Meccano Gearbox

The gearbox is a whirling, spinning plethora of gears densely packed into a relatively frugal framework. Despite not actually doing anything, it can be captivating to watch it frantically go through its cyclic motions. A myriad of gears all turning in different directions and orientations with varying velocities catches and holds the eye.

See if you can work out the gearing paths from motor to dial, they twist and turn and cross themselves.

I usually include a card asking five questions when this is displayed:

1/ How many gears are present?
2/ Where is the differential?
3/ Where are the two dwell producing mechanisms?
4/ Which two gears aren't essential?
5/ What kind of gear isn't present?

The top of the box is meant to superficially looks like a clock face, close examination of the big black gear on the top will reveal a silver hour hand. The hands move in an undulating and irregular manner, however their relative rotational speeds are close to a real that of a real clock.

The gearbox has been doings its thing for about four years and over this time it has repeatedly been abused by airline baggage handlers. Despite this, it continues with only minimal repair work. In this video, the gearbox is running more than a little rough making a lot more noise than it should and its minimal operating speed is elevated.

Further constructional details can be found at the Meccano Model library: http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/dms/meccano/dale/gearbox/index.html

The answers to the questions are:

1/ 56
2/ The differential is a spur gear design unlike the more common bevel/contrate layout.
3/ The differential and the oscillating gear trio.
4/ Two of the pinions in the differential. The helical/chevron gears are all essential as their self centering nature is utilised.
5/ Worm gear.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• gearbox
• gear
• box
• meccano
• erector
• pinion
• bevel
• contrate
• helical
• clock

[sufianspice]

which set you used to make that? is it multi 50 ?

[paulidale]

I didn't use a set. A multi 50 wouldn't have enough gearing but should have decent proportion of the other parts.

[sufianspice]

@paulidale ok and if i want to do the same gearbox what i need to buy then?

[paulidale]

There is no comprehensive parts list and never will be since this one has been dismantled. The description above includes a link to a web page that contains a basic write up of the model. A fuller write up appeared in Constructor Quarterly #65.

[SirCattlemenJoeseph]

what does it do?

[paulidale]

Nothing

[mspeir]

1000 years from now, a fisherman is going to pull this up from the ocean floor. It will sit in a museum for the next century before being scanned by advanced equipment and a team of scientists.

The scientists will declare that this was an astrological calendar. Conspiracy nuts will insist that aliens help in its construction.

[karezza6]

Meccano is anti-Islamic.

[da2sk8ers1]

saw 11



[Naproxenum]

its asking for rape

[tomislavlac]

now just find flux capacitor and you have time machine

[JDCoolMan21]

They say that if you were to open up Dick Cheney's chest, where his heart would be, you'll find one of these...

[BrickOfDarkness]

Creeper spawner! *hits with sword*

[Aerensiniac]

Not that i wouldnt appreciate your effort, but... ya know there are a lot easier ways to produce sound.

[mrmadame28]

noisy and useless.... i love it!

[Cam4cha]

@paulidale The best kind of thing to do :p

[xXScotty1993Xx]

....but does it blend?