Technical Museum - Exhibition "History of the Automobile"

I want to introduce you to the current main exhibition of the Technical Museum of LEGO Town: "History of the Automobile". The most important parts of the exhibition are probably the 4 main exhibits: 4 vehicles, each representing a crucial era in automobile development.

The exhibition's opener is a vehicle from the very first era of cars (automotive vehicles) that was powered by a gas engine. An information sign provides visitors with important developments and facts from the period 1880 – 1900.

The next car is an oldtimer from the age of industrialization when automobiles could be produced in large numbers for the first time. This was achieved through a high degree of standardization and the introduction of assembly line production lines. An information sign provides visitors with important developments and facts from the period 1900 – 1930.

The third car comes from a time when cars became suitable for the masses. Production processes were further optimized and vehicles were specifically produced for the common people that almost everyone could afford. The accompanying sign therefore shows the period from 1960 to 1980.

Last but not least the 4th car represents the period from 1980 to 2000. Elegant, curved shapes were largely abandoned and cars became more angular in order to make the production processes even more cost-efficient. At the same time, the car, which is already available to the masses as a means of personal transport, became even more of a cult object. Customization is gradually becoming mandatory, which will have a significant impact on the production of cars.

Beside the cars, the exhibition includes 2 showcases to show technical aspects: a fuel engine and a steering wheel which is needed to control a car.

The model of a race track in the middle shows one main motivator of car developments: race cars! Car races are an audience magnet and very popular. Not only do they make money for car manufacturers, they also help maintain their reputation in a very competitive industry. That's why manufacturers always try to outdo each other with top innovations in order to simply be the best!

The exihibition is well attended and popular in LEGO town. The displayed scene shows the main exibit with a few visitors. Granny and Jack are also visiting the exhibition and are admiring the two oldest exhibits with nostalgic feelings. A young boy tugs his father by the hand, who can hardly enjoy the day because he is actually stuck with his head in his work and cannot get away from his mobile phone - to the chagrin of his son, who feels pushed onto the substitute bench. Other visitors immerse themselves with joy in the long-gone and fascinating world of automobiles and are completely amazed by the exhibits. While a mother and her son study the model of the race track, a young family is busy looking at the exhibits in the display cases. The crowds of visitors don't let up on this day, as the exhibition is well attended from morning to night. Museums also offer a great and interactive opportunity to learn with enthusiasm in LEGO Town - without it feeling like learning. Visitors like to be inspired! After all, that's what makes museums so valuable and equally interesting.

Even though the models shown are fictitious, I used role models to design the cars. Although most of you will in meanwhile know, which ones, I have to assure that it was not my aim to create perfect replicas of real cars! I just needed some orientation. My main intention was to build small, playable LEGO cars and I wanted to give my artistic side the freedom to do so without having to follow strict conventions through the exact replica.

Why did I build it?

The original model was a challenge entry for participating in the „CREATE YOUR OWN EXHIBITION“ challenge, which started on 1st Feb. 2024. Due to I like to creat 6-stud wide LEGO cars, I wanted to participate that time with a vehicle set. And what could be better than a diorama that shows the history of the automobile? 😊

The model was often commented and pretty good ranked in course of the challenge. Additionally, I got month later the feedback, that people would like to see the model as an Ideas submission, which is why I finally submitted it.

In fact, I think, that this creation would be a beautiful and of course decorative diorama for LEGO and car fans as well as for people interested in history or even technological development over time (even if it is not an exact representation of historical events). Apart from being a beautiful diorama, it would also be an interesting and particularly playable set for children. It would also be a great experience to build and features some interesting techniques! Additionally, the set would bring back to us a wonderful LEGO part in the unprecedented but super practical color black: Fabuland Car Roof, Fixed Curve (#4086). And last but not least, the included vehicles could also be a wonderful additon to any LEGO town and/or collection of modular buildings!

Number of parts: 2295

Lots: 348

Dimensions [W x L x H]: 25.9 x 51.2 x 13.0 cm (10.2 x 20.2 x 5.1 in)

Weight: ~ 2.3 kg

I hope you like my model! I would be very happy about your support as well as to receive comments and feedback. I usually also show my appreciation through support.