Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Planning Steps
Begin with a concept. Maybe you want to build a tiny version of a real sports car, or maybe you just want your little Lego guys to be able to ride around in style. Either way, you begin with the picture in your head.
To get the picture out of your head, you can draw it, make a really rough Lego model as a starting point, or visit ldd.lego.com and download their free design software. This will allow you to play with pieces virtually before you commit to your model in real life. One thing to consider when you get to this stage is how many Lego figures you want it to hold. If you want your model to hold two figures side by side, your construction will be very different than if you just want your car to seat one. Most Lego models only have one driver and if there is a passenger, they sit in the rear. This will keep your model simpler, but less realistic.
Finally, once you have your idea solidly in place, gather the Lego pieces that you think you will need. Choose lots of extras, but you will save yourself a lot of time sorting out non-car pieces, such as large bricks, before you begin. Make sure you have plenty of wheels, windshields, wheel pins, etc.
Building Your Model
Now the time has come to actually start building your model! Place a towel over a hard surface, such as a table or counter, before you put out your pieces. The towel will keep your parts from bouncing onto the floor. Alternatively, you can build inside a cardboard box or Rubbermaid-type container.
The first step is to construct the wheel base. Lego offers several parts that are prebuilt for accepting wheels for small cars, but this will usually only work if you plan to build a single-occupant vehicle. Determine what wheels you will use. The simple ones are those with two tires that snap onto a single base plate two studs wide. The more complex ones are based on Technics pieces, and will utilize bigger wheels and pins to hold the wheels in place.
Once you have the wheel base built, you're on your way. The next thing to do is place your figure or figures and build around them, so as not to find out later that you didn't build them enough room. You can easily utilize Lego 'chair' pieces to substitute for a minifig. You do not have to have a 'seat' for your figure, but it can be convenient.
Most Lego designs start from the bumpers and work inwards. Construct a bumper and headlights on both ends and work your way in. Most sports cars don't have trunks, and whether you build an engine or not is entirely up to you and how elaborate you want your model to be. Doors can be built with Lego pivoting flap pieces, or with Technics parts. It is much easier to build a sports car as a convertible and forgo a roof than it is to build a windshield, roof, and rear support for your vehicle.