
The LEGO Volkswagen T1 Camper Van is a detailed replica of the classic 1962 Volkswagen Camper Van. The model includes many of the iconic features of the original, such as the 'V' shape three-way colour split at the front, the pop-up roof, and the VW air-cooled flat four-cylinder engine. The interior features a rear bench seat that transforms into a bed, a folding dinette table, and a closet with a mirror. The set has received positive reviews for its quality, attention to detail, and ease of assembly.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Designer | Sven Franic |
Inspiration | Sven Franic's 1978 Volkswagen T2 camper van, Vincent |
Features | Steering control, pop-up roof, sink, fridge, banana, baggage, deckchairs, surfboard, custom sticker sheet, air-cooled engine, rear bench seat that transforms into a bed, rear shelf with plant, 'Make LEGO Models, Not War' T-shirt |
Number of pieces | 1300+ |
Scale | 1:18 |
Dimensions | 11.8" (30cm) long, 5.5" (14cm) high |
What You'll Learn
The steering wheel
To achieve realistic steering, the inner wheel should turn more than the outer wheel, and each wheel should turn around its vertical centre. There are several ways to achieve this with LEGO parts. One way is to use a combination of long pins with friction, black beams with knobs, beams with axle holes, and cross blocks. You can also add gears for more convenient steering.
You can purchase LEGO steering wheels separately to use in your creations. For example, Amazon offers a set of 25 black steering wheels with an English manual. These steering wheels are sturdy and compatible with regular LEGO bricks, making them a great addition to any LEGO car or vehicle creation.
With the steering wheel, the VW camper van model truly comes to life, capturing the essence of open-road adventures and the iconic 1970s hippie culture associated with the vehicle.
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The pop-up roof
The roof's design is intricate and requires careful handling, especially when lifting the model. The front part of the roof is more delicate than the longer back half, which is solid and can be removed to access the interior. The loose attachment of the roof pieces allows for the opening and closing of the camper top, a feature that customers have praised as "incredibly designed."
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The air-cooled engine
The VW Camper, or Combi van, is symbolic of the earth movement, with famous owners including Joss Stone, Jamie Oliver and Richard Hammond. The van uses the same air-cooled 4-cylinder boxer engine as the famed Beetle, designed by Professor Ferdinand Porsche. The engine and gearbox remained largely unchanged over the years, except for detail improvements in the design and an increase in capacity from 1,200 cc to 1,600 cc.
There are two distinct families of the air-cooled engine: Type 1 and Type 4. The Type 3 engine is a variation of the Type 1 engine with a pancake cooling arrangement. The Type 1 engine was used in the Beetle and came in 1.0–1.6-litre variations. The Type 4 engine was produced in 1.7, 1.8 and 2.0-litre variants.
The VW Camper's engine is a big part of what makes these cars so famous. The LEGO set's lead designer, Sven Franic, was a car mechanic before joining the LEGO Group and was inspired by his own 1978 Volkswagen T2 camper van, named Vincent. Franic notes that it was "really important" to him to get the engine right.
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The iconic door
The sliding side door reveals the detailed interior of the camper, including a mobile kitchen with a stove, sink, and refrigerator. The interior is designed with a nomadic holiday theme, featuring bright, sunny colours, baggage, deckchairs, and a surfboard.
Designing the door from LEGO parts was a significant challenge for Sven, who is a big fan of the functionality of LEGO bricks and the way they click together. He went through numerous versions before finally settling on the perfect design.
The door is an essential element of the camper van's iconic design, and getting it right was crucial to capturing the essence of the vehicle. The sliding door is a signature feature of the Volkswagen T2 Camper Van, and its inclusion in the LEGO model adds to the overall authenticity and playfulness of the set.
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The rear bench seat
To build the rear bench seat, follow these steps:
- Sort and organise the Lego pieces by colour and type. This will make it easier to find the required pieces during construction.
- Refer to the instruction manuals provided with the set. The instructions will guide you through the process of building the rear bench seat, step by step.
- Identify the pieces needed for the rear bench seat. The seat will require a combination of different Lego bricks and connectors.
- Start building the base of the seat. Use flat pieces to create a stable platform for the seat.
- Build the backrest of the seat. The backrest should be slightly angled for comfort.
- Attach the seat cushions and any other details. You can add Lego pieces to resemble cushions or use stickers to create a comfortable-looking seat.
- Test the folding mechanism. Ensure that the seat can fold down smoothly and securely lock into place when in bed mode.
- Add the final touches. This may include adding a "Make Lego Models, Not War" T-shirt, a plant on the rear shelf, or any other unique details you want to include.
Remember to take your time and enjoy the building process. The rear bench seat is a crucial part of the camper van, providing both seating and sleeping space. By following the instructions and paying attention to the small details, you can create a realistic and functional rear bench seat for your Lego Volkswagen T1 Camper Van.
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Frequently asked questions
The Lego VW Camper is a replica of the classic 1962 Volkswagen Camper Van. It includes iconic features such as the ''V' shape three-way colour split at the front, rounded roof and window frames, opening doors, and the pop-up roof with textile curtains. The interior features a rear bench seat that transforms into a bed, a rear shelf with a plant, and a detailed engine.
The Lego VW Camper is a highly detailed and intricate model, praised for its engineering and design. It is considered one of the best kits Lego has released in recent years and provides a fun and engaging building experience for all generations.
The set includes 1,300+ pieces to assemble the camper van, as well as two volumes of clear and concise instructions. It also comes with a custom sticker sheet and a variety of accessories, such as baggage, deckchairs, and a surfboard.