This ball was originally inspired by Steve DeCraemer's "S.P.U." model first displayed at BrickFest 2003.  Check it out in this picture by Rob Hendrix:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/rmhendrix/BF2003/p8101048.jpg

I liked the way Steve connected his 20 triangles, so I decided to make a BIGGER version.  I knew that 12 pentagons (5 triangles) and 20 hexagons (6 triangles) would fit together -- just look at a LEGO Soccer ball to see that!  But for some reason I didn't realize that the flat faces of the pentagons would line up with the ajoining hexagon - so my big model just became a larger version of Steve's icosahedron (20 equalateral triangles).

But, I still think mine looks pretty cool...  *grin*

It's surprisingly strong, and will easily hold it's own weight.  The only breakage I've had (so far!) is when it rolled across the back seat of my car into the other door.  But, that was a simple five-minute fix.

Each triangle is made from 21 pieces, the total model is 4050 pieces.  Six Bricklink orders worth.

Thanks for checking it out!  If you want to see the full-sized images (2048x15something), shoot me an email at:
gmltc_j1
at
yahoo
dot
com