2. A fundamental principle
Before we dig into the train design, let’s take a look at some of the basic constructions that we’ll encounter.
We begin with the beautiful ratio, 5:2. This is a magical mathematical ratio in the world of LEGO construction. It works in all LEGO creations, not just LEGO trains. Anyone who aspires to build great models should understand this powerful relationship.
What do you get when 5 plates get together with 2 studs? There you go: A square, of course. Understanding this fundamental relationship opens a whole new realm of LEGO construction: Stack five, 1x2 stud plates on their side, then place a 2x2 plate alongside - it’s a square (Figure 3 and Figure 4). A lot of official LEGO models, including LEGO trains, use the 5:2 relationship to achieve very cool models. See if you can spot it in some of the models you have in your collection.
TRIVIA note:
The color sequence yellow, red, blue, white, and black, was part of the LEGO logo during the 1970s (see Figure 5).
Notice that the LEGO logo is a red square, and that the colorful stripes also form a square: beautiful symmetry, the building system and the company logo.
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