How to Create a Christmas Tree Using Fischertechnik Elements

I play with different educational manipulatives for a living. (Visit www.weirdrichard.com). Over the years I have built different holiday themed models using all sorts of toys. It is easy to create awesome Christmas and Yule scenes with fischertechnik pieces and parts. This instructable will describe how to create a simple fischertechnik Christmas Tree!

Note: The CAD-looking images were generated by LDraw/MLCAD and a fischertechnik elements library.

Step 1: Gather Elements:

You will need to gather your elements. The fischertechnik elements are available from a range of kits available from a fischertechnik retailer, and the specific elements can be purchased individually from www.fischertechnik.com. They also come up for sale on ebay often.

The List:

2 I-Strut Yellow 30s
1 Bottom Plate 30x90s
4 I-Strut 60s
16 Single Rivet 4s
6 Single Rivet 6s
2 I-Strut Yellow 45s
1 Coupling 30
2 X-Strut 42.4s
3 I-Strut 15s
1 I-Strut with Bore 120

Step 2: Tree Base

Begin the Christmas/Yule Tree's base by by sliding a Coupling 30 into the center slot of a Bottom Plate 30x90.

Step 3: Tree Trunk

Connect an I-Strut with Bore 120 to the Coupling 30 with two Single Rivet 4s.

Step 4: Tree Branches

Create two branches by connecting two I-Strut 60s to the third hole from the bottom of the I-Strut with Bore 120 with a Single Rivet 60.

Step 5: Tree Branches

Create the next layer of branches by adding two more I-Strut 60s to the fourth hole from the bottom of the I-Strut with Bore 120 with a Single Rivet 60. Adding two I-Strut 45s to the fifth hole from the bottom of the I-Strut with Bore 120 with a Single Rivet 60.

Step 6: Tree Branches

Create the next layer of branches by fixing two X-Strut 42.2 to the sixth hole with a Single Rivet 60. Add the next layer of branches by adding two I-Strut 30s to the seventh hole with a Single Rivet 60.

Step 7: Tree Branches

Create the final layer of branches by fixing two I-Strut 15s with a Single Rivet 60 to the eighth hole. Top the tree off with an I-Strut 15 with a Single Rivet 4. Insert a Single Rivet 4 into each end hole of the struts to create the effect of ornaments!

Step 8: Adjust Branches and Add Ornaments

Adjust all the branches so that they point down. Insert a Single Rivet 4 into each end hole of the struts to create the effect of ornaments! Admire your tree!