What do I need to run a Theme Build?

Every Theme Build is an add-on. Each one ships the bricks and the motor for that model, and no power source at all. You need a Circuits Kit alongside it.

Which Circuits Kit depends on one thing: does the model move?

Theme Build Does it move? What runs it
6-Legged Walking Ant Yes, it crawls Intro to Circuits Kit
Fully Functional Fire Truck Yes, it drives Intro to Circuits Kit
Patrol Car Yes, it drives Intro to Circuits Kit
3-in-1 Mighty Machines No, all three builds stay put Intro to Circuits Kit or Expansion Kit

Why the difference

The Intro to Circuits Kit has a rechargeable Battery Block. It is a block like any other, so it rides along with the model. That is what a moving build needs.

The Expansion Kit has a USB-C Power Block instead. It runs off a cable plugged into a wall adapter or a power bank, so it stays where the cable is. A marble lifter, a windmill or a candy dispenser sits on the table and never leaves it, so mains power is fine. An ant that crawls off the edge of the table is not going to take a cable with it.

That is the whole rule. Moving build, use the Battery Block. Stationary build, either kit works.

What each Theme Build actually contains

None of them include a battery, a switch or the full set of wire blocks. Those come out of your Circuits Kit and go back in when you take the model apart.

  • Walking Ant: around 200 bricks, 1 N20 motor, 1 wire block
  • Fire Truck: 250+ bricks, 1 N20 motor, 1 slide switch, 4 wire blocks, 1 crossover connector
  • Patrol Car: 175+ bricks, 1 N20 motor, 1 wire block, 1 crossover connector
  • Mighty Machines: 330+ bricks, 1 N20 motor, 2 wire blocks, 1 crossover connector

The Ultimate Theme Bundle

The Ultimate Theme Bundle is all four Theme Builds in one box. Three of those four move, so you need the Intro to Circuits Kit with it. The Advanced Bundle covers that and the Expansion Kit at the same time.

I already bought a Theme Build on its own

You are not the first, and it is fixable.

  • If the order has not shipped yet, email info@sparkblocks.ca now. See Can I cancel my order?, because acting before dispatch costs you nothing and acting after it does.
  • If it has already arrived, the simplest fix is to add an Intro to Circuits Kit. Nothing you bought is wasted, and the Theme Build will work the moment the battery arrives.
  • If you would rather send it back, see Our return policy, in plain words for what a return costs.

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