09-05-2020, 02:29 PM
It’s an amazing curiosity that is best appreciated by viewing it in the flesh, as I am sure those who have viewed it, would testify. When I went to Panrock’s demonstration at Loughborough a few years ago, I scrutinised this mechanical beast in detail as it was prepared for demonstration.
My first impression was a rugged construction with a set of mirror slats that look like they would have needed to be expertly polished and aligned. However, It clearly weighed a ton and was going to be spun up by a washing machine motor? I think the doubt was setting in even before Steve had fired it up and I suspect I probably didn't have high expectations.
Meanwhile the engineer in me was thoughtfully working out the safest place to stand, but in any event it turned out that “well back” also resulted in the best viewing position. Those of us who witnessed it for the first time were left staring in disbelief as the proof of the pudding delighted us all.
Photographs don’t seem to do it justice somehow.
Eddie
My first impression was a rugged construction with a set of mirror slats that look like they would have needed to be expertly polished and aligned. However, It clearly weighed a ton and was going to be spun up by a washing machine motor? I think the doubt was setting in even before Steve had fired it up and I suspect I probably didn't have high expectations.
Meanwhile the engineer in me was thoughtfully working out the safest place to stand, but in any event it turned out that “well back” also resulted in the best viewing position. Those of us who witnessed it for the first time were left staring in disbelief as the proof of the pudding delighted us all.
Photographs don’t seem to do it justice somehow.
Eddie
