Fairground: Space Octopus LEGO Ideas Project Review

Overview
This project seeks to add to the Fairground Creator theme The LEGO Group introduced in 2014 with the Fairground Mixer and then the Ferris Wheel in 2015. According to FungYup, the creator of the Space Octopus, the idea came for this project after getting the Ferris Wheel.

Appeals of the Project
Comparing to the existing fairground themed sets, the color scheme goes nicely with the Fairground Mixer, but also introduces some new colors in the in the mini planes where the minifigures set which complement the Ferris Wheel. I really like how the lights are integrated into the center of this build, reminding me of several real Space Octopus type rides I have been on, and the gold dome on top is like the crown on top of a really nice build.

Watching the video below, this really does look like an octopus with the way this ride moves, and I can just picture an actual octopus in the center! The design of the mechanism for this fairground ride is engineered beautifully. Not only does it allow the Space Octopus to spin, but causes the mini planes to move up and down in the vertical direction also. To me, this adds a very realistic feel to the Space Octopus when it is compared to how the actual ride would function.

There are many wonderful details to this project from the controls at the back of the drive shaft housing to the ticket booth, to the minor details on the mini planes. According to the project page, it is also possible to integrate a LEGO Power Functions motor allowing the Space Octopus can be operated hands free. Another modification mentioned on the project page is the possibility of replacing the mini planes with Starwars Microfighters, although this has yet to be pictured.

Areas for Improvement
One thing that I am not a fan of in this project is the minifigures. Although it nice that there are a large number of minifigures included in this project (nine based on the pictures) they are all exactly the same as the minifigures included in 10244 Fairground Mixer. It would be really nice to see some new minifigures replace these figures that have simply been "recycled" from an existing LEGO set.

Conclusion
Overall, this is a great project that would be a good addition to the Fairground themed sets if it reaches 10,000 supporters and passes the Official LEGO Ideas Review process. But it would be preferable if the "recycled" minifigures were replaced with new minifigures that are specific to this project. To see more pictures and offer your support, you can click here to visit this project on LEGO Ideas.

Photos/video used and review completed with the permission of FungYup.