Spirit USA mechanical metal toy

I don't know a lot about it, but here is a nicely retro metal mechanical toy -- part of a new line.

From Glenn Barr's blog:

The prototype by Jamie Mathis is looking fabulous! The soon to be released SPIRIT USA metal/articulated toy will be very chic and mechanically sound... The finish piece will have a nice bronze patina and several working parts.... fun to play with when feeling like you'd like to destroy the world.

Here is where you can see a full sized picture and/or order the Spirit USA metal toy.

[ Thanks deanS! ]

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18 page mechanisms booklet by Paul Spooner

For a limited time, Cabaret Mechanical Theatre is offering a free download of an eighteen page booklet by Paul Spooner. This is a must have for automaton-makers. Read on to see why!

About the mechanisms booklet:

Paul describes and illustrates the basic mechanisms he uses in his machines, Cranks, Cams, Levers, Ratchets and Gears. There is an exploded view of one of Paul's machines, 'Bad News' and then a complete project to make yourself out of card, called the 'Bad Babysitter'.

The booklet is available for free until until 30th September 2010 and will be a very affordable £2 (just a little over $3 USD) from 1st October 2010.

Here's the download page for the mechanisms booklet by Paul Spooner.

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Mechanical flying winged Grim Reaper prop

It's getting to be that time of year again, when I young man's fancy turns to thoughts of scaring the crap out of people with motorized monsters. Or, is that just me? Well, either way for $30, this animatronic Grim Reaper looks like a nice effect at a good price.

 From the product description:

The Grim Reaper's 4' wingspan automatically flaps and his sunken eyes illuminate with an ominous glow whenever it detects sounds. It has posable arms and a skeletal visage that peer out of a hooded black tunic that has the tatter one would expect in a garment that's been worn to escort millions of deceased souls to the afterlife. The three-dimensional Grim Reaper hangs from a wall or eave with the included fishing line. Requires three AAA batteries. 39" H x 38" W x 5" D. (3 lbs.)

Here is where  you can watch a short video of this mechanical flying winged Grim Reaper prop.

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One man's first rolling ball machine design.Wow!

Would you believe this is the first rolling-ball machine that the maker, Ed Zbik, has ever made? I am blown away. It's a gorgeous piece of engineering and craftsmanship.

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Stirling engine powers Ferris wheel model

Here is a top-of-the-line desktop toy: a metal Ferris wheel model, powered by a small Stirling engine. It's not exactly cheap, but it sure is nice!

From the mode description:

The Stirling engine's flywheels are connected by a rubber band to four flywheels on the Ferris wheel, powering its rotation. Made in Germany, the kit's parts are made from machine tooled solid brass, stainless steel, and aluminum components on a walnut stained wood base. Ferris wheel: 9" H x 5" W x 4" D. Stirling engine: 5" H x 6" L x 4 1/4"

Here's where you can learn more about this The Stirling Engine Ferris Wheel.

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Da Vinci armored car and other invention kits

Here is an articulated model kit based on DaVinci's design for an early form of the tank. The model is made of plastic and snaps together (it's from the makers of Snap Circuits actually), so requires no special tools and is probably good for first-time builders -- or those who like immediate gratification. It comes with an informative manual that explains how Leonardo's invention has evolved into the modern tank. This is just one of an entire line of Da Vinci inspired kits.

Here's where you can check out the Da Vinci Armored Car Kit.

UPDATE: I have it on good authority that these models are definitely plastic and NOT wood, despite what some product descriptions say.  Also, they are quite simple, being made up of only a few pieces. Finally, they are not terribly robust, so are more for display than anything else.

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Steam-powered kinetic sculpture/vehicle

From the YouTube desciption:

The objects were made by Vicktor Plotnikov, russian artist, the co-creator of the popular Snow Show, and the creator of the theatre 'White goat', which were popular in countries all over the world. This object combines the features of mechanical aircraft and insect. In addition, the sound gives the impression of presence on real airfield.

Here's a link to video of this steam-powered kinetic sculpture by Vicktor Plotnikov.

[ Thanks Kapitolina! ]

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Two giant automata made by children

Carly and Martin wrote to tell me about 30 students from Newtons Walk school who used hard work and imagination to build two very large automata. The video above shows the sculptures in action at an exhibition of pupils work, at Quad in Derby, UK.

