Monday 9 September 2013

Display model - Skyrider

Last week, there was some talk on the Spanner II list regarding the Skyrider (double Ferris wheel) display model. Sue and I have owned one of these for a few years now with the intention of refurbishing it. As there seemed to be a fair bit of interest in the model, I said I would get it out and take some pictures of it for anyone thinking of building a version of their own. It has not been touched since we bought it so it is in a rather poor state, but it is fairly close to how it was built. There have been a few modifications to the wiring and I am not sure about the strips holding the transformer (for the lighting) in place. There is a strange chain guide/tensioner arrangements that was obviously added after it left Binns Road. But it is what it is and I have taken half a dozen photographs that should provide enough information to build a replica from. If you would like any other photographs, leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will try and oblige.

Click on the photographs to enlarge the image...

An overall view of the model and wooden base...

... from a higher angle

The wheels are similar at each end of the rotating arm

Chain arrangement at hub - note the wiring for the lighting laced through the plate

The central hub is an open cage made from axles

Rear view of model - I think there is a plate missing here to cover the motor

It is going back into storage now but if you would like some more photographs please don't hesitate to  ask!

Ralph.

4 comments:

  1. I'm impressed by this. As a child I played with it but never to this extend.

    Hennie, Amsterdam
    Massage Amsterdam

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  2. I also played with Meccano as a child - I just forgot to stop!

    Ralph.

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  3. Hi Ralph here is a link to a YouTube video of a skywheel i built about two years ago, i still have it and it attracts lots of interest at shows. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56M5sULgqiQ&feature=share&list=UUdhqIpWWZFhKWvnCGraZ7GQ&index=2

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  4. Hi Keith,
    That is impressive, I like the nice clean reproduction Meccano, Ian and Mark Wilson's stuff, I assume...

    ReplyDelete