Mechanical Solar System Build Log

[jim_smits]

The second past of the assembly is a gear support arm which transfers power back to the main gear sandwiches. The build will be repeating these two sets of builds for the next few months until all the planets are in place.

[jim_smits]

Finally the Mars support arm is inserted into the gear sandwich and fixed in place with a grub screw. The finishing touch is to add the moons Phobos and Diemos and Mars itself.

 

All the brass parts are really starting to add up and the Orrery is starting to get pretty weighty!

[Canute]

Jim, your build looks very good. Nice job.

[jim_smits]

Hi all,

 

Slight delay on the Orrery build; my debit card expired and I so I had to pay Eaglemoss over the phone. They weren't exactly prompt in sending out my magazines.

 

Anyway, I've finally received this months batch and parts.

[jim_smits]

Not a huge amount to describe as alluded to before as the builds will be very similar for the next few sets of issues.

 

 

Built the gear sandwich and mounting support for the planet arm.

 

[jim_smits]

Construction of the gear support arm.

Edited January 31, 2016 by jim_smits

[jim_smits]

Finally added the planet support arm and Ceres. Next step will be Jupiter!

[GLakie]

Cool stuff Jim! 

[mtaylor]

Very cool...  I like it.   Ceres?  Are there other dwarf planets or moons also in this?

[bhermann]

Wow - planets AND asteroids - I like it!

 

Bob

[jim_smits]

Very cool... I like it. Ceres? Are there other dwarf planets or moons also in this?

Yes it will include Pluto and Eris. They will move really slowly....!

Edited February 1, 2016 by jim_smits

[jim_smits]

Well the one advantage of having a delayed set of issues is that the next set seems to turn up really quickly!

 

I'll update tonight with Jupiter section of the build. I have also ordered and received some steel grub screws to replace the brass ones. Should be more tolerant of adjustments without stripping.

[jim_smits]

As promised here is the addition of Jupiter to the build. Nice big planet!

 

Same routine as before, built the sandwich of gears and the support arm and threaded onto the main shaft and tightened the grub screw to attach.

[Omega1234]

Hi Jim

 

I'm always looking forward to your updates on this build because it's such a fascinating subject matter.

 

I'm hoping, if possible, that when it's finished, you'd be able to post a video of the system working, so that we can further admire your efforts.

 

Cheers

 

Patrick

Edited February 13, 2016 by Omega1234

[jim_smits]

Hi Omega

I was just thinking last night that I'll make sure I make a video and upload it for you all!

Hope you enjoy the updates.

Jim

[jim_smits]

Just to tease you all, the next set of parts arrived last night!

 

I've now been able to add Saturn to the build and as per the real thing it looks awesome. It has also highlighted just how large this build is going to be with another four arms still to go. With that in mind a new set of wider 'feet' were provided to keep the orrery upright. In addition, all the brass grub screws have now been upgraded to steel to avoid any stripping issues when adjusting the arms.

 

I'll follow up with images tonight / tomorrow morning.

[jim_smits]

As promised.

[Omega1234]

Hi Jim

 

Very nice! Have you given any thought as to how you're going to display her? I'm thinking in a large blacked out cabinet with some strategically placed overhead lights to highlight the beauty of the whole structure (my thoughts only, of course).

 

Cheers

 

Patrick

[jim_smits]

Haven't thought about where it will live but purely because we are hoping to move house in the next three weeks. Will be able to find a decent spot after that!

Edited March 5, 2016 by jim_smits

[cog]

You'll be needing time ... a precious commodity, Jim ... moving will be a drainage on your reserves aswell ... Hope all will go smoothly ... you'll be staying in Bristol ...?

 

Cheers

[jim_smits]

Yes, staying in Bristol. Moving out of rental house in Bradley Stoke and buying house over in Willsbridge. It's got a 2nd garage/car port which will be getting converted to man cave/workshop.

 

Reserves are taking a hammering! Getting married in September as well.....

Edited March 6, 2016 by jim_smits

[cog]

Congratulations, Jim, and to the misses. Getting a man cave is certainly important with the hobby ... hope it will be smooth sailing till it's ready

 

Cheers

[druxey]

Just found this thread - your project is sooo cool! I guess that the company don't export to N. America, or I'd be tempted. I remember seeing orreries in museums when I was young, and being fascinated.

 

All the best with moving and your upcoming nuptials, Jim.

[geoff]

congrats Jim, hope the move and wedding go well ! All the best, Geoff.  PS My son Charlie & myself built the orrery a few years ago but it looks like yours is an upgraded version of ours?

Edited March 9, 2016 by geoff

[jim_smits]

Hi,

 

Next update finally! Next set of gears have been added and therefore I can add the planet Uranus (no jokes please....) to the Orrery. The gearing ratios are really kicking in and the last couple of planets are barely moving. It will be interesting once the motor has been added and I can playing around with the speeds.

[Altduck]

That's really becoming a handsome and instructive machine! 

 

Richard

[cog]

That doesn't look like a 'man cave' Jim ... not jet installed I presume ... a lot of other distractions but for the solar system ...

 

It looks very promising! Don't speed up to much ... you might throuw them out of orbit ...!

 

Cheers

[Canute]

Jim, as a once upon a time AF Navigator/Weapons Systems Officer, using celestial navigation was a required subject. I am fascinated with your build. I need to find one of that quality. Thanks for sharing.

[pshrynk]

You mentioned that there are instructions to "set" the "astral clock" to a couple dates.  Is there instruction on how to calculate the positions for any date?  A birthday, perhaps? 

[jim_smits]

Hey,

 

The 'instructions' to set the dates are actually engraved planetary positions on the base plates.

 

To do a birthday I would find an online planetarium site and plug in the dates and use that as a guide.