How we built the LEGO APIS Phoenix
Hi there! Welcome to this page on the subject of how we built a first version of the LEGO APIS Phoenix and how you may help us design an even better one.
Let me start by saying that this was no easy feat and that I could not have done it without the precious help of Belle-ve Bricks.
Not only did we have to figure out the detailed mechanics of the APIS Phoenix, we also wanted to build one that could genuinely transform from a pretty cool spaceship to a fully fledged giant robot with a little bit of swagger.
The first thing to note was the size of the APIS Phoenix. The real Phoenix was owned by Fross Haar and could carry up to 100 people. In space, objects are absolutely huge so the Phoenix would only look like a tiny speck. In contrast, on Alkebulan the Phoenix's impressive size was enough to terrorise the masses. So in order to not overdo it, the designer estimated the dimensions as follows:
- Robot mode: 50cm high and 15cm wide
- Spaceship mode: 25cm long by 15cm wide
The design team got straight to it. They announced 1000+ lego bricks would be used to create this LEGO APIS Phoenix and started to share pictures of their progress. Pictures of bits of legs and body made me feel like I was Dr Frankenstein building my very own little monster.
Then I gave some thought as to how the LEGO APIS Phoenix should physically transform from a spaceship to a robot.I drew up quite a few sketches with a focus on how the Phoenix's cockpit could slide open, how the wings could fold in/out, and how the body could unfold.I did have this idea to include a motor like with LEGO Mindstorm EV3 using BrickPi but that'll probably be the next level.The designers got back to me and I came to terms with real engineering challenges such as the dimensions of the wings.
Once the folding portion and the main cockpit were designed, the design team added arms and the upper body but the real test was weather or not the design once completed would actually stand alone on its own two legs. Thankfully today we have software to help predict where the centre of gravity of such a LEGO APIS Phoenix construct would be so it was just a matter of adding in the right locks in the legs and choosing the right number and type of bricks to balance the top and the bottom out.
And voilà! It's ALIVE! That is how the LEGO APIS Phoenix became reality. From a sketch I drew years ago a mini version of it exists in the real world. The Phoenix is literally walking out of the page and the best thing is you can build one too! Please do submit your comments, pictures, suggestions. We are open to all ideas to help our common vision become reality. If you'd like to learn more about other creative projects please don't hesitate to further explore the website. Otherwise drop us a line and we will get in touch.