[MOC] Hot Air Balloon

[ExeSandbox]

Hi Eurobricks!

It's been a while since I've posted a MOC here. This project has been on my mind for a long time and also especially inspired by the amazing Fiesta Balloon by RoxYourBlox. My balloon is much smaller of course.  

The clouds serves to balance the top-heavy balloon physically and visually (an idea that started from an old MOC of mine years ago), while the seagulls adds a little more dynamism to the model.

(This model has also been submitted to the Bricklink Designer Program Series 8: https://www.bricklink.com/v3/designer-program/series-8/2894/Hot-Air-Balloon)

The clouds has a well in the center to cradle the balloon basket

Some size comparisons to existing hot air balloons in LEGO sets. I wish the prefab balloon shells comes in many more colors, but until then we'll just have to make do with a fully brick-built one. 

Geeking out a bit on the construction of the balloon. A lot of time was spent trying to solve the internal structure to ensure the model can be picked up and swooshed around. 

Beginning with the basket and neck of the balloon supported with a central axle and four perpendicular rods. The lower ring of the balloon required an angle of 37 degrees for the wedge plates to sit flush together with no gaps. This part took many iterations before landing on this solution. 

For the central ring there are no angles involved, just a regular snot connection. The 6x6 round plate is vital to prevent gravity from pulling apart the assembly as the outer panels are quite heavy. The upper rings uses a basic clip/bar connection and are also supported by a 6x6 round plate. 

In the end, this is the assembly with the outer panels attached. Just have to repeat everything 7 more times... 

Side note: A new 2x2 circular bar frame has been introduced by LEGO very recently and it just happens to be PERFECT part for this hot air balloon. With this there is no need for the tedious process of aligning all the clips on the old 2x2 octagonal bar frame and the clips can't be easily detached sideways too. Unfortunately I couldn't get my hands on it as it is still rare on the aftermarket so I had to stick with the old 2x2 octagonal bar frame for now. I'm looking forward to trying these out when I can get my hands on them. 

Edited Monday at 08:44 AM by ExeSandbox
Tweaks to the links

[Feuer Zug]

Excellent hot air balloon. I love the expression on the minifig.

[baublitz]

So nice to see an original design that captures the form without using those large moulded pieces. Looks amazingly sturdy, too. Very well done.

[Yoggington]

This is a beautiful build. I would go so far as to say the best at its piece count in the current BDP. Seeing the inner workings and the planning you had to put in is making it even more appealing.

 

If you don't make the cut, I'll be happy to purchase instructions.

[hikouki]

I really like how you captured that shape so well.

[Ptchnk]

15 hours ago, Yoggington said:

This is a beautiful build. I would go so far as to say the best at its piece count in the current BDP. Seeing the inner workings and the planning you had to put in is making it even more appealing.

 

If you don't make the cut, I'll be happy to purchase instructions.

+1  This MOC is such a nice built and is simply enjoyable to look at. I really like the vibe it's bringing. Add to this the building experience. I would definitely buy this set for me and as a gift. 

 

Edited 8 hours ago by Ptchnk

[Lyichir]

This is quite lovely! The solution you've come up with for the balloon construction is quite complex but the end result is beautifully seamless.

[ExeSandbox]

On 5/12/2025 at 10:14 PM, Feuer Zug said:

Excellent hot air balloon. I love the expression on the minifig.

Thank you!

On 5/14/2025 at 8:16 PM, baublitz said:

So nice to see an original design that captures the form without using those large moulded pieces. Looks amazingly sturdy, too. Very well done.

Thank you! I was pleasantly surprised the regular wedge plates worked so well to form the balloon shape. 

18 hours ago, Yoggington said:

This is a beautiful build. I would go so far as to say the best at its piece count in the current BDP. Seeing the inner workings and the planning you had to put in is making it even more appealing.

If you don't make the cut, I'll be happy to purchase instructions.

Thanks! That's a huge compliment for me.

Will defo be putting up instructions if it doesn't make the cut. 

2 hours ago, Ptchnk said:

+1  This MOC is such a nice built and is simply enjoyable to look at. I really like the vibe it's bringing. Add to this the building experience. I would definitely buy this set for me and as a gift. 

Thank you! I'm really glad to hear that. I try to emphasize a certain vibe for my builds. 

2 hours ago, Lyichir said:

This is quite lovely! The solution you've come up with for the balloon construction is quite complex but the end result is beautifully seamless.

Thank you, I appreciate it! Funnily, the current balloon construction is the simplified version, earlier iterations got very out of hand.