Sleipner teams up with Lego Brothers Garage to launch DB80 internationally
Unveiling new machinery and equipment for the mining industry on site around the world is never a simple task due to their enormous size, let alone now with travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
Recognizing this, Finnish machinery manufacturer Sleipner Finland Oy decided to launch its latest DB-series model in a completely new and unprecedented way: Sleipner asked Jesse Pyykkönen, 18, and Tuomas Pyykkönen, 13, to construct a model of the new Sleipner DB-series out of Lego bricks.
The two brothers from Pudasjärvi in northern Finland were presented with their first ever 3D model, which they then disassembled into parts to study and take measurements of all the individual components. The brothers built the model entirely from Lego Technic bricks, right down to the smallest detail – including the engine – and without any instructions!
3D model used to create authentic-looking Lego-Sleipner DB80
The two Finnish brothers already have quite a reputation for their incredible Lego-building skills. Their newly completed Lego-Sleipner DB80 is even pulled by a Volvo A60 dump truck that they also had to build out of Lego. This and other amazing Lego creations can be viewed on the brothers’ YouTube channel, Lego Brothers Garage.
The difference between their previous creations and their new commission from Sleipner was that they got to build it on the basis of a 3D model instead of photographs.
“For the first time, we were able to build by studying the manufacturer’s 3D model directly. Even though it took a little time at first to get used to the operating system, it allowed us to view the details with great accuracy. The image did not pixelate even when we zoomed in, and it was possible to measure all the angles and thicknesses of the components. This was a really big advantage for perfecting the details. For example, there were a lot of details in the bogie structure that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. We were able to make these too look realistic by looking closely at the 3D images from every direction, even from below,” Jesse Pyykkönen explains.
A challenging but rewarding project
In addition to working with a 3D model for the first time, the brothers also experimented for the first time with modelling a digital twin using Lego’s design tool. This allowed them to make sure that everything would work and to document the scale model down to the last Lego brick.
“One of the most challenging steps was redrawing the trailer bed using a mouse and keyboard, which required a lot of patience and focus. It took a lot of time, but I don’t think of this as a job but rather as a hobby. We began in June 2021 and completed the Lego-Sleipner in early September 2021, although we did also take time off during the summer holidays,” Tuomas Pyykkönen admits.
According to the brothers, the most important yet at the same time challenging aspect of the project was getting the trailer bed to raise and lower using Lego Technic pneumatic cylinders.
In reality, the trailer bed is raised by hydraulic cylinders, but the operating principle is the same.
“We really had to do a lot of reverse engineering and study how to make a real machine and then build it. For example, we had to figure out how the loading ramps and lifting hydraulics work. At the back of the trailer bed, we made three loading ramps to match precisely the original model. The ramps follow the ground surface during loading. In addition, the trailer bed has a hydraulic winch, which we replicated using a Lego Technic electric motor. The challenge was to make it durable yet small enough to fit in a tight space, and to get enough torque to be able to tow a model of a tracked machine onto the platform. This was one of the most challenging aspects of building the trailer bed,” Tuomas adds.
The Lego-Sleipner is certainly impressive in its details. Even the LED lights and turn signals work just like on the real model. In addition, the hydraulic hoses and lines are all in the right place.
The precise detailing can also be admired on the Volvo dump truck: the six-wheel drive, axle suspension and even the green engine is the same as the actual model.
“It was amazing how meticulously the brothers worked on all the details. For example, safety steps and winch operate just like the originals. Thanks to this attention to detail, we can now use the scale model to train our sales peoples, for example. We look forward to working with the Pyykkönen brothers again in the future. After all, it is the daydream of every engineer to construct Lego models!”, says Teijo Höylä, Project Manager at Sleipner.
Inspiration from Lego exhibition
The brothers say they have enthusiastically built with Lego ever since they first laid hands on the bricks. They first became interested in Lego Technic products at school age. They began building bigger Lego machines in 2018 after attending a Lego event in Oulu, which was still a reasonable distance from home, and soon after they decided to travel all the way to Helsinki to attend an even bigger Lego exhibition.
“We went as complete novices to see what was there. The idea was to find out what level we were at compared to others. We built a six-wheeled Hennessey Velociraptor and a Jeep Wrangler Trailcat for the shows. We discovered that there weren’t many other machines built using Lego Technic, so our models became very popular. In general, Lego enthusiasts prefer to construct buildings and different environments, whereas Lego Technic builders almost always specialize in machines, equipment and vehicles,” Jesse says.
Certain modifications required
Even though an enormous selection of parts is available these days, the boys still had to make certain small modifications for their models, as ready solutions were not available to replicate all the functions.
“Original Lego parts have been sufficient, so we have not had to resort to 3D printing, for example – even though it would have been possible. Even though we can’t make models that fly, everything else is possible. A wide range of Lego Technic modules are available these days, such as motors, actuators, pneumatic parts and the Control+ app which links to your mobile device by Bluetooth. With all these, only the sky is the limit,” Tuomas admits.
Affordable hobby
The Pyykkönen brothers encourage other kids and young people to continue building with Legos even as they grow older.
“When I started going to high school, I initially wondered if I should admit to anyone that I like building with Legos, but there’s really nothing to be ashamed of. Legos are purchased not only for kids, as a large proportion of Lego enthusiasts are actually adults. Of course, the hobby does require a certain amount of money, especially if you build big structures. Then again, building big is not always the best goal. In fact, the smaller you can build a Lego car, for example, the faster it can run relative to its size when there is less friction. Your first creations don’t necessarily have to be motorized either, which will further reduce the cost,” Jesse suggests.
Inspiring joint projects with companies
The brothers certainly do not spend all their days building with Legos. They also enjoy downhill skiing, for example, and school itself demands a lot of their time. Nevertheless, working on joint projects with companies has been inspiring and has not disrupted their schooling.
“It was really fun building the Lego-Sleipner, and hopefully we will be building other new products soon. Working together was fun for both sides. Sales are not the main priority for us but rather the opportunity to something new by building things. Of course, it is always nice to have funding for new projects,” Jesse says.
“It would be fun in the future to work as an engineer in product development and design new technical equipment, for example in the field of biotechnology,” Tuomas adds.
Do you want to see our Lego-Sleipner? Come and meet us at Bauma2022 event in München Germany end of October. You can find us from hall C6, stand 210. Or if you are visiting QME event in Australia (19th – 21st of July), pop by on our dealer’s Equipment Placement stand A300. Looking forward seeing you!
