Elba - Remake
edgeI just have to reconstruct & try the Elba construction toy! So time for another DIY project.
Since the exact dimensions were unknown -at that point in time- parts are scaled from pictures found.
After some laser cutting, both wood & acrylic plates, this was the result:
The trusses are interesting, because they differ from many other toy constructions.
Most construction toys only use one truss, above/below wall panels. But with Elba, the trusses are moved inside the building. In this way it's possible to create a nice flush wall structure, while the trusses are almost invisible.
Downside of this method, those trusses are half-way cutted, so they are less strong and secondly, you always need 2 trusses per 'bay', so it needs a bit more material.
Results:
- Interesting to learn from this building construction toy.
- Although these trusses having one big issue, it only holds gravity forces. When pressing on a balcony (vertical) or against a wall (horizontal), the structure easily tips over.
- Furthermore the acrylic plates do need feel well, once you tried the real product.
- These laser cut wooden parts look bit ugly, so should be spray painted.
- Dimensions are a bit off, but that was to be expected.
- It was a fun project to try.
Back to Elba article.
