I restore antique music boxes and phonographs as well as mess with old cars. I'm always amazed by intricate mechanisms from long ago. This one takes the prize!!!! You must watch this and be prepared to be astounded!!
http://edition.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2014/03/06/spc-art-of-movement -automata-clockwork-a.cnn.html
Thank you Darren. That is amazing.
Darren,
Those are amazing! I can't imagine ever making or repairing anything like that. I think it's an accomplishment when I tie my shoes. Of course I'm also attracted to tinsel hanging on a Christmas tree and other bright objects!
A friend of mine still builds these, his are all done the old fashioned way with cams, gears, levers and bell cranks. He has posted many of his automatons on Youtube under his name Thomas Kuntz. They are fascinating to watch and range from the simple to the really strange, lol.
This reminds me of some scenes from the 2011 movie "Hugo" ... beyond clever!
Darren....Wow! I agree they are amazing. And to think they were made so long ago. Thank you for posting this.
Keith.....ps...See you at OCF?
Wow! People were quite smart in those days!
Norm
Gakken in Japan released a kit this year that is based on the principles behind automata.
http://otonanokagaku.net/magazine/vol41/index.html
It is a hand that can write a word using cams to control the pen motion.
They also have kits to make a recording phonograph that records onto plastic coffee cups & candles.
http://www.makershed.com/products/edison-style-phonograph-kit
http://otonanokagaku.net/english/products/edison_new/detail.html
They look like kids toys but are actually marketed for adults.
Martin, I looked up Thomas Kuntz machines on YouTube. Amazing!!! I'd love to see more of how (and why) he does this.
Dennis, Tinsel is not as good as it was when it was lead, it was more fun to chew.
Hey Keith,
Hope you have fun at the OCF. Unfortunately, we won't be able to make it this year Too many kids all starting college at the same time!
While I appreciate the workmanship these things always un-nerve me. Don't know why. Spooky.