NEW PRODUCTS – GAKKEN (PART 2) – Theo Jansen’s Mini Strandbeest Kit / Biped Robot Kit / Mini Rhinoceros Kit / V-twin Steam Engine Kit / Delta Twister Flying Machine Kit
Gakken is a Japanese publishing company founded in 1946. In the 1970s, they began selling educational toys, books, magazines, and electronic kits. Their kits are known for their smart design and relative ease of use and have a large cult following both in Japan and the United States.
Check out all of our new Gakken products here!
Theo Jansen’s Strandbeest walks around leisurely, propelled naturally by the wind flowing through its turbines. Now you can build and enjoy your very own miniature version – a small Strandbeest that glides gracefully across surfaces without electricity or batteries.
The Strandbeest is a kinetic, wind-propelled sculpture that was designed by physicist/artist Theo Jansen. While the original was designed for the beach (strandbeest is Dutch for “beach beast”), this do-it-yourself version will work equally well on any flat surface. It’s perfect for kids or adults and isn’t too hard so it won’t take more than an afternoon to put together.
In stock and shipping now!
Theo Jansen style Biped Robot Kit (top) and Theo Jansen’s Mini Rhinoceros Kit (bottom)
The spiritual successors to The Mini Strandbeest, these kits use physicist/artist Theo Jansen’s technique to create an elegant walking robot or rhinoceros!
Both kits are propelled in the same way as the The Strandbeest – without electricity or batteries and only by the power of the wind. Simply put together the kit, place the robot or rhino on a flat surface, add a fan or some blowing air, and watch as it walks gracefully and fluidly forward. These are fun, easy, and unique kits for both kids and adults and they look great while in motion or resting on a mantelpiece. These truly are works of physics and works of art!
In stock and shipping now!
This Twin Cylinder Steam Engine Kit has everything you need to make your own old school V-type steam engine. This kit is a great way to both learn about how steam engines work and brush up on your mechanics. It’s perfect for makers, train enthusiasts, or a classroom demonstration for a lesson on James Watt. No batteries required for this kit, it uses a small flame and principles of gas expansion and contraction to create motion!
In stock and shipping now!
The Delta Twister is a build-it-yourself lightweight flying machine that’s perfect for both amateur flight enthusiasts and amateur makers. The Delta Twister flies either by a wound up rubber band or a small electric motor that propels its dual-plastic wings to flap rapidly through the air.