Back for More#
Following my AG-Systems Lego adventure, my son and I started thinking about whether a follow-up was on the cards. Van Uber is the next favourite in our family games, so it was the obvious choice. Where AG-Systems was all sleek angles and unified bodywork, Van-Über presented a completely different challenge: how do you build something that looks like it wants to tear the track apart?
The answer, it turns out, was Technic.
Overview#
This build clocks in at 37cm in length with 582 pieces at minifigure scale - slightly longer than the AG-Systems but less pieces (save you a few bucks on Bricklink) but it's no less complex. The grey, black, and red alternate livery gives it that industrial, no-nonsense Van-Über attitude that the team is known for.
But the real story here isn't the piece count - it's the engineering problem those distinctive twin wings presented.
The Wing Challenge#
Where AG-Systems was built with angled sections hanging off the central cockpit core, Van-Über's separated wing design meant I needed rock-solid connections that could handle the leverage forces without the model falling apart every time someone looked at it sideways.
The solution? Each wing's central spine is built entirely with Technic bricks, connecting to the main cockpit body via Technic pins. This modular approach not only solved the structural problem but made the build process much more manageable. I could work on each wing separately, test-fitting and tweaking before final assembly.
The rear section continues the Technic theme with rods and panels forming that distinctive tail wing that gives Van-Über its predatory silhouette.
Building Process#
This build follows a logical progression: central cockpit first, then the rear engine section, followed by the left wing, and finally the right wing. The Technic framework meant each section could be thoroughly tested before moving on - no nasty surprises during final assembly.
The beauty of the Technic approach became obvious during construction. Studs facing in almost 360 degrees meant I could achieve surface details and angles that would be impossible with traditional building methods.
The Sticker Sheet Challenge#
Van-Über's distinctive logo sprawls across the sides of the in-game ship, and I was determined to capture that. Problem: nobody seemed to have created vector art of the Van-Über logo that I could find online.
So I made my own along with a few of the sponsors and glyphs that don't seem to be easily attainable.
The resulting sticker sheet features almost 40 individual stickers, including that custom Van-Über logo designed to span multiple bricks. Attached to the final build, it has a suitable "F1" feel to the ship, with logos and sponsors across most surfaces. I even threw in a few bonus laptop stickers because, well, why not?
Weaponised Fun#
Here's where I went a bit off-script from the source material. Van-Über in the games is all about that aggressive racing philosophy, so I decided to lean into it. Hidden within those wings are nods to Wipeout's weapon system: missiles, bombs, mines, and even a shield generator representation.
It's not 100% game-accurate, but I think it captures the spirit of what Van-Über represents in the Wipeout universe. Plus, I hope builders will appreciate the little Easter eggs scattered throughout.
The Final Result#
The finished model captures Van-Über's brutal efficiency. Those Technic connections hold firm, the wings have proper presence, and the sticker work brings that authentic team livery to life.
At 37cm long, it sits perfectly alongside the AG-Systems model, and the contrast between their building approaches really highlights how different each Wipeout team's design philosophy is.
When compared to the in-game model, I think it reflects the essence of the design, while adding some fun Lego play elements.
Googles Nano Banana image model handily put it into a racing scene as well. Nice!
Build Stats & Downloads#
The finished model:
- Size: About 37cm nose to tail
- Pieces: 582 pieces (no stand)
- Scale: Minifigure scale
Build it - buy the full kit
The Van-Über is now available as a full kit from Build-A-MOC — recommended if you want every piece, the custom sticker sheet, and downloadable instructions all in one place, ready to go. The kit includes:
- All LEGO pieces
- Custom sticker sheet
- Downloadable instructions
Buy the full kit on Build-A-MOC
Build it - Download instructions, source your own Lego
Buy the instant download from my Gumroad page here. The digital download includes:
- Bricklink Studio project file (.io)
- Instructions PDF
- Stickers PDF at print quality
- Bricklink parts list XML
You can also find this model on my Rebrickable profile if you prefer that platform.
I appreciate the small contribution for this project. Designing and building these models is time consuming and not cheap (as any lego fan knows!). If you want to see more in the series, a couple of bucks here really helps. Many thanks!
NOTE: Unlike AG-Systems, I have not included a stand in this build, although the model is designed to sit on one. My BrickLink profile has the model of the standard stand I use. Feel free to substitute as you see fit.
Reflection#
This build pushed me deeper into Technic territory than I've ventured before, and I'm glad it did. The structural challenges forced creative solutions that I'll definitely carry forward to future projects.
The modular wing design also opens up possibilities - I could easily see creating alternate wing configurations or even completely different ship variants using the same core connection system.
Most importantly, it proves that the addictive nature of Bricklink Studio hasn't worn off. If anything, successfully tackling Van-Über's unique challenges has me eyeing even more complex ships from the Wipeout roster.
Next up? Well, let's just say I've been looking at some screenshots of Tigron lately...