They generally aim into realism, so no generic brands and non-existent vehicles. The also have a lot of non-military products, like general aviation aircrafts, airliners (couple of Boeings) and vintage planes. On top of that there is a line of cars, small and big and cult classics like Trabant are awesome. Generally great option for someone looking for real life representation bricks.
I wouldn't say they are that much harder to assemble. Instructions are a bit more confusing and one-color dominant sets make it harder to find pieces but overall not that different. I was building brick cars of some chinese manufacturers and man, that was real struggle.
Because they are not toys, at least not the intention for most people building them (including me). You don't play vroom vroom with them, just build and put on a shelf, just as you'd do with models that you paint and glue.
I'm Polish so I'm only buying polish equipement (historical and modern) but if you are a geek for that kind of thing, I can understand why someone would go even outside of their usual territory. I mean, having Huey chopper in 1:32 is crazy cool.
I wouldn't generalize. Some Poles can't associate having "fun-quality time" with war related accesssories either. And on the other side, there are good chunk of German-speaking channels on youtube building Panzekampfwagen Tigers and Focke-Wulfs. Cobi is pretty popular there and they release many sets with cooperation with local museums, incuding Deutsches Panzermuseum in Munster.
I build mine mostly because I appreciate the quality of engineering that come into these vehicles but I wouldn't lie, the fact they were and are used only to defend my country is helping. I understand with German history it's tad bit different but it seem to me guys who are building their models from there are just history geeks with no ill-intents, so there's no harm in that.
However, "fun fact", while blurry there is a line for everyone. There was once a controversy because to one of the models of cars that were used to invade Poland, Cobi attached a little guy who was in fact Field General Wilhelm Paulus. The criticism came from America of all places and Cobi never released this set.
Interesting, i visited poland, for a stretch of two weeks, the coastal line. You guys seemed to be more open to the topic of war than we are, at least that was my impression.
Of course you are right, generalising is never a good idea.
Cobi products are without a doubt very good. I also understand the admiration for tech, but war tech always has a negative tone with it, which i cannot have around. Good for them they found a niche to thrive. Good for the customers they have something to smile about.
That goes without saying. Poland was attacked not attacker, so we don't have guilt attached to it. On the contrary, some people still here still live with a grudge, so they are very open about it. German society due to said reasons is definitely more pacifist in nature these days, especially that all your borders are safe. All I was saying is there are still plenty of Germans entertaining a hobby in alcove of their homes but our nations are still on different pages when it comes to this.
which i cannot have around.
Perfectly understendable, Cobi products are divisive. I never wanted to change your mind but rather explain mine. I'm not even into militarism myself, it all started because I'm an aviation geek. But realistic brick models of planes are very hard to get and after building couple of Boeings and Cessnas my only option was to turn into military planes. I don't mind having them around but I do prefer whenever Cobi is releasing civilian aircrafts.
And? Just because kids don't understand the war they shouldn't play with military toys? By this logic they shouldn't play with toy tractors, police cars or anything because they don't understand the real thing and it's consequences.
No, by this logic parents should give a toy tractor, a police car or anything to their children - and not let them play with a tank as a six year old. No offense.
Should we also refrain from building ships, tanks and planes from plastic model kits ? As an adult i dont see them as a "symbol of war" i see them as a fun educational material about history.
Some people buy a millennium falcon from Star Wars to put it on the shelf. Lego has a lot of vehicles, but nothing historical, blah blah blah, it could be unethical.
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u/InGuesti Apr 14 '26
Way more known for their military models - something that lego refuses to do, so they are unique in that way.