I purchased the TECHING DM229 during the original early bird preorder period and have now completed the model.

First, the presentation and packaging are outstanding. This may be the best packaged model kit I have purchased. Most components arrive in specifically shaped foam cutouts, and the small hardware is organized and labeled in divided containers with foam inserts that help keep everything where it belongs.

The extensive use of metal parts is another major strength. The components are attractive and substantial, and the completed model looks and feels like a premium display piece. Mine is now fully assembled and functioning properly.

My early production kit did have some issues.

The most significant involved Parts #109, #86 and #32. The set screw associated with gear #109 would no longer tighten properly, which eventually required replacement parts and partial disassembly of the model. I also encountered a fit issue involving Parts #64 and #70.

The original instruction manual could also have been clearer in several areas. My manual contained correction stickers, and certain parts were not documented as clearly as they could have been. The most frustrating assembly step for me involved routing the four wires underneath the seat. Connecting them to the circuit board was easy. Figuring out exactly how those wires should be routed through the surrounding structure so that the seat and subsequent components could be installed properly was not. Additional illustrations or alternate views would have helped considerably.

I would love to see TECHING eventually add QR codes linking to short assembly videos for particularly complicated steps.

I also suggested providing a screwdriver with a magnetized tip, although most serious model builders most likely allr eady have their own preferred tools.

Since I mentioned that I did have some issues I want to let everyone know that StirlingKit really impressed me with their customer service. When I started to run into problems I was nervous that maybe I made a mistake in buying this kit. I was ready to try and start modifying it to make it "work" but I decided to try and contact customer service instead via email in hopes that somebody would respond. They In fact did and where excellent.

Every email I sent received a prompt response. More importantly, they made a genuine effort to understand what had gone wrong rather than simply mailing whatever parts I requested. Mona, Martin and their technical team investigated the problem, provided the necessary replacement components and an updated instruction manual at no charge, and followed up afterward to make sure the replacements solved the problem.

When another customer reported a similar problem involving the same area of the model, StirlingKit contacted me again while investigating whether the two experiences were related. That showed me they were interested not only in fixing my model, but also in understanding the cause and improving future production.

After completing my review, I learned that StirlingKit and TECHING have now announced substantial upgrades to the DM229 based upon feedback from builders of the earlier versions. According to StirlingKit, the current production version includes numerous mechanical improvements, revised machining tolerances, changes intended to prevent grub screw problems, clearer identification of factory installed components, improved instructions, and other changes.

They have also revised the originally advertised three hour build time to a much more realistic 6 to 10 plus hours. That better reflects the type of model this actually is. This is something to take your time with rather than rush through.

I cannot personally evaluate those new components because my model came from the original production run. However, I give StirlingKit and TECHING considerable credit for listening to feedback from early builders, acknowledging areas that needed improvement, and making changes to the product.

At approximately $290, this is not an inexpensive model. However, the metal construction, machining, exceptional packaging and impressive finished appearance help justify the premium price.

Had I received my completed model without the defective part issue and some of the instruction frustrations, I would have rated it 5 out of 5.

My final rating for my experience is 4.5 out of 5.

I would probably wait a little while after a completely new model is released rather than preorder again, but TECHING's other all metal mechanical models have definitely caught my interest.

I now have an attractive and functioning DM229 that I am very pleased to have completed. Just as importantly, StirlingKit demonstrated that when a customer encounters a problem, there are people behind the product who genuinely care about resolving it and improving the experience for future builders.

Good build no problems

In keeping with Teching high quality and craftsmanship, the 1st Automobile was a pleasure to build.