Review: Wallace & Gromit Rocket by Build Your Own Kits*

[Ad-gifted] Are you a Wallace & Gromit fan? If the answer is yes, then be sure to read our next few Yeah Lifestyle instalments, where we will be showing you three Build Your Own Kits themed around these two famous characters.

Aardman Animation (creators of Wallace & Gromit) have an iconic style that along with Shaun the Sheep and if you were a child from the late 70s and 80s you’ll remember Morph!

If you are now feeling suitably nostalgic or you’re curious to find out more about these fantastical characters. Then keep reading as we show you the process we took to make the Rocket which is the first BYO model we have chosen to create. Next to come in a couple of weeks’ time will be Wallace & Gromit Techno Trousers, followed by Sidecar Plane.

What we thought of the Rocket Set from the BYO Wallace & Gromit Collection

This set is made entirely of cardboard and comes in a fairly small box – made from card also. In it is the set to build along with the instructions all made from paper. The attention to detail is phenomenal. Inside the rocket, there is Wallace reading a newspaper and at the side, he has a bag with some bits inside.

He also has a coffee table with the obligatory crackers for his cheese – this is iconic with the two characters as they love Wensleydale Cheese and often talk about it in the animation series. Then there is Gromit, manning the controls to the rocket, wearing a little headset!

The rocket was fairly tricky to piece together and it was my 9-year-old that was doing it has he has such patience for these kinds of builds. The recommended age is from 10 years plus, but we knew he would manage as he likes any kind of building sets/lego. What makes it complicated is the pieces are not in order – although they are numbered, number 1 may be on one sheet, but on that same sheet there may also be numbers 15, 34 and 56. So this takes a bit of getting used to.

The sets are numbered in this way to reduce the amount of paper/card used. All the pieces pop out of their card mats and can then be pieced together much in the same way as you would piece together Lego. My son and his dad really enjoyed making it and would definitely enjoy making more.

What’s more, is the final piece which measures 40cm high can be displayed, or like in our case, given to a family member as a novelty gift! Find out where you can get yours, as these kits really make the perfect gifts for kids who like to craft or create.

Where can you buy your BYO Wallace & Gromit Kit?

The kit is priced at £29.99 – which may seem pricey but I would put it with a large Lego set – which would be priced in a similar way.

The sets can be displayed after building and then become an ornament – which for me makes it worthwhile. There are a selection of slightly cheaper kits that may also be of interest.  You can purchase the kit from here.

About Build Your Own 

Build Your Own create kits are all made from sustainable cardboard and have been created to encourage kids away from screens and make family connections whilst also building something fun that can be used or displayed afterwards.

They are S.T.E.M inspired and can be bought to suit a range of ages. All the kits slot together, so are fairly straightforward to construct. They all take a varying amount of time, with most giving you an approximate estimate of build time on the box, all depending upon the number of pieces in the kits.

Their hope is to inspire young minds to build and create beyond the kits and learn new skills along the way.

About Aardman Animation 

Aardman was set up by Peter Lord and David Sproxton. They met back in school and after graduating they moved to Bristol and set up their famous company in 1976.

Their first iconic animation was Morph, made for the program “Take Hart” with the wonderful Tony Hart. They then went on to produce a whole host of other characters many with their own films including, Wallace & Gromit, Flushed Away (a story about Rats), Shaun the Sheep (which has seen the creation of a few follow on films) and Arthur Christmas among just some.

As well as their renowned work in stop-motion animation, they have also made several films with the help of CGI. All of their characters have somehow become a success in their own right and have continued to inspire generations over the past 40-plus years.

Beyond models, your love for these animated films can also be expressed in smaller, more exquisite ways. Custom pins are a great option, accurately recreating your favorite characters, classic scenes, lines, and more. Custom pins are not only well-made but also portable; simply attach them to your bag or clothes to instantly become a unique decoration. 

Whether for your own collection or as a gift for a friend who also loves Aardman animation, these personalised pin badges are an excellent choice, allowing you to be accompanied by your beloved animated characters anytime, anywhere. 

Review by : Lex Ward

You may want to read this:

Review : Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels at Hanley’s Victoria Hall

Review: Build Your Own Binoculars by Build Your Own Kits

Review: Build Your Own Plane Launcher by Build Your Own Kits

Review: Build Your Own Microscope by Build Your Own Kits

* We were sent the BYO Kit in return for a review. All opinions are our own.