Fairground Octopus
This model was inspired by a visit to Melbourne's Luna Park. Riders not only go around like in a merry-go-round but are lifted up and down also. Creating this dual motion was an interesting challenge in Plastic Meccano.
Technical Tips
The key to the two motions of the chairs is having a counter-rotating shaft on the same axis as the chairs. This counter-rotating shaft drives an off-set spindle from which string pulls the chairs up and down as they move relatively farther or closer to this spindle. The chairs are fixed to a medium sized gear with no collet nut. The shaft on which this gear sits is actually being rotated from below in the opposite direction to drive the counter-rotating spindle.
Confused? I think the video will make things clearer.
Technical Tips
The key to the two motions of the chairs is having a counter-rotating shaft on the same axis as the chairs. This counter-rotating shaft drives an off-set spindle from which string pulls the chairs up and down as they move relatively farther or closer to this spindle. The chairs are fixed to a medium sized gear with no collet nut. The shaft on which this gear sits is actually being rotated from below in the opposite direction to drive the counter-rotating spindle.
Confused? I think the video will make things clearer.
Built : November 2011
