Vienna Giant Wheel (Riesenrad)

thingiverse

Human: ## The Timeless Giant Wheel of Vienna The Riesenrad, or Ferris Wheel, is one of Vienna's most beloved and iconic landmarks. Located at the entrance of the bustling amusement park "Prater" in Vienna's vibrant second district, this engineering marvel has been captivating visitors for generations. Built in 1897, the wheel stood as the world's tallest until 1985, a testament to its enduring presence on the cityscape. Originally boasting 30 gleaming gondolas, the Riesenrad suffered significant damage during World War II and was rebuilt with just 15 gondolas to reduce maintenance costs. Despite this setback, it remains an operational wonder, offering breathtaking views of Vienna's stunning skyline. Measuring a towering 65 meters high, the Riesenrad is a sight to behold. As visitors ride its gentle arc, they can take in the majestic beauty of Vienna's architecture and surroundings. With a leisurely speed of 2.7 kilometers per hour, the ride may seem slow, but it allows for an unparalleled appreciation of the city's grandeur. Weighing in at a staggering 430 tons, the Riesenrad's massive construction is a testament to the ingenuity of its creators. This beloved landmark continues to delight visitors from around the world, offering an unforgettable experience that combines history, beauty, and engineering excellence. ## Creating a Lasting Tribute As I set out to recreate this iconic wheel, my goal was to make it adaptable for various sizes while still maintaining its authenticity. By utilizing OpenScad, a powerful 3D modeling software, I aimed to create a design that would not only pay homage to the original but also be practical and feasible for printing. I sought to capture the essence of the Riesenrad's construction at the time of its creation, when building such an enormous structure was a remarkable achievement. The combination of steel, movement, and circular shape made it an awe-inspiring sight, and I aspired to recreate that magic in my own design. ## Bringing the Giant Wheel to Life ### Printing the Riesenrad's Components The printing process proved to be a significant challenge, but one that yielded impressive results. The 15 gondolas with their intricate bodies and roofs took approximately 6 hours each to print. The complete wheel, including gondola holders and wheels, required a total of 16 hours. The two stands, front and back, added another 12 hours to the printing time. #### Efficient Printing Strategies With only a week left before the deadline, I knew I had to optimize my printing process. I created prototypes for each part, which allowed me to identify areas where improvements could be made. By arranging the parts in a way that enabled simultaneous printing, I was able to complete multiple batches during the day and overnight. Using OctoPrint as my host software, I was able to send notifications via Push Bullet when print jobs were completed. This setup allowed me to wake up to the sound of finished prints and start new jobs before heading back to bed. ### Painting and Assembly Each gondola required a painstaking 15 minutes of painting, resulting in a total time of around 4 hours for all 15. The assembly process took a grueling 8 hours, with the most challenging part being the alignment of the wheels, which consumed an additional 3 hours. ## Resources and Inspiration For those interested in learning more about the Riesenrad, I recommend visiting its official website or Wikipedia page. A captivating video showcasing the wheel's construction can be found on YouTube, providing a glimpse into the engineering marvel that is the Vienna Giant Wheel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYewbndmj4