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92,000 Lego bricks later, this model of the Chi-Cheemaun was born in brick form

Ken Reid has built a life-like model of the MS Chi-Cheemaun out of Lego using some 92,000 pieces that he's collected over the course of years creating with Lego.

Model of iconic ship is nine feet long and weights 200 pounds

CBC News ·
Ken Reid spent three months and countless hours building the Lego replica version of the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun.
Ken Reid spent three months and countless hours building the Lego replica version of the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun. (Submitted by Ken Reid)

Longtime Owen Sound, Ont., resident Ken Reid's been looking at the MS Chi-Cheemaun since it was first put into the water in the city's harbour 51 years ago.

The Canadian-made vessel that ferries people 40 kilometres across Lake Huron to Manitoulin Island every summer caught his eye even then, and he made a model of it out of cereal boxes.

He was a teenager at that time, and his skills have since greatly improved. Today, Reid can boast having created the largest, and surely the most intricate, Lego model of the Chi-Cheemaun.

"It's a nine foot long mini Chi-Cheemaun that has the full interior. It has 51 cars onboard because that's all I had. I like boats but it's really the Lego building that I love," Reid said.

Every detail, including the cafeteria and the gift shop, were included in Ken Reid's design.
Every detail, including the cafeteria and the gift shop, were included in Ken Reid's design. (Submitted by Ken Reid)

He started working on the vessel three months ago using the Lego he buys in bulk, estimating some 92,000 pieces were needed to perfect the model.

Builder invited aboard for full tour

Building the hull was challenging, Reid said, but a special invitation onboard the ship helped him capture the finer details of the interior. He called the Chi-Cheemaun crew to let them know he was building a Lego model, and they wanted to help.

"[The ship steward] invited me on board to take as many pictures as I required. So I had a full tour and I ran my camera to its limits taking photographs," Reid said.

Ken Reid started creating with Lego in 2016. He's done a number of pieces, including this one of Casa Loma in Toronto.
Ken Reid started creating with Lego in 2016. He's done a number of pieces, including this one of Casa Loma in Toronto. (Submitted by Ken Reid)

The Chi-Cheemaun was built in 1974 by Collingwood Shipbuilding, a short drive from where it's docked in Owen Sound during the winter. The ship's name translates to "big canoe" in Ojibwe. Last year, when it marked its 50th anniversary, it transported approximately 150,000 people and 60,000 vehicles from Tobermory to South Baymouth.

Reid said he's had a lot of interest in his Lego version, with local museums and summer festivals in the area inquiring about displaying it. 

Right now, the Lego ship is on his living room floor with the occasional neighbour popping over to take a look. 

"I've been told many times from people that I should have a YouTube channel," Reid said. "But then it would become work, and I like this as a hobby." 

A major feature of the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun is that you can drive your vehicle onboard. Ken Reid's replica Lego model includes 51 cars, 10 motorcycles and 6 bikes.
A major feature of the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun is that you can drive your vehicle onboard. Ken Reid's replica Lego model includes 51 cars, 10 motorcycles and 6 bikes. (Submitted by Ken Reid)
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