The Star Gazer

Fifth of the Fairground models since The Spider Rider, Kraken, Vortex and Powerwheel, this new freelance model, built during January 2009 resemble a huge Radio Telescope from its rotating eight arms canopy, resting in a large moving bridge at a 45 degrees angle to a loading base for the riders.

The Star-Gazer can be operated at a fairly high speed, from its original position and will slowly start rising to the horizontal until reaching 45 degrees of angle again in the opposite direction.

The Meccano motor drives the unit from the main bridge engaging a quadrant pinion fixed to the rotating hub and also supported by small wheels fitted in the main bridge for extra support and stability.

A second motor fitted to the main supporting tower incorporates a gearing system to slowly rotate the main hub from a 45 degree angle from its starting point through a horizontal to a 45 degree angle in the opposite direction and vice versa.

The eight cars or gondolas are easily loaded with riders from a second deck situated higher from its main deck, accessible from two sets of steps.

A kiosk is situated at the base of the main tower and the whole model is enhanced with arches, benches, lights and a flag with many colourful Meccano parts.

Building the tilting bridge was a very challenging test due to its heavy weight it was difficult to operate and required lots of adjustments and balancing devices to achieve a very smooth operation.