Fantastic work all!

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Modular kinetic objects in boxes

Shown here is "The Sysiphos project" by Marco Iannicelli.

The Sysiphos project consists of modular kinetic objects in boxes. Made of aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and plywood, the modules are interchangeable and can be connected in a variety of combinations.

Here's a link to the artist's web site with more pictures of these modular kinetic boxes.

[ Thanks Joe! ]

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Banjo-playing pig automaton with thumb piano

Check out this wood automaton made by Guy Francis, a full-time illustrator who lives in Provo, Utah, United States.

From the artist's blog:

Most of the movements, the strumming, head turning, and banjo movement are controlled by a bunch of cams on the crankshaft. I had some extra room on the crank so I added the little bird. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I think its popping up and down makes me smile the most. Inside I built a little music box called a Kalimba, or thumb piano. It's not terribly loud or "banjo" sounding, but I did tune it to real notes and everything and it plays. I hope you like it.

Like it? Yes, indeed!

Here's a link to the Banjo Pig page on Guy Francis's blog.

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Deluxe Designing Automata Kit at CMT

The clever folks over at Cabaret Mechanical Theatre have a very exciting new product bundle for anyone interested in starting to make their own automata: the Deluxe Designing Automata Kit. The kit includes a hand-picked selection of items to get you started with automata-making -- some of which you cannot get elsewhere.

Here's what you get:
1. The reconfigurable wood Designing Automata Kit, which requires no glue or tools. It teaches you about simple mechanics using cams and a crank slider mechanism.

2. A selection of materials to help you create your own automata designs.

3. The interactive CD-ROM version of the Designing Automata Kit.

4. How to Make Automata DVD (NTSC or PAL), featuring Keith Newstead teaching you how to understand mechanisms. (Folks in the U.S.A. will want the NTSC version)

5. Cabaret Mechanical Movement – Their 1998 classic which covers all the basic mechanisms with specific references to CMT automata.

Here's where you can get the Deluxe Designing Automata Kit.

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Configurable animated mechanical orchestra toy

Check out these cool sketches and 3D renderings of a design for a hand-cranked orchestra automaton. The toy is the creation of designer Jin Fan.

From the designer's web site:

The Animated Mechanical Toys product family is inspired by an orchestra band with configurable figures and mechanics. The AMT can be configured into different performers including a violin player, a flute player, and a bass player. The number of figures on the stage and the size of stage can vary by adding/removing parts. In addition to the varying number of figures on the box, the stage could expand by connecting multiple boxes together to make a bigger band. Another feature of this product family is its multi-axis capability. It can allow the figures to move on different axis and thus allow different speed of movement.

Here's a web page featuring additional images of the configurable animated mechanical orchestra toy.

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Interesting 'perpetual motion' type machine

Check out this nifty gizmo invented by Mr. Reidar Finsrud

From the YouTube description:

A steel ball (about 2.7 inch diameter, 20 pound) is rolling on an aluminum track, about 25 inches in diameter, placed horizontally. Three pendulums, about 45 inches long with tunable weights at the lower end, controls three horse-shoe magnets that the steel ball has to pass by on the track. Embedded in the track is a (mechanical) controlling/timing mechanism. It looks like a steel wire bent into a triangular track, 5 inches long. The ball rolls over it and pushes the wire down through a slot in the track. This affects one of the pendulums and regulates its swinging motion. The steel ball has not stopped revolving for months.

Curious? Here is a video showing how this machine might work behind the scenes. Even if this isn't the method used, I want to make one now!

Still curious? Here's a book that deals with the long history of perpetual motion machines, Perpetual Motion: The History of an Obsession

[ Thanks Christophe! ]

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Whirligigs for Woodcarvers: bring carvings to life

Here's a new...um...spin...on whirligig books. Often the figures on whirligigs are somewhat flat and tend to rely on paint for detail. This book looks like a remedy for that situation; it is specifically written for woodcarvers. It also looks like a very comprehensive treatment of the subject in general!

