Falkirk Wheel

cults3d

Welcome to the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland, the only rotating boat lift in the world. It boasts Celtic-inspired double-headed axe arms, which securely hold two water-filled gondolas that transport boats. The wheel took 8 years to plan, design, and construct between 1994 and 2002. For the first time since the 1930's, when 11 navigation locks were removed, the Falkirk Wheel connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Falkirk Wheel each year, and now you can enjoy a high-quality 1/500 scale model from your 3D printer. Designing this model was a rewarding experience, using Blender alongside photos I found online to create a moveable assembly composed of 17 printable parts. I made sure that all parts could be printed without supports and assembled without additional connecting hardware. All you need is a 3D printer and filament to bring this amazing model to life. The rotating arms hold gondolas that maintain an upright position using gravity, giving the model a realistic feel. The model can be spun by hand by pushing on the arms or twisting the knurled shaft stub that extends through the back support. This shaft has the potential for modification with a gear-reduced drive. A worm drive modification in the downloads includes replacement parts for adding a stepper motor to create an automated spinning experience. https://youtu.be/LPEEhIc5AuE https://youtu.be/aYavmDMNJbg