The Bush Plane LEGO Ideas Project Review

Overview
This project is a bush plane created by norweasel and modeled after a Piper PA-18 Super Cub. Piper Aircraft introduced the Super Cub in 1949, and there have been around 15,000 produced during two production runs since then, the first being 1949-1983 and the second 1988-1994. Unlike many planes today, the Super Cub used the "rag and tube" method of design, meaning the plane had a steel tube frame with fabric stretched across the structure. For more information, you can visit this project on LEGO Ideas by clicking here.

Appeals of this Project
This Piper bush plane is a designed beautifully from a geometric standpoint as it captures the features of the Piper Super Cub nicely. In fact, I think this LEGO Piper is aesthetically pleasing from every angle. The color scheme is integrated into this design well, and is a good representation of how the Piper planes are sometimes colored (though I will forever think of Piper planes being yellow because of the movie "End of the Spear"). The way the dark orange sticks out among the overall whiteness of the model adds some nice contrast without looking out of place.

I really like the use of both a molded piece and a brick-built method for making the tail of this plane. It really captures the correct shape that is unique to Pipers. The fuselage is streamlined well, with a nice gradual taper into the tail while there is a steeper curve towards the nose of the plane, both of which are captured nicely using the SNOT technique. More details of the SNOT technique can be seen on the project page by checking out the pictorial building instructions.

Another feature of this aircraft that sticks out to me is the floats. I like the use of the LEGO Technic pieces going from the fuselage to the floats. They provide a good sturdy structure and do not look out of place. But my favorite part about the floats are the modified plate pieces with the angular extension (61406pb03) at back. This is generally a piece that is not very useful, and I think norweasel has found a way to integrate this piece so that it blends in with the model.

Areas for Improvement
There are a couple minor things that I think could improve this model. First, I would like to see the front propeller be able to spin freely. The building technique used currently allows the prop to be positioned nicely without moving, but it does not allow it to rotate freely, which is a downside to me. Second, I think it would be nice to see the bracing so many Piper Super Cubs have under the wings, in order to bring a little bit more accuracy to an already amazing build.

Conclusion
Overall, this is a beautiful model of a Piper Super Cub, and I believe it would make a nice set if it reaches 10,000 supporters and passes the Official LEGO Ideas Review Process. To see more pictures and offer your support to help this become a set, you can visit the project on LEGO Ideas here. Not sure how LEGO Ideas works? Click here to find out more.

Photos used and review completed with the permission of norweasel.