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Frequently Asked Questions |
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- What is automata?
- How did Timberkits start?
- What is technology in wood?
- Will I need tools to assemble the model?
- What type of wood is used?
- What is the target age for the model kits?
- What payment methods are available?
- What is the order turnaround time?
- What special offers, discounts and coupons are available?
- Checking on the status of your order
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What is automata?
Automata has a surprising long history dating from the ancient Egyptians and subsequently the Greeks and Romans.
The classic age of automata production was in the late 19th Century in France. The Industrial Revolution gave a fresh impetus to automata making with new knowledge of steam power, magnetism and optics.
Traditionally, automata mechanisms were hidden, but in this century the mechanism itself has become a feature.
Interest in mechanisms is particularly significantly in an age when most mechanical processes are well concealed in anodyne 'safe' containers which are then discarded rather than opened up and repaired |
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How did Timberkits start?
Timberkits started as a small craft based enterprise in Wales, U.K. It emerged in 1993 with a few mechanical model kit designs which were entirely novel and an instant success.
The business grew steadily and moved to the current riverside location in 1999.
The Internet now helps us to bring you all the fun of Timberkits models to your home anywhere in the world. Explore our store and forum and learn all about Timberkits, Automata and more. |
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What is technology in wood?
Timberkits function without the need for motors and batteries, although they can be added. All the motion comes from cams and cranks.
Cams act like small computers which store information that can be turned into movement.
Cranks are similar to a simple cam, in that they convert circular movement into up and down motion or vice versa. |
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Will I need tools to assemble the model?
No tools are necessary to assemble the model kits. They come with sand paper and glue. |
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What type of wood is used?
The kits are made from renewable New Zealand pine. |
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What is the target age for the model kits?
The age range is from 9 years and up, right through to adults. The kits are not suitable for anyone 3 years and under due to the risk of choking from the small parts.
Some of the kits are easier to assemble than others, and a skill level rating is being introduced to assist with model selection. |
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What payment methods are available?
We accept payment using MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card.
If you do not wish to send your credit card information over the Internet, please feel free to contact us. |
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What is the order turnaround time?
Orders of kits only received before 2pm CST, ship same business day. If the order is received after 2pm or on weekends or holidays, then it ships the next business day.
Orders with engraving can take an additional business day to prepare and ship.
Built models are hand-built to order here in the USA and can add 3 to 5 working days to the order.
Please feel free to contact us about the current lead times on engraving or built models. |
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What special offers, discounts and coupons are available?
If you have a special offer, discount code or coupon, you can enter it when you checkout in the Enter your coupon name to receive a discount box. You should see a message confirming the special offer.
We will occasionally email coupon codes for use on our store. In addition to those we have put together some combo packs.
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Checking on the status of your order
A shipping confirmation will be e-mailed to you when your order is shipped along with tracking information if applicable.
You can check the status of your order online by clicking here, you can also contact us. |