From the book description:

Full size patterns for making a knight, dragon, eagle, boxer and soldier whirligig; Numerous photos and illustrations for visualizing whirligig features and function; Woodcarving tips and techniques for beginner and intermediate carvers; Lists of all the tools and supplies necessary for woodcarving and whirligig construction. Plus this useful guidance for whirligig artists and craftsmen: The secrets for designing your own original whirligigs that will work right the first time; Sources of supplies for all necessary tools and materials; Troubleshooting tips for uncooperative whirligigs; Creative ideas for design, construction, carving and mounting whirligigs.

Well, I'm sold. Adding it to my wishlist now!

Here's where you can get Whirligigs for Woodcarvers

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Reader Contribution: Ask the Great Magnus

Automata / Automaton Blog reader Les Clay sent a note via the contact form telling us of a recently finished project titled 'Ask the Great Magnus'. This the second unique automaton he has finished.

From the YouTube description:

Another automaton based on the mechanism used in the Climate Change Prognosticator. A color-changing LED lights the interior under the crystal ball, but its effect is not noticeable on video. The figure's arms are poseable to some extent. The head, hands and skull are sculpted in polymer clay. The skull glows in the dark. You may notice that the "future" can sometimes appear hazy — often falling between two symbols — a side-effect of the mechanism, which uses no gears or pulleys, and none of the moving parts are connected to each other.

Interested in making your own automaton? Check out the the Automata Books page, the Automata Kits page, or Automaton Plans page.

[ Thanks Les! ]

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Book: Make Your Own Paper Toys

From Rodney Peppe the author of the outstanding books Automata and Mechanical Toys, Making Mechanical Toys, and Toys and Models: A Sourcebook of Ideas comes this small volume on how to make 10 different paper toys of your own.

From the book description:

The book includes details on tumbling acrobats, jumping clowns and revolving pyramids amongst other ideas. The reader is given illustrations and photographs to help with the construction of each toy, and a list of the materials which are required. The toys themselves should provide hours of fun to use and play with once they have been constructed, and Rodney Peppe makes further suggestions for toys should children ever tire of the numerous ideas in this book.

Here's a link to the book by Rodney Peppe, Make Your Own Paper Toys

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Automata and Mechanical Toy Making Plans Page

People often write to me to ask if there are plans available for making your own automata.  Indeed, there are some, but they are scattered around the internet, in magazines, and in books. To address this challenge, I've started a page that lists some resources for automata and mechanical toy plans for those interested in making their own. The page is divided into three categories:

1. Free automata and mechanical toy plans
2. Automata and mechanical toy plans available for purchase online
3. Books that contain automata and mechanical toy plans

I hope you'll send any additional plans that you know of to me using the contact form on DugNorth.com. Together we can make this page a great resource for everyone.

Here's a link to the Automata and Mechancial Toy Plans page.

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Steampunk mechanical version of the bristlebot

I hesitate to post about two things in a row with 'Steampunk' in the title, but this little bot is too cool to pass up. This bristlebot uses an a wind-up spring-driven motor with an attached offset weight to make the little creature skitter around any flat surface. This one uses brass-brushes, so it might be useful for cleaning off rusty surfaces, but you wouldn't want to put it on your antique dining room table!

If you aren't up for building the bristle bot show in the instructable, you might consider the book Invasion of the Bristlebots (below) which comes with two electric bristlebots.

The book is loaded with activities and games.

From the book/kit description:

Invasion of the Bristlebots comes with two mini-robots — basically motorized toothbrush heads. These guys zoom around like caffeinated cockroaches, spinning, skittering, and bouncing off walls. Resistance is futile. The book bristles with ideas for robot games and activities. Race robots against each other. Use the included punch-out walls to construct a Bristlebot maze. Stage a robot sumo-wrestling match. You can even customize your Bots with the provided wire legs, feelers, and beady eyes.

Here's where you can order Invasion of the Bristlebots.

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Hand-cranked steampunk spider automaton

From the Impsandthings blog comes this awesome mechanical spider. The creator of this metal arachnid is trained as ceramicist and has been working with mixed media for the last ten years. This has lead to some really cool sculptures of well...imps and (steampunkish) things.

Here is where you can see one of Impsandthings' gallery of sculptures. Here's where you can see a second gallery of sculptures by Impsandthings.

