Do you ever get the urge to visit a small cafe, kick back, order a cup of coffee with lots of cream and sugar, munch on some sweets and let the world pass you by? If you do you’re sure to love Rolife’s Perfect Romance Cafe called Little Bear Coffee.
It’s quaint, serves two and has the best java in town. Pull up a stripped wooden chair and relax. If you’d like to see a video and photos of the Cafe check it out by clicking here.
For other Rolife kits click here and to see what Robotime has to offer click here.
The kit can be assembled in about an hour (Level 2), is perfect for 14 years old and older, consists of 119 parts and even includes lighting! Parts are made of ABS, PVC and paper-laser cut and 3D printed.
Before you start putting the Cafe together be sure to look over the box’s contents and the highly-detailed Instructions and Material List, familiarize yourself with the lighting set-up and use only the parts you need through each stage of assembly.
Tweezers are included. I recommend a few other tools: a magnify glass, a pointed tool, a flat-head screwdriver for poking out parts, an X-Acto knife, liquid glue with a brush, a and a good light source.
Remember to take your time, follow the illustrated Instructions by part numbers and imagine yourself building your own Cafe.
Beginning with this Rolife Kit review I want to start including a rundown on how I go about building Rolife Kits.
This time around I’m including a few construction photos as I began the build. In later reviews I’ll go into more step-by-step instructions.
What I want to concentrate in this review on is mostly how I prep for building kits and my own personal preferences and techniques.
To start off I work on an oversize folding tray table. The tray table has front legs that are slightly curved inward allowing me to get my legs directly under the tray. That way if any small pieces from the kit fall I usually catch them in my lap.
Also by pushing my tray table against a wall or a vertical solid surface any pieces that do happen to fall either land in my lap or on the floor on either side of the tray.
I like to work on a white or light surface for a couple reasons. Pieces are much easier to see on a light surface and by making (in this case the paper smaller than the tray top) I can place my tools and glue tray and light source on the outer edges of the tray so they do not interfere with my work area.
I’ve mentioned this before but it is important to remove only the parts necessary when constructing each phase of the kit build.
It is also essential that the building instructions are nearby for reference so you can match part numbers and see how to put pieces together.
As I began constructing the kit I first look over the light installation. This is very important because light assembly usually occurs at the beginning of any build. It is easier to assemble the lights right off instead of trying to put them in place when the kit is partially assembled.
When it comes to large parts I have no problem assembling them as they easily snap together with tabs (much like LEGOs) and fit snugly together.
But, when it comes to small pieces I prefer to use tweezers as my hands are large. I’m no spring chicken and my eye/hand coordination and eyesight (that's where a magnifying glass comes in handy) aren’t what they used to be.
When using tweezers on very small and odd shaped pieces I like to use my pointed tool. I place a small piece of tacky material on its top (such as the soft pliable stuff used to hang posters on walls). This allows me to place a small object perfectly in place. Once in place I simply take the goo off the pointed tool tip. Viola!
I also use the pointed tool to peel off stickers as my fingertips are a little too large.
An interesting note: when assembling any Rolife kit be sure to hold onto the parts bags. I’ve discovered if I’m in the middle of kit build and get called away to do something else it’s best to put all the loose parts back in the bags so they don’t get lost.
Also, did you know that Rolife Kits are also easy to disassemble-except the stickers of course. Here’s why.
Suppose you have someone who really likes a particular kit. If you’re feeling generous you can disassemble the kit placing all the parts in their respective bags, taping them shut and giving the kit to that particular person.
That why they can build the kit themselves. Sometimes it’s fun just to rebuild a kit yourself-it’s great for dexterity and eye-to-hand coordination.
As you can see by the photographs the floor and wall panels are easy to assemble. Smaller objects like the counter top and steamer take a little more time and determination. Stand alone pieces are easy to display as they require no assembly. Paper folds and stickers can be a little challenging-I’ve learned to be patient.
I hope this advice and insight into my own kit building challenges are helpful. Now go out and build as kit!
I remember almost 50 years ago when I and my future wife went on our first date. We choose to go to a mid-size Italian Cafe where we ordered pizza and cokes.
It was decorated with several ornate chairs and small tables and booths. It was cozy, intimate and smelled like pizza, coffee and tempting desserts.
We talked, shared our dreams and barely ate our food. I knew then and there that she was the woman I would marry and less than one and one-half years later we we married.
God has truly blessed our marriage more than I could ever imagine. My wife is the love of my life and quite frankly I do not know what I would do without her.
As with all Rolife kits the Perfect Romance Cafe kit has a colorful box with photos of the Cafe on all sides and the back along with tips, illustrated lighting instructions and recommendations on how to attach the Cafe to other Rolife kits to make and entire house or building. How to protect your kit and add a roof on your Cafe are also included.
So, gather your loved ones together, jump in your car and enjoy a good cup of coffee, treats and each other’s company in a Cafe of your choosing.
Hebrews 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
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