Clarkston dad is building support for his Forth Bridge Lego model

Civil engineer Michael Dineen (42) had his idea uploaded to the LegoIDEAS portal two years ago after creating his own replica version of the iconic Forth Bridge out of Lego.

He has until September next year to reach the target of 10,000 supporters in order for Lego to consider his proposal – and he’s just recently passed the 5,000 mark.

Michael’s efforts to promote his idea to have Scotland’s very first ever Lego set endorsed by the Lego Group recently featured on a BBC Scotland programme, and his model has even been displayed alongside the real Forth Bridge.

As his extensive campaigning continues, support for the idea is starting to attract some serious momentum.

Michael said: “Part of the campaign trail included spending two days displaying the model at Glasgow Central Station where I was filmed as part of BBC documentary series Inside Central Station.

“This was a fantastic experience and one I’m very grateful to have been offered as it presented my idea to a wider audience, which is exactly what I needed.”

Michael is very passionate about his model and particularly proud of the fact that it teaches those building it the fundamental elements of bridge design, and in particular how the real Forth Bridge was built.

His own Forth Bridge Lego model stands 30cm tall and 4.7 metres long, and is made out of 3,000 Lego bricks.

He spent three hours working on the project every night for four months. He even patiently hand painted 240 pieces of Lego orange to colour match the bridge deck.

Michael spent two years working in South Queensferry and seeing the rail bridge every day inspired the South African to take on the ambitious creation.

If you would like to support Michael in his efforts to persuade Lego to turn his idea into a future box set, you can do so at Lego Ideas – Forth Bridge