This is well done! No complex gearing, but partly ''fairly simple'' friction based ratios result in a very elaborate and accurate model. Forces are pretty low, so the friction based engagements should work reliable. I love it!
Thank you. I believe it's one of the simplest astronomical models you can make from such a small standard Meccano outfit. It's also a good machine to show to youngsters when discussing gear ratios. For the more advanced, the inaccuracies can be mentioned: There are no eclipses or elliptical orbits; distances and earth/moon diameters are not to scale.
I've since discovered that reliability is affected by the consistency of chain used in the loading arm drive. A better solution would be to use gears instead of a long chain of varying pedigree!
No, we think the Starling flew into the sports hall when the fire doors were open earlier in the day for exhibitors to set up. Then the bird was trapped inside all day. We understand he got out later though!
I'm kinda worried that the fact it runs on friction, as such a little slip could effect the planets rpm very slightly. Or perhaps I had missunderstood?
Thanks for the comment. You're right, any slippage could mess up the timing. A fully geared mechanism would remain fully synchronised at all times. However, such a machine consumes many components in order to achieve a figure which is usually only a close approximation of the true orbit timing. So, theoretically, the simpler, friction-using device could be spot-on at some time. Friction-based scientific instruments have been around for a while. Before WW2, the world's most powerful computing devices (differential analysers) relied upon friction drives. Some were even made from Meccano!
Thank you Johnny! It really was knocked together over a week or so. Like a lot of my stuff, it doesn't claim to be best engineering practice, or even anatomically accurate. From the feet up, the Manikin's scale increases. This allows a large torso for the driving mechanism, and room in the head for a few motions.
@@olivvapor4873 I built the model mostly in 1994, spending about 300 hours. At that time I had a young family, and I was working, often away from home. Since that time, I made a few modifications, to try and increase reliability. So the machine has ended up rather more complicated than necessary. It was easier and quicker to add extra mechanisms to correct problems, rather than strip away the troublesome bits. That's not always good engineering, but great fun to watch, when it performs properly!
Chris, your models are all extremely impressive and inspirational to me. The Matchbox Manipulator, the Poetry Generator, and now this. Do you have any materials online that might help me create a version of this? Or in Constructor Quarterly, etc?
Hi Dugan, Constructor Quarterly no.100 has building details for my first poetry machine, and a number of others. I will try to list.The writing machine you've just seen was never written up, and I have no other video. It was over 7 feet tall, but split easily for transport in a large car roof box. I'm having a long break from Meccano modelling as we try to move house. Everything is packed away and this large writing machine is no more. I began a simpler new one which uses a No.10 Outfit plus a small handful off extras. I will try to post a clip of this. I don't have a reliable laptop presently. Thanks for the kind words.
Yes, Meccano the original recyclable, educational, 'toy' patented by Frank Hornby in 1901. Parts from that era will connect perfectly with parts you can buy today. Look out for boxes of old Meccano parts at car boot sales. If you have an idea for a new invention, Meccano is a great way to get the fiddly bits done quickly, especially if you combine in with other craft materials. Thanks for the kind words, and good luck with your own projects. Chris S
God save the Queen, et Dieu garde l'Europe... Cela lui fera double travail. Tant qu'il nous reste du Meccano... tout va bien... Joli carillon. 1448 France.
I wish I had your know how as I am fascinated by clockwork mechanics... (I guess my dream would be to make a wooden clock work piece). Maybe some day... Thank you for sharing your amazing creation!
Absolutely astonishing!!! One of the most amazing machines I have ever seen. Sensing the matchbox presence/orientation with the "finger" is genius. It reminds me of two celebrated lego GBC modules by akiyuki: "ball factory" and "lift triggered by a stuck ball" (I highly recommend checking them out on youtube). In terms of "mechanical intelligence" your creation is in some ways even ahead of those.
Very cool demonstration of automation. I can appreciate the creative genius! If you haven't seen my Erector Set Roller Coaster by Greg Ralston yet, please check it out. We should collaborate sometime...
