Introduction: Fischertechnik Lucky Cat

How to create a model of Lucky Cat using fischertechnik elements!

I play with different educational manipulatives for a living. (Visit www.weirdrichard.com). Over the years I have built different themed models using all sorts of toys. This instructable will describe how to create a model of the iconic Lucky Cat!

The Wikipedia entry on Lucky Cat: "The Maneki Neko ("Beckoning Cat"...also known as Welcoming Cat, Lucky Cat, Money cat or Fortune Cat) is a common Japanese sculpture, often made of porcelain or ceramic, which is believed to bring good luck to the owner....In the design of the sculptures, a raised right paw supposedly attracts money, while a raised left paw attracts customers."

According to one web site, a white Lucky Cat represents purity and attracts positive things. A black Lucky Cat wards off evil spirits and stalkers.

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 ebay, Craig's List, or fischertechnik retailers. Elements can be purchased individually from www.fischertechnik.com.

The List:

2 Angular Block 60 Degrees
1 Link 30
1 Spring Cam
4 Building Block 15 with Bore
6 Building Block 30
5 Building Block 15
2 Single Rivet 4
1 Building Block 5 with two Pins
1 Building Block 7.5

Step 2: Build Lucky Cat

Stand two Building Block 30s next each other, and connect them with a third Building Block 30 along the top.

Step 3: Build Lucky Cat (Continued)

Slide a Building Block 15 onto the side slot of the two upright Building Block 30s.

Step 4: Build Lucky Cat (Continued)

Add a Building Block 15 with Bore to the front face of both Building Blcok 15s. These will act as the lower paws.

Step 5: Build Lucky Cat (Continued)

Slide a Link 30 into the slot of the upper Building Block 30.

Step 6: Build Lucky Cat (Continued)

Slide a Building Block 30 onto the Link 30.

Step 7: Build Lucky Cat (Continued)

Center a Building Block 5 with 2 Pins on the uppermost Building Block 30.

Step 8: Build Lucky Cat (Continued)

On the uppermost Building Block 30 pin (oriented on the far side), add a Building Block 7.5 and a Spring Cam. Slide a Building Block 30 onto the Spring Cam to act as the upraised arm. Top the Building Block 30 with a Building Block 15 with Bore to act as the raised paw.

Step 9: Build Lucky Cat (Continued)

Insert the pin of a Building Block 15 to the near end of the uppermost Building Block 30. Fix a Building Block 15 with Bore to the this block, to act as the other paw. Set the model aside.

Step 10: Build Lucky Cat (Continued)

Begin the head by adding two Building Block 15s to the upper face of a Building Block 30 laying on its side.

Step 11: Build Lucky Cat (Continued)

Insert two Rivet 4s into the front face of the Building Block 15s to act as eyes. Slide two Angular Block 60s to the upper faces of the Building Block 15s to act as ears.

Step 12: Build Lucky Cat (Finish)

Slide the head onto the model by sliding it onto the Building Block 5 with 2 Pins.

Your finished model should look like this: