Wherever it started, the best one start with Lego. Considered by some the ultimate toy, it's certainly has never diminished after 80 years of popularity. What's better than adding together a bunch of dissimilar parts to make something totally unique. Reminds me of what everyone does here on GrabCAD - except we make the blocks, not Lego. So it came to no surprise that there are substantial number of CAD models on the GrabCAD library of Lego bits and whole machines, deserving a short tribute for the best out there.
GrabCAD Engineer Pranav Panchal posted this classic as part of the Solidsmack Awesomesauce Design Challenge. "I know it can’t be counted as my own design, but I cannot think of any other thing which inspired more children to take up engineering then this humble brick."
Then there is Technics, for the hardcore users out there. Created by GrabCADr Christian, modelled in Inventor and Rendered in Showcase.
Slightly south of the home of Lego is the home of Volkswagen, makers of the ubiquitous and reliable VW Microbus. You bet there's a Lego-version, created by GrabCADr didier. Check out his profile - he's kindly posted a huge number of Lego blocks.
Composed of 986 parts and put together in about 50 hours, GrabCAD Engineer gallardo out-did himself and created an exquisite Lego tow truck. Comes complete with extendable jack!
GrabCADr Jose Oliver has been uploading a number of these hyper-detailed Lego Technic vehicles and cranes. This is one of our favorite.
And to round off the best, we have an Technic F1 Racecar. It comes with a v10 engine with moving pistons and independent suspension. Big thanks to GrabCADr dr1v3r for uploading this and a shout-out to fellow Engineer Milivoje Zarkovic for providing a nice render. You can find the full kit for an eye-watering $1,239.90 on Amazon.com, or for free right here!
Extra Note: Check out Lauri's interview with Lego Group Design Director Rosario Costa and learn a little bit more about how they design each of their billions and billions of Lego blocks.
