a toy for my boy
2009.03.06 (updated : 2012.05.11)
Once upon a time, I found a toy in a store. It's appeal was immediate: a well-made pull-toy for small children that had an interesting action. But it was expensive for its limited "difficulty", and I was sure I could make one myself.
I was right. But boy, I sure couldn't make it for the same expense.
the original
This is the original. The wheels to either side of the "worm" have an off-centre axel that causes the body of the worm to rise and fall as the wheels turn. The body itself is articulated in three places, hinged on small axels.
![the original toy](/x/i/2008/12/200812131922.jpg)
pieces drying
I hung up the pieces as they dried.
![hanging pieces](/x/i/2008/12/200812171943.jpg)
painting the wheels
That's right, I shot it in black and white!
![final paint work](/x/i/2008/12/20081230a102.jpg)
the assembled piece
Clearly, Mari and Kenny weren't home at that time.
![major assembly](/x/i/2008/12/200812161939.jpg)
the final product
Here's a (surprisingly twitchy) video of the boy pulling the thing. I don't know what Youtube has done with the video, I apologize for that.
That's a good question, Matt. I'll have a look around and see what I can find on the 'net (meanwhile, here's a countryman of yours with a bit of time and cash to dedicate to the LEGO....
http://www.tip.net.au/~dac/legosd.htm
I have a flat-bed scanner somewhere. I'll see if I can find the old manuals and maybe scan that one for you....
928 instructions
Hi .... Now I am 29 with a little boy of my own, I have dragged out my old lego ...... I am sure I still have all the parts for the 928 space ship, though sadly the lunar landscape piece and more importantly, the instructions, are now gone. :( Do you know where I might download these and perhaps other manuals for the Lego Space sets of the same vintage?