Long before the Wright Brothers invented their Flyer (now the airplane), or even the Montgolfier brothers their hot air balloon, a 15th century dreamer had conjured various flying contraptions in his mind, sketching them down in his notebook of ideas. This man is now famously known as a painter, but in truth, he was also a prolific inventor and mechanical genius.
He is Leonardo Da Vinci, a visionary who didn’t let the era’s technological limitations stop him from being ambitious. He sketched his ideas in amazing detail, including an “aerial screw” that lifted off vertically from the ground as its rotor spun in the air.
Little did he know that centuries later, his concept would become the foundation for today’s helicopter. Or did he?
No Longer Just a Sketch
ROKR breathes life into this idea with the Da Vinci Helicopter, a miniature mechanical aerial screw with twin spinning rotors, pumping pistons, and a glowing core. It’s a faithful replica that showcases Renaissance artistry with steampunk design.
This 3D ROKR model is part of the Industrial City Series of puzzle kits, a group of fascinating mechanical toys that celebrate some of man’s greatest engineering achievements. The exciting new series includes a telegraph, an oil rig, and the Da Vinci Helicopter.
Let’s take a closer look.
Features
The ROKR Da Vinci Helicopter demonstrates how vertical liftoff is achieved through steam-pressured mechanics. It consists of:
- Double helix rotor wings that supposedly create vertical lift by “gripping” air like a screw turning in wood
- A six-cylinder radial engine with each piston moving in harmony around a crankshaft
- A two-blade propeller that creates forward movement and moves alternately with the rhythm of the engine
- A steam-blowing light tower that also acts as an LED lamp to the model, glowing fiery orange to depict the heat of combustion
- A differential pressure furnace that sits at the bottom, delivering heat through internal pipes and keeping the system in motion
- Visible gears and a conveyor belt that show how rotational energy is used to create mechanical movement
- A mini exploration radar that adds a futuristic touch to the model, serving as the flying invention’s “eyes”, and a communication ability for future riders of the craft
- The ability to connect with other Industrial City models through a 2.4G wireless system or a 6-way power hub base, creating a synchronized start to the desktop city.
All these intricate elements, along with the model’s black, silver, and brass aesthetics, are the quintessential steampunk display, a blend of science and science fiction.
Why Should You Build It?
If you’re not new to ROKR, you probably know by now that the company doesn’t just create toys; it delivers experiences. The Da Vinci Helicopter lets you understand the logic behind this invention and why it was ahead of its time. Its educational value is priceless as it demonstrates the principles of flight, mechanical engineering, and pressure dynamics.
Adding a layer to the fascination is its connection to the other Industrial City models. Each one has a wireless receiver, enabling users to sync-start using a 2.4G wireless connection. This can also be done using the power supply base, a 6-way hub that requires only a single button press to activate all Industrial City toys.
And who could forget about ROKR’s quality as a maker of top-notch 3D puzzles? The Da Vinci Helicopter is no exception with its laser-cut pieces, metallic coloring, tangible textures, thrilling dynamics, and strategic lighting. This makes it a captivating display of mechanical civilization that can be infinitely expanded.
Who Is It For?
Fans of Leonardo Da Vinci’s genius will want to experience assembling this DIY miniature, from engineers to young learners to history lovers. Hobbyists and builders will also enjoy this, with its 3-star challenge and incentive to complete their own Industrial City complex.
If you know the story behind this invention, your sense of accomplishment upon completing this puzzle is sky high. Delve into Da Vinci’s mind and witness art, science, and history merge.
Take A Leap
Geniuses rose throughout generations because of necessity and man’s refusal to be bound by what already is. ROKR does the same, thinking out of the box and pushing beyond the concepts of mere miniature building.
The Da Vinci Helicopter is one of the ways the company encourages you to do the same. With this display of clever mechanics, you are urged to be inspired, be bold, and think critically. Step out of your busy, noisy world and enter a realm of focus where creativity soars high and new concepts emerge from dreams.
Product Specifications
- Product Name: Da Vinci Helicopter CGL01
- Brand: ROKR
- Category: Mechanical Models
- Pieces: 154
- Difficulty: ★★★☆☆☆
- Recommended Age: 14+
- Assembled Size: 315 x 237 × 80 mm