Magician Jean-Robert Houdin was famous for using automatons in his stage show, and to pay homage to the master, I've tried my hand at making one.
A magician is seated at his table, with a little red ball before him. Turn the crank clockwise, and the little magician lowers a cup over the ball. When he lifts up the cup, the ball has disappeared. Turn the crank counterclockwise, and the magician lowers the cup again. When he raises it, the ball has returned. It's magic, gosh darn it.
The full mechanics of the contraption can be seen here and here
I just happened upon this on Brothers Brick, so I had to come back for another gander. Hard to believe this isn't more popular, maybe you need a sharpied clone in the corner of your pics. Just wanted to give you some more smileys for what is an amazing achievement in build.~H
Alex - you have earned a very rare 'wow' from me. Stunning job on this one from the lighting (as always) to actually getting the timing on this one right so it works. Lee.
I like it
Heather LEGOgirl
November 13, 2009
Well that just blew me away. Frickin' awesome. With that music, it's almost a tad creepy too. Like those cymbal-clapping monkies. Do NOT take this apart. I have to see it in action for myself.
That's a good idea from Heather, make a monkey with symbals, with a crank that makes it clap. Those Gold plates for the symbals, right? That Music is from a Clint Eastwood Movie.
I always think it's good when a builder can show some range and prove he's not just a one-trick pony. Whether it be building just spaceships, or just mechs, or just castle, or in your case, just "shining lights through holes," or however you put it, I love to see a builder who may be somewhat typecast shake things up by going in a completely new direction. The Ikea Lamp Gangster goes all mechanical engineer on us! Love it!
From the title I thought this would be something TOTALLY different... Thanks for putting my mind at ease. This is AWESOME Alex! Bring it to brickworld next year! ~ Chris.
