Assembling model made of laser-cut poplar plywood (8 mm) and birch plywood (4 mm), crafted with high precision. The hull is finished with a refined walnut veneer that adds elegance and authenticity to the overall look. The assembly requires PVA glue (not included) and calls for patience and attention, but the process is intuitive and the result is highly rewarding: a solid, balanced, and fully functional machine.
The design is based on an original drawing by Leonardo da Vinci, found in the Codex Atlanticus, folio 945r, where he explores the mechanics of a paddle boat powered by a pedals and gear system. Due to the reduced scale, not all mechanisms could be replicated in full detail, but carefully simplified solutions preserve the spirit and core functionality of the original invention. Turning the crank smoothly rotates the paddles, just as Leonardo intended.
The final model is a suggestive and well-balanced piece, ideal for display, educational use, or as part of a collection. Valued in museum bookshops for its mechanical clarity and historical relevance, it brings a small Renaissance machine to life through the hands of the builder.
Instructions
In this Playlist Video you can find all the assembly steps.
1 Unpacking
Shows the unpacking of the box and the tools that you will need during the assembly of the model. These tools and materials are not present in the package.
2 Keel Assembly
Shows in detail the assembly of the keel frame.
3 Base Support
This is the boat pedestal, you will need it to help you on the subsequent assembly steps.MOSTRA ALTRO
4 Keel Planking
Shows all the process of covering the surface of the keel with the pre-cutted wooden stripes.
5 Toothed Gear
This video will teach you how to make the 2 vertical “candle gears” of the mechanic system.
6 Central Lantern Gear
How to make the Central Lantern Gear
7 Paddle Axel Gears
These 2 small Lantern Gears, will be placed on the Paddle Axis during the Final Assembly
8 Deck
How to assemble all the elements of the Boat Deck and fix them in place.
9 Paddles
How to make the 2 “Six Paddle Wheels”
10 Lateral Gears
Due to the small size of the model, was impossible to reproduce the small elements invented by Leonardo da Vinci. We found this solution where only one Lateral Gear is involved to make turn the Paddles. The Lateral Gear with short pins, is there only for aesthetic reasons. This video shows you how these 2 gears must be made
11 FINAL Assembly
The video shows you how to put together all the pre-assembled parts on the previous steps and make the model work in the proper way.
