I’ve lived in Florida most of my life. For a time I lived in California. I’ve seen lots of surfers and surf shops.
I’m no surfer. I’m lucky I can keep my balance when walking let alone trying to balance on a surf board.
Surfing has it’s own culture and mystique. Serious surfers are almost like religious fanatics when it comes to riding the ‘big waves’.
Get ready to hit the waves with Lumibricks four articulated beach figures as they take in the waves, sun and summertime fun.
What better way to enjoy the surf and ride the waves than in front of Lumibricks’ Tiki Surf Shop complete with everything a surfer could ever want?
So hang ten, wax up your board and prepare to hit the curls as you put together your very own Tiki Surf Shop.
Let’s start with how Lumibricks ships its kits. I received mine in a heavy cardboard box securely sealed with tape. Fragile was written on the box and other than a few minor bumps and scratches it arrive unscathed.
Once opened I found the Tiki Surf Shop product box snugly fitted into the shipping box.
Like the shipping box the Tiki Surf Shop box is made of heavy gauge cardboard wit a flip lid with tabs and is secured with tape. The box is predominately black with a huge full-color photo of the Tiki Surf Shop on its cover. On one side and on the back of the box are several other full-color photos of Tiki Surf Shop.
In several languages is a warning that the kit is not for kids and adult supervision is advised. There are lots of small parts.
The kit is designed for those 16 years old and older, consists of 1752 pieces and is mainly made of ABS. A customer service email is also included.
Contents of the box include a large full-color and packed with photos User Manual. Be sure to look over the User Manual for complete instructions on setting up the electrical system with its Disco Light Effect. Batteries are not included. This is a crucial stage because the light system intertwines with the kit and wires are cleverly hidden underneath small hubs and parts.
The electrical components come in a small box (LED Light Kit) which also includes tweezers, a Phillips-head screwdriver and a Safety Precaution pamphlet.
The User Manual has pages numbered in stages with very precise 3D rendered visual instructions in full-color. Simple match the page with the numbered and lettered part bags. Never remove more parts than are necessary when assembling each section.
Thirty six bags of parts come in the box along with a Service Card and a Seagull Surfer background card. Tweezers come in real handy when assembling the Tiki Surf Shop kit as there are a lot of very small parts. I suggest you place bag parts in separate paper plates or bowls so you don’t lose or misplace them.
I started things out simply enough by beginning on the base. From there is was a slow process to assemble each step. I’m still working on it. It’s not difficult but with small parts it can get a little tricky-especially when you're my age.
It’s time to take a look at the Tiki Surf Shop. First up is that you get four Lumibricks figures with the kit. All have swivel heads and waists and arms and legs that move. Set-up is easy wherever you place them.
On the second story is a beachfront bar and grill with tables, chairs, loads of drinks and bottles, studio lights, aqua railings, a drink dispenser and if you move the tables aside even a little dance floor with a stage, instruments and microphone. Check out the speakers. Beach Boys or Jimmy Buffet anyone?
The second story is a full wraparound enclosure with small red awnings, a sundries stand, a side surfboard rental area with lots of colorful surfboards, A Surfer Beach Club sign, suntan oil, an ice cream and cool beverage storefront, a palm awning, plenty of signs, beachfront lounge chairs, an umbrella, splashing surf, a huge wave with surfer, swimming rings, paddle-boards and paddles, a first aid kit with supplies, flip flops, an interior store with shelves, tons of surfer supplies and so much other cool stuff.
You have to see it all to believe it! You can see what I mean by having lots of small parts. But, it’s a great way to develop your eye-to-hand coordination, patience, critical thinking skills, cooperation should you build it with someone else and a great way to relax, take your time and enjoy the process.
The Tiki Surf shop is a marvel of miniature engineering. As a graphic designer I know how much talent and work it took to put together the Tiki Surf Shop kit. It’s an incredible example of topnotch print production, amazing manufacturing capabilities, an impressive example of design and function and production coordination and cooperation.
Take the time to look over just how much comes in the kit. It is astounding that all the small pieces fit together quickly and neatly to make an incredible miniature scale Tiki Surf Shop.
It boggles my mind just to think of the effort it took to pull off designing and packaging such an incredible miniature kit. Model makers and miniature lovers, the Tiki Surf Shop is challenging, fun to put together and a real gem to add to your Lumibricks kit collection.
For photos and a video of the Tiki Surf Shop click here and for more Lumibricks kits click here.
Psalms 55:22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.