[ Thanks Tom! ]

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Book: Making Wooden Toys & Games

I posted recently about the book Fun to Make Wooden Toys & Games. Here's another book by the same authors, Jeff and Jennie Loader, called Making Wooden Toys & Games. This one shows how to make 19 wooden toy projects including a medieval castle, an acrobat, a magical trunk and an articulated truck. The book also offers guidance on construction, materials, tools, techniques, painting and finishing.

Here's where you can order Making Wooden Toys & Games

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Automaton kits page with new wood & paper kits!

Check out the updated automata kits page -- now with more wood automata including additional models from Timberkits, two great automaton kits from Pathfinders, and the versatile Designing Automata Kit. A new list of paper automata kits (in book form) has been added to the bottom of the page also. If you are looking to build your first automaton, or help a younger person do so, there is sure to be something to suit your needs!

Here's the link to the page featuring a wide assortment of wood and paper automata kits.

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Roullet & Decamps leaping and growling tiger

This growling and leaping tiger is a nice example of an automaton made by the firm of Roullet et Decamps late in the 1800s. Personally, I want to know how the growling mechanism works!

From the eBay description:

When wound, the tiger starts by moving his head and lower jaw up and down, and then he slowly lowers himself to the floor. Once he is crouched down he makes a short growling sound and then leaps forward...startling everyone who is watching! This is a fun toy to demonstrate for your friends and he makes two or three jumps per winding. This tiger is the more rare and desirable version of this toy, having the opening mouth with teeth and growler. The other version of this tiger moves his head side to side, has a closed mouth and no growler. The body of the tiger is made of real animal fur covering a paper mache shell with the clockworks mounted on a wood platform that forms his underside. The legs are fur covered wood and the eyes are glass.

Here's where you can see many more pictures or place a bid on this Roullet & Decamps leaping tiger automaton.

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Giant weevil automaton for a stage production

When faced with the huge challenge of creating giant weevil for a stage production, a team at Texas Performing Arts at the University of Texas at Austin came up with the elegant solution shown in the video above. J. E. Johnson, Scene Shop Supervisor at Texas Performing Arts, wrote to explained how it came together.

About the giant weevil:

In the entertainment industry we often make use of deck winches. These winches operate a cable that is hidden in a track below the stage deck to move scenery. Some of our deck winches are powered by powerful three phase motors and show control software and some are hand operated. By connecting a leg moving mechanism to a wheel and pulling it across the stage like a pull toy with a hand operated winch we didn't need any motors or remote control units. This lack of high tech brought the cost of construction down enough so that it could be retained as part of the set design.

A number of team members contributed to this collection of metal, wood and plastic to create one beautiful giant weevil, which trundled its way across the stage every night of a ten performance run without mishap. Outstanding!

More about the production, The Difficulty of Crossing a Field, cant be found at: here and here.

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' A Novel Transmission' by Paul Spooner

There is something distinctive, but completely unpredictable about the contemporary automata designed by Paul Spooner. His new piece, A Novel Transmission, is a great example. Not only is the theme striking and thought-provoking, but his use of the bent-wire oscillating mechanism is ingenious.

See more automata by Paul Spooner on the Fourteen Balls web site.

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Book: Paper Toys - deluxe metal box edition

This construction kit allows you to build eight different models -- all of which have at least one moving part. The kit comes with perforated construction sheets, wooden sticks, rubber bands, plastic beads, string and wire. This edition also comes in a nice metal box.

About the Paper Toys construction kit:

Each model can be built with ease using the detailed, step-by-step instruction manual and colored pre-punched motifs. From an amusing bunny to a pop-up monster to a plane with propeller, the models have been lovingly created and include ingenious mechanisms: push the car, and the driver and his luggage sway amusingly from side to side; turn the stick, and the clown's facial expression changes.

Here's where you can get the Paper Toys (Deluxe Metal Box)

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Wall-hugging magnetic cars - store-bought & DIY

I was recently exposed to this nifty little advancement in the world of wind-up toys -- the Fridge Rover Zero Gravity Magnetic Wind-up Toy. This little wind-up car is like most others except that it has two small magnets mounted on either side of it, just above its base. These magnets allow the car to perform a minor miracle: it can drive on vertical metal surfaces such as your refrigerator door. I also put the Fridge Rover on my stove door and opened it such that the car was upside down. It still worked!

