This model is an alternative of set 10295 and based on the modern classic Audi TT. Previously I had created the P.O.R.S.C.H.E as an alternative model from the 911 set 10295, but always had this feeling that it was not good enough. So it was time to revisit this set and try something else. After an initial attempt on a model which I wasn’t satisfied with, I decided to completely change direction and opted for the Audi TT instead. It made perfect sense with the available wheel arches and the many curved elements in the set.

Development process

As usual the trick is to identify key characteristic elements of the real vehicle. The challenge with the TT is that its main characteristic is its overall shape and not so much the details. Normally if the model has very distinct features/ details you can mess up the overall proportions and still make it look easily recognizable, like the 10337 Countach. But this is not possible when the details are much more subtle. Just consider the 10262 instead to get an understanding of what I mean. The same can be said for the TT. Getting the curves exactly right was probably the biggest challenge in this case, especially with a blocky medium like LEGO bricks. In the end I had to make some compromises on the headlights if I wanted to stick to the inventory of the 10295 Porsche set. Still, I like how they turned out and that I was able to use the transparent panels for them. They suit very well.

When shaping and detailing a model parts are usually only very loosely connected or not connected at all. At this stage you have to handle the model very carefully, because parts fall off all the time. In the beginning the headlight units were just put in the position I wanted with nothing keeping them in place and wheel arches were only connected with one stud. But of course when I was satisfied with the overall looks, the car was completely transformed to a solid model.As with all my work I make sure that every part is properly fixated in place, but do not expect that the complete model can be picked up on the roof alone. (A very common problem with pretty much all the bigger non-Technic LEGO cars.)

For a very long time I was convinced that I had to make a roof support in the center of the interior. But when I couldn’t get that fixed properly the question was if it was actually necessary. After some trial and error the roof could be held in place between the windscreen and some hinge points at the back. It is an elegant solution leaving plenty of space for a more detailed interior.

Want to build your own copy? Detailed step-by-step building instructions are available at Rebrickable.