News FeedDay 31 – The Magic Book – Part 1
December 12, 2009 by admin
Here’s some entertainment for Saturday night.
Michael and Maria Start of Automatomania (pictured with lifesize automaton Nancy) have produced this playful introduction to antique Magic Automata especially for us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFMJPLzdAfQ
Michael and Maria are also working on a wonderful magic trick called the ‘Satyr Head of Mystery’
This is the prototype of a classic apparatus from the age of Robert Houdin. The finished head will awaken and perform powered by a precision clockwork motor (not by Maria!).
Made of strong papier mache, gessoed and painted with leather eyelids and fine glass eyes in the tradition of the Parisian automata makers.
Designed to produce one or two items from the mouth and top of the head. The final issue is due to awaken in the Spring of 2010, expressions of interest are invited.
Day 30 – Antique Automaton Dogs
December 11, 2009 by admin
These two wonderful antique automata dogs are looking for good homes (and not just for Christmas!).
Dachshund Automaton Dog
His name is “Roman” and he is a life sized papier mache automaton dog. Made in Paris around 1900 by the Roullet & Decamps family. The clockwork mechanism makes him nod his head and open and shut his mouth for about 20 minutes. Roman has a suede skin and a history that is quite tragic. During restoration about 12 airgun pellets were removed from his head. He is happy now and looking forward to a new owner who will look after him.
Barking Bulldog
Made in Paris around 1880 this life size papier mache bulldog has a nodding head and a gruff bark that makes people jump!
Approximately 28 inches long he is life sized and very realistic.
Both dogs are for sale, please e-mail Michael Start of Automatomania if you are interested in purchasing one of these pets.
Michael Start: m.start70@btinternet.com
Day 29 – More Markey Cutouts
December 10, 2009 by admin
We have four more new Peter Markey cutouts for you – they make fantastic last minute stocking fillers or party gifts.
Tiger Paper’s Miniature Golf
Ever want to play golf, but dread all that walkng around? If so, here’s your answer. This unique mini-Miniature Golf Game uses the special Finger Flick®©™* process for teeing. All you need for this golf game is one finger…and some scissors, glue, maybe a pair of tweezers, oh, and a scalpel or an exacto-blade would be nice too. Cut out all the pieces, follow the instructions, and within 2 or 3 hours you’ll be ready to play. (That’s a much shorter time than those long waits at the green.) As an added bonus you’ll have the famed PGA** golfer Tiger Papers to assist you to that beckoning hole in one or three or seven. £3.95
Mechanical Jockey or Cowboy
In this set you can choose to make one or the other so you can either crank to the finish line, or crank ‘em cowboy! £3.95
Mechanical RowerComes complete with a rower who will do the rowing for you, as long as you do the cranking.* £3.95
*Boat recommended for land use only.
For the athlete in your life – the perfect gift.
The set contains three different heads, so you can choose between an American Footballer, a female Jogger or a male Runner. £3.95
Day 28 – Colour-in Xmas Card
December 9, 2009 by admin
Colour-in Xmas Card by Paul Spooner
As the time approaches for sending your Christmas Cards we thought we would provide an alternative to the traditional variety. So, Paul Spooner stayed up very late and drew a CMT Christmas card for you to download for free. The ‘Count Your Blessings Christmas Card’ (or cat havoc) features two recognisable cats creating mayhem as they wander the streets.
Colour-in Xmas Card by Paul Spooner – £0.00
You can colour it in and send it – or send it and your recipient can have all the felt-pen (or photoshop) fun.Here is a slightly different version coloured in.
Have fun!
Day 27 – Kinematic Models Digital Library
December 8, 2009 by admin
Sometimes there is nothing more exciting than looking at different ways making mechanical movement. Look no further than this wonderful website, http://kmoddl.library.cornell.edu/collection-toc.php
The Kinematic Models for Design Digital Library, (KMODDL is a collection of mechanical models and related resources for teaching the principles of kinematics–the geometry of pure motion. The core of KMODDL is the Reuleaux Collection of Mechanisms and Machines, an important collection of 19th-century machine elements held by Cornell’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
There are plenty of examples to look at and many Simple Machines and Drives, like the Slotted Bell Crank Drive
‘Circular motion of pin in disk, which works inside of the straight, slotted yoke, produces an irregular, vertical motion of rod. Downward motion of rod is slow but has a quick return’.
The ‘Worm and Gear’ mechanism
The worm or continuous screw on the horizontal shaft is the driver. This combination reduces the speed of the driven member and also multiplies its power. The power increases proportionally as the speed decreases. The speed ratio of shafts depends upon the relation of number of threads on the worm (single or multiple) to the number of teeth in the worm wheel or gear. This type of speed reducer is used between shafts at right angles to each other.
We think the mechanism of Paul Spooner’s How to Live No 17: Spaghetti is particularly beautiful. We have a collector’s item from 1999 available for sale:
How to Live No 17: Spaghetti – £3250 (excl. VAT)
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