How to Design a LEGO Crossbow
Do not let the LEGO mini figures have all the fun of using the building blocks for weapons and armor. Design your own LEGO weapons such as a crossbow to build and use in make-believe battles against other builders. The LEGO sets allow for a large amount of customization so you can create replicas of any object you choose, including mechanical devices such as a crossbow which relies on a trigger to work. Perfect your LEGO crossbow design to make the building of the weapon more fun.
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Instructions
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Download images of crossbows. Use real crossbow images as well as images of crossbow toys for inspiration in your design.
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2
Break down the crossbow into each part. For example, the crossbow is made up of the stave, or curved part opposite the string, the stock, bridle and trigger. Design each part separately before bringing it together.
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List any special LEGO bricks you will need for each part of the crossbow. An example would be bricks to form a trigger.
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List the sets you need to draw bricks from. For example, the trigger will require bricks from the “Technic” LEGO sets which specialize in moving parts.
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Sketch out each part on a piece of graph paper. Assign each square on the graph paper as a dot on a LEGO. For example, a 2 by 2 by 2 brick viewed from the side would take up a 2 by 2 space of squares.
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List every type of LEGO brick you use in the design as well as the amount of bricks.
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Write on the sketch any considerations for the crossbow. For example, the shaft should be built with bricks that are arranged to form a “U” shape so a bolt can fit into the crossbow.
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Label each brick or section of bricks with the colors needed. Choose to make a brown crossbow to simulate the real thing or a multicolor bow for a whimsical take.
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Incorporate other elements outside of LEGO bricks into the design such as elastic for use as the string.
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Tips & Warnings
Design bolts in addition to the crossbow if you wish to make the LEGO weapon fire projectiles.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
