The Prototype:
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The Model:
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The Prototype:
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The Model:
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| Above: The original 1893 wheel built by George Ferris at the World Colombian Exposition at Chicago. There were 36 gondolas which were loaded 6 at a time. Each gondola was 27 feet long, 9 feet high and 13 feet wide. The wheel was 250 feet in diameter. |
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| Right: A view of the
gondolas from the second floor balcony. This gives some idea of the
scale of the model. The model has been recently restored by Ripley's and is now
fully operational. It is the largest mobile Meccano/Erector model in the world, Believe it or Not! |
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The model was originally built by Meccano S.A. in France. It was
shipped to the United States to promote the Company after they bought out the
"Erector" trade name. After being displayed in New York the model was
dismantled and shipped to Florida where it can still be viewed. The perforated strips that make up the spokes, shown in this photograph, have been replaced with quarter inch axle rods. This was necessary to stop the model sagging under its own weight. It is a magnificent model and is the central display item for the St. Augustine Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum. |
| Right: A view
of one of the gondolas or "cars". All 36 are identical. The doors can be
opened and they are well detailed.
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Some statistics: |
Part 55
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