The Falkirk Wheel (photos inside)

BiscLimpkit · Post by **BiscLimpkit** » 24 Jul 2006, 17:52

The Falkirk Wheel - An Engineering Marvel

If you guys ever get to visit Scotland, then I urge you to visit the Falkirk Wheel. It is a landmark in Scotland's engineering, art and tourism industry.

This collosal structure is the only one of its kind in the world. By the means of rotatory components, it links two canals vertically. You can even ride on a barge and it'll go up.

They claim that it only requires 22.5kW to execute a single cycle, which is the equivalent of two showers. It may be hard to believe but it's been designed with energy efficiency in mind. By applying Archimedes' principal and the conservation of momentum, the wheel obtains perfect balance despite having a 50 ton barge on one end and a small kid on the other.

On a glorious day, you get some stunning views too.

Mark, you only live like 1 and a half hours away. Get your ass over there to witness this masterpiece.

Kurgan · Post by **Kurgan** » 24 Jul 2006, 18:55

It does look very impressive, it must be said.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 24 Jul 2006, 18:57

What does it do. It connects 2 cannals vertically... ehm... how?

BiscLimpkit · Post by **BiscLimpkit** » 24 Jul 2006, 19:38

You drive in with your boat, into a tray. The tray spins around and takes the boat to the top.

More info:

http://www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk/index.asp

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 24 Jul 2006, 20:14

BiscLimpkit wrote:You drive in with your boat, into a tray. The tray spins around and takes the boat to the top.

More info:

http://www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk/index.asp

Ow ok... so that thing spins around... I coulcnt tell from the pics. Thanks man

BiscLimpkit · Post by **BiscLimpkit** » 24 Jul 2006, 21:32

Be sure to visit. Lemme know and I'll give you a tour.

Kurgan · Post by **Kurgan** » 24 Jul 2006, 22:12

Do you make money from the Wheel? I only ask because you've been pimping it pretty hard

BiscLimpkit · Post by **BiscLimpkit** » 24 Jul 2006, 22:14

Nah but if you're an engineering graduate, it's hard not to be impressed. I went on with a few of my classmates and whilst everyone else was loving the "thrill"... we were discussing the mechanical properties, forces involved, power generation etc. Yes, we represent the stereotypical image of an engineer - i.e. a geek. 8)

Kurgan · Post by **Kurgan** » 24 Jul 2006, 22:20

Hey, I'm no engineer, but I can appreciate those things.
I'm more of a physicist

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 24 Jul 2006, 23:06

I saw that on TV, impressive stuff.

Where is it in Scotland?

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 24 Jul 2006, 23:08

BiscLimpkit wrote:Be sure to visit. Lemme know and I'll give you a tour.

I wouldnt get caught dead in scottland, but I apreciate the offer

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 24 Jul 2006, 23:09

bradavon wrote:Where is it in Scotland?

The Falkirk Wheel - An Engineering Marvel

I'm not that impressed by modern architecture. But then I'm not an engeneering graduate. 8)

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 24 Jul 2006, 23:30

I wouldnt get caught dead in scottland

That's nice.

Markgway wrote:The Falkirk Wheel - An Engineering Marvel

Thanks Mark but where is Flakirk? I've yet to visit any further North of Yorkshire.

I'm not that impressed by modern architecture. But then I'm not an engeneering graduate. 8)

Neither am I.

Shen · Post by **Shen** » 24 Jul 2006, 23:45

wow although im interesting in architecture in erms of photographic mean, that thing is fucking ugly...my god its an abomination on the landscape.

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 25 Jul 2006, 00:15

bradavon wrote:I wouldnt get caught dead in scottland

Actually you probably would, Dutch boy. Just walk into a pub and tell everyone you're a better kicker than Hwang Jang Lee and see how long you last.

Markgway wrote:Thanks Mark but where is Flakirk? I've yet to visit any further North of Yorkshire.

Typical English!

I've no idea where 'Flakirk' is, but Falkirk is to the west of Edinburgh. And if you don't know where THAT is I'm not speaking to you anymore...

thelostdragon · Post by **thelostdragon** » 25 Jul 2006, 00:18

Uhm... even I know where Falkirk is, lol. But that's only because I have been a huge "Braveheart"-fan and there was that big ass battle.

the68monkey · Post by **the68monkey** » 26 Jul 2006, 01:32

Very cool. It reminds me of the Roman aqueducts in its appearance -- only more high-tech.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 26 Jul 2006, 01:38

Markgway wrote:
bradavon wrote:I wouldnt get caught dead in scottland
Actually you probably would, Dutch boy. Just walk into a pub and tell everyone you're a better kicker than Hwang Jang Lee and see how long you last.

Well... judging from what I've seen of Scottish football, I'm a better kicker then your complete national team as well

Besides, I could ofcourse go into a pub and say that in my best english possible, but it's not like the Scotts would understand proper english, would they?

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 26 Jul 2006, 13:05

Most of England has accents as strong as the Scots.

Liverrrpool, Manchestuh, Noocastle and Bermingum, for example...

Then there's the Dutccch for whom every word hasssh soundsssh like thisssh.

So don't go there, mate. 8)

BiscLimpkit · Post by **BiscLimpkit** » 26 Jul 2006, 16:49

Scots are probably the most well spoken people in the UK tbh. I think the BBC did a nationwide grammer test to prove this.