The Fabyan Windmill in Geneva, Illinois.
About this creation
This project came out of a special show that my group, the Northern Illinois Lego Train Club, did for the Geneva History Center in Geneva, IL. With the town in its 150th year, the History Center asked us if we could build a number of creations based on historic buildings in the town. My pick was this old dutch windmill, known as the Fabyan Windmill.
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On the way home from the show, I stopped by the real windmill to take a few pictures with my own in the foreground.
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The Fayban Windmill itself is very large. It stands at 68 feet (about 5 stories). Also a note: I do not have the railing around the walkway - it is a seperate piece, and very delicate. With the day's light fading I did not want to spend the time needed to fix it up from the hasty packing job.
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One more thing - when making the creation, I had never seen the windmill in person. All I had were old black & white photos. All of those had a white 'cross' in the middle of the vanes. I do not know what it is, but that is why my model has one.
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With power, the vanes of the windmill will turn at a nice, even pace. There is more on the gear workings below.
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Small details, like this window, were difficult to do, but I worked them in where I could.
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Using a technic Worm Screw gear, I was able to slow down the high speed of the motor beneath.
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The gears rest surprisingly well when the top is closed up.
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I'd never seen images of the vanes when in motion, so I didn't know what the canvas covers look like. Hence, in my creation, they are bare.
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As I mentioned above, the railing is a completely separate part. It fits over the windmill (minus the vanes) and each of the 'pillars' fit into gaps in the base.
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To see the actual windmill in motion, check out this video another member of my club made: http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Kenn/Trains/NILTC/Genev-Historyl-07/2.wmv
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To see my own creation in motion, check out this video I did: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Gp11XE4Y42E
Note: Yes, I put it smack dab in the middle of my Star Wars layout. :)
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For more information on the Fabyan Windmill, you can check out this official site: http://www.co.kane.il.us/forest/education/windmill.htm
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Comments
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I like it |
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March 10, 2011 |
Lol... I live in Holland! |
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I like it |
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That LDD Guy February 7, 2010 |
Nice, and congrats on MOTD. |
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I like it |
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Dave and John Xandegar February 7, 2010 |
We've always loved your work, Matt...this windmill is like an old Friend to us! It's nice to see 2 old Friends getting recognition as MOC of the day...and we've been honored to exhibit with you and the Gang. All the MOCpagers out there who aren't familiar with your work should check out your other postings while they're here. LISTEN up Gang, this Guy is one of the most talented builders we know!...and if those of you who live in the Chicago area haven't been to see a NILTC exhibit, you're seriously missing out! Check their website,
http://www.niltc.org/
and go see them...you'll be treated to some incredible Lego work by some wonderful People! See ya' at BrickWorld, Buddy |
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Hi i really like your windmill i think its really COOL! i hope one day i can make something like this :o) |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
They make Double-Dutch Chocolate Bars (from Slim-Fast) in the USA. |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
Sweet is all i can say. I feel in touch with my inner Dutch! |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
Happy MOTD. Now I can be happy to be Dutch :D. This is a very good model a windmill, you really deserve it with this model to be on the front page. |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
That's an awesome LEGO replica. |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
great! congrats at motd. I was at the lego train show in geneva when i first saw it! again that is great. |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
Just lovely! Good presentation here. Congratz on MOTD! |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
I don't know what it is about windmills, but I find them to be very interesting. We have them in Sweden too... I think you made a beautiful rendition of it, it looks very authentic and your building skills and techniques used are magnificient. |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
Nicely done, I like the the use of brown so much, a long time ago I climbed into one of these, well, actually broke in into, the interior is more interesting than the exterior so it would be awesome if you could work on that too, great job already though |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
WOW :O , this is really amazing, lots of details and it really looks alike to real one =) |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
Very nice work! As a dutchman, I have to say that your version looks more like an actual Dutch windmill than that real one. I don't know exactly what it is, but I guess it's that the real one looks a bit too small or stumpy (although we do have smaller ones here, now that I think about it). Anyway, a fine job indeed. |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
Wow. Awesome. Even the interior is like real. |
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I like it |
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February 7, 2010 |
These look so accurate, they deserve to be part of the scenery in legoland! |
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I like it |
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December 16, 2009 |
i liked the backround! |
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I like it |
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August 17, 2009 |
Does this mean you're dutch? If so, I'm very proud that we come from the same country. You really captured the shape on this one. Nice work! ~M |
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I like it |
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June 4, 2009 |
Hi Pepa, It's excellent, your Lego version of the Old Dutch Windmill! I also like your main photo, with the original mill and your lego mill in front of it. In fact, it inspired me to do the same with the Dutch windmill 't Nupke and my new Lego mill. |
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I like it |
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January 14, 2009 |
Exactly like a mill near our house!I live in holland:D
Great job you did here |
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I like it |
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November 9, 2008 |
WoW! that is excelent!!! Very creative! |
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I like it |
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November 9, 2008 |
WoW! that is excelent!!! Very creative! |
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I like it |
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April 23, 2008 |
this is cool come see my mocs |
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I like it |
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February 18, 2008 |
Very nice work. It's really beautiful. |
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I like it |
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November 18, 2007 |
looks like the one in the background! see my stuff! |
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I like it |
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November 7, 2007 |
Damn, that's probably the most intensive SNOT I've ever seen. |
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I like it |
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April 28, 2007 |
A work of art. |
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I like it |
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April 26, 2007 |
Fantastic work, very true to the original & great snot work & details. You should build more castle themed MOCs! |
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I like it |
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April 25, 2007 |
datz kool |
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