Retro Moving Toys

Past meets future in these 2 builds inspired by traditional moving toys that date back to Victorian times. However, while they use the same STEM principles as the original toys, these ones are made of LEGO instead of wood and have a sci-fi twist!

"Acrobot 3000"

This consists of an articulated figure connected to a frame by a twisted string. Squeezing the bottom sides of the frame together causes the string to untwist and spins the figure. With a bit of practice you can create a range of moves and put together a routine worthy of Robot Olympic Gold!

"Lift Off!"

This is based on a climbing figure toy which consisted of a figure attached to a loop of string. By pulling the ends of the string the figure would move upwards. Perfect for making a rocket blast off!

Total number of parts is 231 (122 for the Acrobot and 109 for Lift Off).

Video of them in action...

I find the clever yet simple ways these toys work fascinating and hope you do too!