model will not break, [even] if some cute 45-year-old child accidentally hits it with his foot," the company noted. They even included wooden locking mechanisms and slots to reinforce the models' structures. EWA uses "unbreakable" in their descriptions of the product, which is a steep claim for any wooden modeling manufacturer. However, the models are made of birch, an incredibly flexible and durable plywood, so it might be as close to 'unbreakable' as any 3D model could get. 

EWA also said the toys differ in size and complexity to accommodate for a wide range of ages. The smallest kits include just 50 pieces, while the largest include up to 700. The company said the natural birch plywood is environmentally-friendly and properly sourced. EWA also encourages creators to paint on their models for even more fun. 

The models start at $30 each for the ballista and scorpion sets. The trebuchet medieval weapon set is a $55 pledge. The larger sets, including the retro car and BELAZ heavy-duty truck, are $70 or more. Want an armory of wooden modeling sets? You can get the entire EWA line for a $515 pledge or more. For those wanting to start out small, the company sells wooden fidget toys in a two-pack for a $9 pledge. As of this writing, EWA is currently at nearly $4,700 of its $15,000 goal. For more information, check out the company's Kickstarter page here.