Taking a Short Break from the AE86 — Building LEGO 11506 Rocking Plants

I have been working on the DeAgostini 1/8 Toyota Trueno AE86 almost every day for the past month. After spending so much time dealing with mechanical parts, cables and piping, I felt that I needed a light break and build something completely different.

Looking through my LEGO collection, I wanted to find a small set that I could finish within a short period of time. Something simple, without too much planning or preparation — just a relaxing build.

That was when I noticed LEGO 11506 Rocking Plants.

The smiling faces on the plants immediately caught my attention. More importantly, this was not a large set. With only 253 pieces, it looked like exactly the kind of small project I was looking for.

Without much hesitation, I picked up the box, brought it to my workbench and started building.

A Different Kind of Building Experience

Compared with the AE86 project, LEGO 11506 Rocking Plants is a completely different experience.

The AE86 build requires constant attention — checking alignment, managing cables, fitting pipes and making sure previous assemblies are installed correctly before moving on.

This small LEGO set was the opposite.

There were only a few bags of pieces, no complicated assembly sequence, and no pressure to get everything perfect. I could simply open the bags, follow the instructions and continue building step by step.

Sometimes, after working on a large and complicated project for a long time, a smaller build gives you a different kind of enjoyment.

Slowly Taking Shape

As the plants slowly started to take shape, I found myself enjoying the little details of the build.

The colourful pieces and simple expressions on the plants gave the models a lot of character. It is a small set, but the design makes it feel lively once the parts come together.

I also liked the small booklet included with the set that explains the plants. It is not necessary for the assembly, but it adds a little more personality to the building experience.

A Small Build, A Short Break

After completing both plants, I placed them back on my workbench.

The AE86 was still sitting behind them, waiting for me to continue the next stage of the build.

These two projects are completely different. One is a long-term mechanical build that requires patience and attention to detail. The other is a small LEGO build that can be completed in a short break.

Both have their own enjoyment.

The short break is over. Now it is time to continue working on the AE86 again. 😂

LEGO 11506 Rocking Plants — a small build break before returning to the AE86 project.

LEGO 11506 Rocking Plants

If you are looking for a small LEGO build that is easy to start and does not require a long commitment, LEGO 11506 Rocking Plants is a nice choice.

With its compact size, simple building process and cheerful design, it is a good example that a hobby project does not always need to be a big one. Sometimes, a small build is enough to give yourself a short break before returning to a bigger project.