When I've been trying to work something out on guitar, it helps a lot to put it down for a while, and return later. The machinery behind the eyes often comes up with the goods, rather than getting nowhere trying to batter the door of learning down.
Wow, I haven't thought of those for years. I had one with an electric motor that you could use to make a crane that would lift stuff.When its too cold in the garage for working on a Whizzer or Cushman, i work inside where its warm restoring old Gilbert Erector sets from the 1940s. Very relaxing and no wondering if it will start or get me home.