YouTuber builds A380 superjumbo model with 40,000 Lego pieces

The Emirates double-decker Lego model with an upper lounge and cabin interiors took 10 months to build

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BigPlanes, a YouTuber who makes aircraft models out of Lego, has built a detailed replica of the world's biggest passenger plane using 40,000 separate pieces with Emirates livery.

The custom design miniature version of Emirates' Airbus A380 superjumbo is built on a scale of roughly 1:40, according to BigPlanes' YouTube channel. By contrast, the actual A380 is made up of about four million parts produced by 1,500 companies from 30 countries.

The detailed Lego aircraft model, including signature Emirates offerings onboard its A380, such as the First-Class lounge and showers, took 10 months to complete.

"I did not use instructions to build this and no glue, metal support beams, or any other form of support," BigPlanes said.

The double-decker reached the end of the runway when Airbus decided to halt production of the A380 in 2019 after 12 years in service because of weak demand by airlines. Its top customer Emirates, however, has made efficient use of it and operates the world's biggest fleet of 115 A380s.

The Lego model of the four-engine aircraft measures seven feet in wingspan and six feet in length, and weighs roughly 41 kilos. By contrast, the actual aircraft spans 239 feet in length with a wingspan of 262 feet, according to the Emirates website.

In terms of propulsion, the jet engines are powered by four lego "power functions" motors and the flaps are powered by a single Lego "powered up" XL motor at the base of each wing, BigPlanes said.

Emirates' Airbus A380s are powered by the GP7200, produced by the Engine Alliance, a 50/50 joint venture between General Electric Aviation and Pratt & Whitney, and the Rolls Royce Trent 900.

The behemoth aircraft has a range of 8,000 nautical miles, or 15,000 kilometres.

The Airbus A380 giant of the skies weighs between 510 and 575 tonnes, is as long as two blue whales and as tall as five giraffes.

The Lego model's major achievement is the interior, which can be viewed by lifting the removable modular roof.

When the roof sections are removed, the full upper deck is visible. An Emirates flight attendant Lego piece stands ready to escort passengers to the first-class luxury cabin that Emirates is renowned for.

While at the top of the stairs, a dapper flyer with a top hat and cane stands "in conversation" with a fellow passenger.

The model even contains food carts with a giant roast chicken.

BigPlanes also built a miniature of the famous Emirates A380 onboard lounge for first and business-class passengers, showing Lego flight attendants serving drinks to flyers.


Updated: July 17, 2021, 11:19 AM