Here's where you can order your own Fridge Rover Zero Gravity Magnetic Wind-up Toy.

If you like the idea and are feeling much more ambitious, here is an instructable on how to make an autonomous magnetic robots that traverse vertical surfaces:

[ Thanks Julia! ]

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Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre - Glasgow, Scotland

The Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre contains hundreds of carved figures moving to music and colored lights. At the moment there are three dozen of these 'kinemats' in the gallery, performing an hour-long show for a wide range of groups. New kinemats are added to the show every year.

From the SHARMANKA web site:

SHARMANKA (Russian for hurdy-gurdy) was founded by sculptor-mechanic Eduard Bersudsky and theatre director Tatyana Jakovskaya in St.Petersburg (Russia) in 1989. Audiences in many countries have been fascinated by its magic, and based in Glasgow since 1996 it has gained a reputation as one of the city's hidden treasures.

Learn more about Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre on their web site.

[ Thanks Christoph! ]

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Book: Fun to Make Wooden Toys & Games

I haven't seen this one in person, but there is almost always a useful tidbit in out-of-print toy making books such as this. I may have to pick up a used copy.

From the book description:

This is a collection of twelve new projects for making wooden toys and games, building on the groundwork covered in the authors' first book, published in 1995. The new projects are more complex and require improving woodworking skills, but are explained in the same clear style with line drawings and photographs. The authors draw on a wide experience in toymaking and organising drama and creative play for children, including those with special needs. Projects include: a breakdown recovery truck; corner dolls' house; chinese acrobat; magic box; board games; and many more.

Here's where you can get Fun to Make Wooden Toys & Games

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Dug North's version of The Most Useless Machine

I saw a bunch of videos floating around the web a few weeks ago about The Most Useless machine and thought it was charming.  I decided to make one of my own with a few modifications. Instead of a simple wooden box, I used a miniature chest. Rather than the pusher coming out of the top of the box, I wanted mine to open the chest and come out of the front. Finally, I replaced the simple pusher with a small human-like arm that I hand-carved from basswood.  Overall, the project came out well -- though I have a few ideas for improving it.

The complete plans for making your own Most Useless Machine can be found in MAKE Magazine, Volume 23 or on their dedicated project page for The Most Useless Machine.

If you don't already have this awesome magazine delivered to your doorstep, here's where you can subscribe to MAKE: Technology on Your Time.

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Felix the Flying Feline - paper automaton kit

Check out this paper kit that allows you to build Felix the Flying Feline - a cat that rides a unicycle on a tightrope!

About the kit:

He's designed to balance on a tightrope, and rides his unicycle down a gentle slope, giving an amazing display of balancing as he pedals furiously along. He'll happily ride across the room, but you can make him perform truly sensational stunts by using a LOOOOONG piece of string: How about a trip from an upstairs window to a landing point many yards away? See the video to get an idea of what's possible. Felix is approximately 12.5", 32cm high, from the top of his head to the tip of his tail. He's supplied with FULLY ILLUSTRATED step-by-step instructions, and as there are no words non-english speakers will have no trouble building him. The only tools you'll need are a craft knife and a tube of glue. You'll also need a wax candle to rub on moving parts to lubricate them. This model isn't suitable for younger children to build because a fair degree of accuracy (and a sharp craft knife!) are needed to build.

Here's where you can order the paper kit for Felix the Flying Feline and many other amazing paper automata kits.

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Book: Flights of Fancy - Mechanical Singing Birds

A very comprehensive volume on mechanical singing birds.

From the book description:

This unique book traces the evolution of singing birds from antiquity to modern times, with particular attention to the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century, the "Golden Age" of mechanical singing birds - Jaquet-Droz, Leschot and Rochat were the most famous artists of this period - the first part of the book deals with the transformation of singing birds during the Renaissance period into an instrument of bird imitation during the 17th and 18th centuries - rich color iconography of subjects selected from museums and private collections all over the world, with several yet unpublished pieces (over 500) - an indispensable reference for collectors, specialists and for those as yet unacquainted.

Here's a link to Flights of Fancy - Mechanical Singing Birds at AbeBooks.com.

Here's a link to Flights of Fancy - Mechanical Singing Birds on Amazon.com.

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