As I was thinking of models to build to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada, I starting thinking back to the days before our Confederation, when much of North America was still wilderness and the fur trade was in high gear. Most goods at this time were transported along the waterways, and it occurred to me that the repetitive motion of paddling a canoe would make an ideal theme for a kinetic LEGO sculpture. You can see the finished model in action in the video, which also includes a thorough explanation on how all the mechanics work. More details and photos can be found below.
I decided to design the model in the style of the Voyageurs, who were French Canadians in the business of transporting furs during the 18th and 19th centuries. I’m definitely no expert in the history of these times, so the design is primarily based on illustrations that I found on the internet (the Wikipedia articles on the Voyageurs, Coureur des bois and the fur trade in general are quite fascinating). The canoe is decorated in the front and back which seemed to be quite common in that era.
I used the Vetruvian Minifig tile for decoration to add a bit of colour and as a shout out to Da Vinci, even though he doesn’t have anything to do with the theme of the model. Mostly, I just think it’s just a pretty cool piece.
Inside the canoe I added some beaver pelts, a bundle of goods (which houses the battery box) and an iconic Hudson’s Bay point blanket, which was a popular trade item at the time.
The figures are the same proportion as the one I designed for my Sisyphus model, and have a similar style, though I ‘dressed them up’ a bit with scarves and a hat for the one in the front.
And a pony tail for the figure in the back. I’m using a Technic steering arm for the forearms, as they have a loose tow ball joint on the front, which is ideal to accommodate the range of motion between the oars and arms. It’s a shame it is only produced in light gray, but it works so perfectly there that I just had to use it.
I decided to keep the base of the model open, so that viewers can get a peek at the mechanics when I have it on display. As such, the water surface is ‘floating’ and I was able to add some decorations on the river bed, which include some vegetation, rocks, crayfish and some regular fish.
Overall, I’m very pleased with how the model turned out. I may still tweak the drive system a little to improve efficiency, and I might explore the paddling motion in future models as well.
This kinetic model is incredible and mesmerizing. Do you have the parts list and instructions available?
Sorry, not for this one.
I just completed your lawnmower man and it is incredible. I wanna lobby heavily for instructions on this amazing build as well. Your creations are bringing hours of quality time together in our family. Thank you.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed that model. I would love to provide instructions for all my models. Maybe they will happen for this model at some point, but, unfortunately, I just don’t have the time right now.
Can you please tell me where you buy your Legos from
What an absolutely gorgeous model, the attention to detail is aweseme, you’ve got what looks to be a HBC blanket and everything! The automation is really nuanced too.
I can’t imagine the amount of work that went into this and I hope you decide to create instructions for it.
I would LOVE a parts list as well. S’il vous plaît! This one is reminiscent of the area where I grew up; I really must make it.
I would LOVE a parts list too. S’il vous plaît! This one is so reminiscent of the area where I grew up. I really must make it.
期待你的下一个作品。
Hi, since I can’t comment on the Saturn V post I’m asking you on this one. How log did it take you to build the actual rocket?
I don’t remember. Maybe a few hours?
Any chance you could do some instructions or at least a parts list for this set please?
Thanks
Maybe I will at some point, but I have no plans to right now.
Sehr schönes und tolles Modell. Bin begeistert. Ich hoffe das wir auch dafür eine Anleitung bekommen. Frohe Weihnachten an alle. Liebe Grüße Steffen
I adore you and your genius mind! I love the video explaining the workmanship of this project! God has gifted you with great talent! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Hello
I think this is one of your most amazing models ever
As a national canoer I would love to build this so are you going to release the parts list and building instructions
If your not can you please I would love this
Khaleel
Voyageurs Automaton
Please tell me your going to be selling the plans for this!
Simply wonderful!
Fantastic model and creativity thanks Jason.
I like your designs a lot and have already built 2 of yours and this one is next. You should start putting together prepackaged kits for some. Keep up and great work.