Maybe, we may never know. It feels most probable that the spokes are the wrong length and to get past that problem i had to put the spokes in the wrong hole. As I saw it, the spoke holes are angled for entry. When i did this, i was able to tighten all the spokes. It seems that i did something right. Now i have about 98 pairs of wheels left to build before i can say i can build wheels(or is it 998?). Anyway i felt i was able to hand it back to my son with a reasonably clean concience. I gave it my best shot.