Classic Computing Meets LEGOs

By Tim Moran

There seems to be some odd connection between computing and LEGOs.Well, maybe it?s not that odd, really, since working with both of them requiresimagination and intelligence. To that end, we wrote a while back about a software engineer who, as a hobby, recreated an ancientanalog computer out of LEGOs. In his spare time, he made a working replica ofthe ancient Greek Antikythera Mechanism, circa 100 B.C., whichwas designed to predict astronomical events, such as eclipses.

Recently, the LEGO Group made the creation of new projectsmore formal, with CUUSOO, a Japanese partner. Users can create a project, share it with others and garner support. If an idea gains 10,000 supporters, it may be produced as a LEGO product, with the creator sharing in the profits. 

Opting to take advantage of this opportunity, someone calledHairyDalek thinks that a ?range of models of historical computers, specificallythose that spurred on the home computer market from the 1980s? would be ofinterest. So he started the line with a model of the venerable Sinclair ZX81.

Explains HairyDalek: ?I would envisage other computers fromthat era?Sinclair Spectrum, BBC Micro, Atari ST, Vic-20, Commodore 64, MSXsystems, etc. The models should be as close to 1:1 as possible, thus allowingmodels of varying sizes (and prices) to be sold. A ZX81 would, for example, bea much cheaper set than a BBC Model B or a Commodore Amiga.?

It?s not an ancient computer, but it?s certainly an oldcomputer. And we think that LEGOs enthusiasts?both kids and adults?would findthese LEGO sets fun and interesting. He even suggests that ?it would be nice toinclude a mini-fig representation of the creator of the machine, or key peopleinvolved in their invention or production, though not necessary.?

Ya gotta love LEGOs.