F is for Flight

Shuttlepod

Here is a space shuttle for short excursions outside of the main ship. It is controlled by two touchpads at the pilot’s hands, and pedals at his feet. Visual information is relayed to the pilot via a liquid crystal display within the transparent hatch.

What started it: I wanted to get away from building cars for a while, and return to spacecraft. I started with that curved windscreen that I like so much. I then had an idea to build the lowest pilot compartment I could, without having to pilot lying totally flat on her back. I built the ship around the pilot.

What I like about it: There are many things I like about this shuttlepod. While experimenting around, I discovered that those plates on the sides fit the curvature of the windscreen quite nicely. Figuring out how to attach those plates on the sides, and have them be secure was a fun challenge. I like the look of the angled blocks on those side plates. I think they transition well into the engines.

 

What I’m not so fond of: I suppose that if I had to pick on something, it would be those engines. I’m not satisfied with the look from the rear, but I’m not sure what they need – to be deeper, larger, more detail inside, or what?

GoGo Speedster

A racing speedster in the grand old tradition.

What started it: Until I solve the puzzle of the curvy microcar, I figured the way to get the curves I’m after is to either build on a scale larger than minifigure or build something bigger than a microcar. Here, I chose the latter option.

What I like about it: I set out to build an over-sized racer in Lego® Digital Designer, and I came up with exactly what I was after. I got some interesting curves in the hood, and I got a nicely shaped blue stripe.

What I’m not so fond of: I wanted to build a more detailed driver’s compartment, but I ran out of room as I was building around it. When I added the taillights, I thought the combination of red, white, and blue looked a little too “Captain America” to me, but it seemed like too trivial a thing to cause me to rebuild. Plus – I just now realized that I forgot to add rear-view mirrors.

Maintenance Truck

Here is a little maintenance truck designed for city park employees and landscapers.

What started it: The last time we were at Seattle Center, I saw something similar to this driving by. I was especially intrigued by the flat front end. So, I set out to build one of my own, on a Lego minifigure scale.

What I like about it: I think this turned out rather well. Except for the steering wheel (which is too big), the cab turned out exactly like how I envisioned it. I am also happy that I came up with a working tailgate.

What I’m not so fond of: This thing sits up taller than I had wanted. I made the old mistake of underestimating the height of the driver when I built the chassis. Other than that, there isn’t anything major I don’t like about it.

(The next time I order a shipment of Lego bricks, I’ll include a request for a proper steering wheel.)

Black Compact

Here is a compact, two-door, four passenger car.

What started it: I am continuing my quest for a curvy microcar, on a minifigure scale, with a stubby hood, along the lines of a Toyota Yaris. This isn’t it.

What I like about it: Although it wasn’t what I was aiming for, the back end has a sort of modern retro look to it, and I like that. Also, I think the curved, 1×1 white pieces work well for headlights.

What I don’t like so much: This microcar pursuit is a puzzle that I just haven’t solved – yet. It’s tough getting the shape I want on a microfigure scale. I’ve come close, but not close enough. This car has elements I like, but overall, it just doesn’t work for me.