LEGO CUUSOO

Click this to see the image above in its original desktop resolution.

Here's a vertical cross-section showing the basic structure keeping the ship together.

The gondola is connected with three Technic pins. The design allows easy connection of almost any kind of Gondola, making the ship highly modifiable.

Here are two renders of the design:
Render #1
Render #2

Here three photos of the completed build still without envelope, showing all internal structural framework:
Framework #1
Framework #2
Framework #3

Yet in order to fulfill her role, she gotta have skin! Making the envelope of Lego pieces would make the model too heavy and expensive (and also easily ugly-looking), so I made the envelope using 40 sheets of cut paperboard:

Click this to see the image above in higher resolution.

In this photo almost all envelope sheets are in place, allowing us to see what it looks like inside.

Like you see, the sheets are kept in place between studs and 1x1 round tiles. Notice that you can replace those parts with many other pieces, like plates or even larger Technic pins, adding to the modifying capabilities: you could place antennas, rope ladders, observation platforms for minifigs.. Possibilities are limitless!

I can really envision many people modifying a set like this into a steampunk-style airship!

In an official set the envelope could be the same or similar material to that used for the ship sails in the Pirates line.

Here three more shots of the completed Lego airship:
Complete #1
Complete #2
Complete #3

The T-shaped thingie on top is a handle, allowing you to easily lift and move around the ship:

Click this to see the image above in higher resolution.

The top grip makes handling this flying whale so easy, and gives it a great "swoosh-factor". To see a demonstration watch this video. (Afterwards added link on the top of the page too.)
Both the handle and the entire ship are sturdy enough to allow much faster moving of the model, but I wanted this airship to perform with dignity and to follow the tone of the music there. :)
Speaking of which, the music in the background is, aptly, "The Zeppelin Arrives", composed by Edward Shearmur, from the soundtrack of the movie Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. No I don't care much about the movie, but I'm a fan of movie music!
YES I know the video is little campy, and that just adds to the fun, right! :P

Let us take a look at her functions shall we?
First of all, the ailerons do turn.

The gondola has many opening hatches. In addition to two boarding ramp -like doors, one on either side, the wall sections on both sides open up to allow access the interior.

On the back of the gondola there are two winches, one on either side, adding to the playability, like when our daring sky pirates want to grab and carry some additional cargo!

This design comprises of around 1,820 pieces. This would not be a licenced product, lowering its price. For a little estimation, the modular set Pet Shop for example was $150 with 2032 pieces, making price-per-part ratio $0.074. This with a similar PpP would cost around $130, not much for a set of this size and specialness! However, everyone please keep in mind that with every CUUSOO project the final design is up to LEGO, and the price is then determined by the production costs of the final product!

It's possible LEGO could also decide to make the envelope of new very large but thin pieces. Such a design could have following advantages:
- Simplier build might make the price ever lower.
- Easier to build and thus more suitable to younger builders too, thus widening its markets.
- And further such a design would likely be even sturdier.
Just pointing out this possibility - all is up to LEGO in the end!

Regardless of such details, these fellas are so ready for adventure...

So let us make it happen by supporting this LEGO Airship project! :D

Click this to see the image above in higher resolution.

Known web coverage:
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Many thanks to GlenBricker for featuring all my projects on his blog! :)
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Again vast thanks to GlenBricker and to Brickset for picking this as a Cuusoo of the Week! :D
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It appears word is spreading amongst steampunk fans! Thanks to GlenBricker, again, for putting the word out. :P

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Collaboration notification!
The renowned CUUSOO user GlenBricker is collaborating with me on this project,
taking care of promotion work in his BLOG and via other means.
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P.S. Please see and consider supporting my other projects too! :)
- So versatile log cabin!
- This cute sailboat!
- The glittering Douglas DC-3!
- And the ultimate Titanic!

And allow me to recommend just some of the finest projects on CUUSOO (in alphabetic order):
Architecture : Space Shuttle crawler transporter by Teazza
AVATAR! - Scorpion gunship - by ALKIDO
The Bat Rises by velociraptor
Bricklyn Borough Courthouse by sonicstar
BTTF - UCS DeLorean Time Machine by m.togami
Corellian Defender with Satele Shan, Qyzen Fess, & C2-N2 by GlenBricker
Desktop Series: Agile Hawk by rongYIREN
Female Minifigure Set by Alatariel
Futra CS Concept car by erthandfiya
Hummer H1 Soft Top by Paliason
It's a Brick World after all... by RobertBlok
James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 by JJOttens
Labyrinth Marble Maze by Touthomme
LEGO Bird Series by DeTomaso
Minifig Scale Aircraft by spider689
Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria by t-brick
Police Patrol VTOL Valkyria by RuiQuintas
Posable 22" Skeleton by ChokingHaz
RESEARCH LAB SUBMARINE (Modular with interiors) by GRusso
Vampire GT Supercar by Crowkillers
Willys JEEP by suzuki