Well, I am just in the process of assembly, and I think I can add a few insights. First of all, there are a GAZILLION parts to it, and it takes a long time to even cut them out. Secondly, and as noted in quite a few other postings about their Ferris wheel, it is quite difficult to cut the gears correctly so that they mesh and work. Third, I had heard that their motors are unreliable; however it also includes the fittings, and that's quite valuable. I ordered the whole motor kit -- you can't get motor and fittings separately -- but I'm ready if and when the motor fails; I found a motor that matches the specifications and footprint, and it's the Dayton Permanent Magnet DC Gear motor 2L008. It is a 1/125 HP, with a torque of 40 in-lbs and is 12 RPM. If you shop, you can get a used one for about $25 - $30. As to the gears, I went to eBay and found a vendor who makes wooden gears and has a laser cutter, and he cut them to specs as a custom order for a total of $40 delivered. Since he now has the template, he will be happy to cut these for others as well, and I can assure you that they are well worth getting. However, it is difficult to find wood that is 3/4" as the specs call for. I ended up getting 1/2" maple (which he purchased from Winfield directly). THEY don't sell 3/4" hardwood either! If you DO purchase the motor kit, it comes with two squares of hardwood to cut out the gears. I just ordered the kit and haven't received it yet, but I will be interested to see if it's 3/4" wide, and I'll let you know.
Here's the link for the gears. These gears were specifically created for me to exact specs sent with the plans, including all inner holes. http://www.ebay.com/itm/steam-punk-...586893?hash=item51ec2aec0d:g:xZ4AAOSwPCVX8IjY.
Here's the link for the gears. These gears were specifically created for me to exact specs sent with the plans, including all inner holes. http://www.ebay.com/itm/steam-punk-...586893?hash=item51ec2aec0d:g:xZ4AAOSwPCVX8IjY.