[MOC] Propeller plane - with realistic controls

[Jerry LEGO Creations]

Hi all,

I'm happy to present my newest MOC, a propeller plane with realistic controls.
 

 

This is the list of functions:

• Working rudder
• Working ailerons
• Working elevator
• Openable canopy
• Freely spinning propeller
• Steering rear wheel

It is a medium sized build at 707 parts. The dimensions are as follows:

• length: 30 cm / 11"
• width: 33 cm / 13"
• height: 10 cm / 4"

The working controls are the main part of the plane. This is an overview of the mechanisms:

Propeller plane controls by Jerry LEGO Creations, on Flickr

The yellow parts control the elevator, the yellow the ailerons and the magenta parts are for the rudder.
The way the ailerons and elevator work are not too complex. By moving the yoke forwards and backwards, the rearmost connector also moves. This connector is connected to the elevator.
The ailerons are connected to the yoke via a set of gears. The most interesting part of these 2 mechanisms, is the CV joint. This joint allows the axle to move in and out easily, while transferring the rotation to the gears.

The way the rudder works is a bit more complex. Here is a render showing the different parts of that mechanism:

details pedals by Jerry LEGO Creations, on Flickr

The yellow parts are the pedals. When you push a pedal forwards, it also pushes a purple liftarm forwards. To this liftarm a rubber band is attached at the bushes.
The rubber band makes the rudder return to centre. The purple liftarm is blocked from moving backwards (towards the seat) by the dark green parts. This is done to make sure that both rubber bands don't cancel each other out.
The movement from the pedals is transferred to the light blue liftarms. These are in turn attached to the lime parts. The lime 3L liftarm rotates about the pin in the middle. It is also the link between both pedals. The lime green thin liftarms are connected to an axle which finally rotates the rudder.

Renders showing the mechanisms in action can be seen at 1:19 in the video.

If you are interested in building it for yourself, here you can find free instructions: ReBrickable
It is also on Lego Ideas, any support will be highly appreciated: Lego Ideas

Finally, here are some more images showing the plane:

Propeller plane rear side 2 by Jerry LEGO Creations, on Flickr


Propeller plane front 2 by Jerry LEGO Creations, on Flickr


Propeller plane top by Jerry LEGO Creations, on Flickr


Propeller plane front by Jerry LEGO Creations, on Flickr

Edited September 16, 2021 by Jerry LEGO Creations

[Jurss]

Impressive functionality for scale.

[allanp]

39 minutes ago, Jurss said:

Impressive functionality for scale.

Agreed

[Pattspatt]

Wow, great functionality and very impressive presentation! Those animations of the render really help to understand how it all works. Great work!

[Maaboo the Witch]

I'm not a plane person usually, but the amount of work that's gone into those mechanisms is amazing! Great job on 'em. 

[GerritvdG]

Well done, fantastic functionality with only 700 parts, it's on my build list!

[Jerry LEGO Creations]

1 hour ago, Jurss said:

Impressive functionality for scale.

 

34 minutes ago, allanp said:

Agreed

Thanks! That was the hardest part of the build. I knew it was possible to make make the controls work, but to make them fit in a plane this size was a whole new (but fun) challenge.

16 minutes ago, Pattspatt said:

Wow, great functionality and very impressive presentation! Those animations of the render really help to understand how it all works. Great work!

Glad to hear you liked the render, I figured that would be the best way to present them

2 minutes ago, Maaboo35 said:

I'm not a plane person usually, but the amount of work that's gone into those mechanisms is amazing! Great job on 'em. 

Thank you!

Just now, GerritvdG said:

Well done, fantastic functionality with only 700 parts, it's on my build list!

Have fun building it! :D

[jorgeopesi]

I would pay for It and I do not like planes  .

[PassengerJet]

This is fantastic truly!

[Maaboo the Witch]

1 minute ago, PassengerJet said:

This is fantastic truly!

Coming from somebody who is allegedly an actual aircraft, that is high praise indeed!

[GerritvdG]

10 minutes ago, Maaboo35 said:

Coming from somebody who is allegedly an actual aircraft, that is high praise indeed!

[Hrafn]

Superb job on the mechanisms!

I quite like the minimalist canopy, too - the two twisted flex axles manage to evoke the shape nicely.

[Jerry LEGO Creations]

1 hour ago, jorgeopesi said:

I would pay for It and I do not like planes  .

Hahah thanks, no need to pay for this one though

1 hour ago, PassengerJet said:

This is fantastic truly!

Like @Maaboo35 said, I'll take is as high praise!

19 minutes ago, Hrafn said:

Superb job on the mechanisms!

I quite like the minimalist canopy, too - the two twisted flex axles manage to evoke the shape nicely.

Thank you. I'm also quite happy with the canopy, more than this would probably have been too much