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.

De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver LEGO Ideas Project Review

Overview

This project is a joint project between saabfan and gabriele.zannotti depicting the iconic de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver. This aircraft was designed and manufactured be de Havilland Canada from 1947 to 1967 and has become a popular and iconic plane used both in the bush and by many different militaries across the world due to its ability to perform short takeoffs and landings (STOLs) as well as the option to put the plane on wheels, floats or skies. For more information, you can visit this project on LEGO Ideas by clicking here.

Appeals of this Project
First of all, from a presentation standpoint, this project is presented beautifully. I appreciate that the computer generated model has been rendered, and rendered with great detail, even to the point of including the reflection of the DHC-2 Beaver in the water. In addition to the superb rendering job, the model is stunning by itself. The color combination, with the dark blue, yellow and white complement teach other really well, and highlight the many details included in this build, providing an overall aesthetically pleasing and appealing project.

There are a number of intricate details in this project that do not meet the eye at first glance. Starting on shore, there is a fir tree that uses the SNOT technique to add some typical scenery out in the bush, as well as a creatively designed aviation wind sock. The use of the "brick with headlight" piece (4070) really gives the dock a realistic appearance due to the slight spacing between the boards, and the rope at the end gives it a nice touch and offers increased playability such that the plane can be tied to the dock to prevent it from floating away. The two minifigures and dog are just the right number of characters to include in a build of this size, and they have plenty of accessories, including a first aid kit, mail and a fuel can that offer additional playability.

The plane itself includes details such as the single prop engine, ladder for entering and exiting the plane and radio antennas on the fuselage. However, two of the most intricate details, and the two details that offer the greatest play value, are not easily apparent. These details are the storage space in the fuselage for the valuable cargo, and my favorite, the landing gear that folds down to allow the same plane to land on water or on land (yes, there are actual De Havilland DHC-2 Beavers that are equipped with this type of landing gear. Click here to see pictures). First of all, this is an ingenious idea as it relates to the real DHC-2 Beaver, and I am glad to see the floats with landing gear included in this LEGO Ideas project also. Another detail that I appreciate seeing is the inclusion of rudders at the back of the floats for steering in the water.

Areas for Improvement
I have searched and searched this project to see if there is anything I would improve upon, and can find nothing. In fact, each time I examine the project, I become more and more convinced that it is fantastic just the way it is, and would make a fantastic set both for AFOLs and for kids.

Conclusion

Not only is this a beautiful LEGO build, but this is a very playable model as well. There are numerous appeals from both an aesthetics perspective and from a playability standpoint, and I am convinced this would make a wonderful 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 saabfan and gabriele.zannotti.