[WIP] Dune Sandworm

[Tom_Brick]

I wanted to continue with my current Dune obsession but there really isn't all that much inside the Dune universe which lends itself to be transformed into Lego. But I figured that a sandworm + rider would be a nice challenge. I have gone into Stud.io and tried to come up with something. While I do like the current look, I'm not sure if I continue down that path. The damn thing is just too big. It sits on three 32x32 base plates. We're already at more than 3600 pieces and the rear end is still missing, plus I only have a rudimentary support structure for the sand dunes. So I expect a final design to end up quite a bit north of 4000 pieces which is just unreasonable. Still, it was fun so far, so I might at least finish the design in Stud.io. But I doubt that I'll take it any further than that.

[Guyinaplaguemask]

It looks very nice. I would add some sort of texture to the sides, maybe using studs or cheese slopes. In the movie, the worms are very rough. You have captured the movement very well though, hats off to you for that.

[Tom_Brick]

3 hours ago, Guyinaplaguemask said:

It looks very nice. I would add some sort of texture to the sides, maybe using studs or cheese slopes. In the movie, the worms are very rough. You have captured the movement very well though, hats off to you for that.

That was a nice idea, thanks. I've continued with the design and closed it all around. I'm still not happy with the tail of the worm where he comes out of the sand, that section would need some refinement. But I think I'll end it here. I'm never going to build this and I doubt anyone else would want to do so either. 

Edited April 3, 2024 by Tom_Brick

[Guyinaplaguemask]

Will you make the stud.io file available for download? I have a feeling there is someone out there who will want to make the full sandworm, or build the real model (and knowing some of the nutcase on this site, there is a number greater than zero of people who want to do both).

[Afri-Cola]

This looks amazing!

[JesseNight]

That's impressive! And I think the studded look works better in this case, to capture the rough look.
To think it's actually still a small worm... we've seen them have a spice harvester for breakfast 

[Feuer Zug]

Wicked sandworm. I like the ring structure you used for each segment.

[Tom_Brick]

I've put the Stud.io file on my Dropbox. Whoever is keen on playing around with it is welcome to download it. I will keep it up there for a while, but I won't guarantee that it will be available indefinitely.

A couple of comments:

• There is no support structure to speak of underneath the sand dunes. So if anyone is interested in actually building this, that would be the first thing to tackle.
• Obviously the rear end of the worm needs a bit of refinement.
• The rings may be a bit "soft". You'd need to build one in real life to test how well it holds up. I think it should be fine, but I wouldn't vouch for it. Though adding some more supports inside should be possible. But then you also wouldn't want them to become too heavy, so that the mouth of the worm can still be lifted slightly up from the dune. If it turns out to be too heavy, I guess one could also take out a ring or two from the front section of the Worm, though the ball joints I've used typically are quite strong and the scales should also offer some resistance if push comes to shove.

Anyway, here's the download-link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uopkr5le3vfnt2begl7a6/Worm.io?rlkey=md086gr3lydaupy8jnvqumbal&dl=0

Edited April 20, 2024 by Tom_Brick

[Nevyn]

I've downloaded the instructions from your drop box.
This is absolutely gorgeous.
I'm in the middle of my build for next year but I'll have a real good look at building it some time after Jan 2025 for 2026 Brickvention in Melbourne Aus.
After having a good look at the io file I can't see any reason why this can't be tweaked slightly to make it work perfectly.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful design.

[Tom_Brick]

On 5/29/2024 at 1:25 PM, Nevyn said:

I've downloaded the instructions from your drop box.
This is absolutely gorgeous.
I'm in the middle of my build for next year but I'll have a real good look at building it some time after Jan 2025 for 2026 Brickvention in Melbourne Aus.
After having a good look at the io file I can't see any reason why this can't be tweaked slightly to make it work perfectly.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful design.

I'm glad you like it. It would be awesome if you brought this to life. I wouldn't have expected anyone to even contemplate building this.