High-quality black-and-white photographs of large old machines and tools

[MeJasonT]

They have come along way, I worked with Smit on a heavy lift project. There crane was equally impressive. called Hercules. It not the one in this link but you get the idea.

[Frank S]

They have come along way, I worked with Smit on a heavy lift project. There crane was equally impressive. called Hercules. It not the one in this link but you get the idea.

Interesting salvage video You could cut the planet in half with that cut wire if it were long enough

[Frank S]

Clockguy if you will follow along on the left side past the workman you will see a few other workers much further back

[Jon]

Tide-Predicting Machine No. 2, aka "Old Brass Brains", an analog computer used to predict tides for the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey from 1910 until 1965.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...r_fullsize.jpg

[mklotz]

Color picture and a bit more background...

https://spectrum.ieee.org/computing/...nalog-computer

When most of us think of analog computers we tend to picture racks of op-amps and giant plug boards for programming but simple mechanical computers can quickly solve problems that tax algorithm writers.

I recommend you read this article from the Scientific American Computer Recreations column for some examples of really clever analog computers. My favorite is the refinery locater computer made with string, weights, a board and a washer.

http://www.softouch.on.ca/kb/data/Scan-130202-0003.pdf

[MeJasonT]

I came across a rotary cam controller that was controlling the timing/operation of a food factory packing machine, the machine had a computer but its mechanical/pneumatic functions all came off this cam device. To be honest it was more reliable than the PC, just a shaft with discs on it which contained slots in specific places.


The second picture is from a telephone exchange.

[MeJasonT]

I love the opening Phrase from Tide-Predicting Machine No. 2 IEEE website,

Scientists and engineers may benefit from a long-⁠abandoned approach to computing - yep get rid of narcissistic nerds. Cogs and gears that's what i'm talking about - All you need in a power cut is a small child and an exercise bike, that's resilience for you.

[MeJasonT]

You might have Microsoft but they wouldn't be anywhere without good old British ingenuity, We got Babbage and the colossus for you.


Its all Greek to me https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_mechanism

perhaps we got the idea somewhere.

I know you guys nicked an Enigma from the Germans but I don't know where ours at Bletchly came from. (obviously the Germans)

[MeJasonT]

Thank you, to all those who have served, are serving and remember those who have fallen.

[Toolmaker51]

Thank you, to all those who have served, are serving and remember those who have fallen.

Thank You, MeJasonT.

Immediate family...Father, Lieutenant USAAC/USAF WWII. Pilot trainer, in Waco TX, and Santa Ana, CA. He says "more hours in tailspins than many pilots have straight & level". Enlisted at outset of WWII, as a photographer. His abilities were recognized and urged to apply for commission.
Mother Staff Sergeant , USWMC. Photographer/ and Darkroom OIC, Cherry Point NC. She didn't recall how many shots taken; but lots of portraits, historical and classified documentation. Joked about toting 4x5 Speed Graphic around, [almost bigger than her], carried gear like lens boards in her jeep.
Myself, Quartermaster 1C. Likely first Airedale [aviation oriented designations], probably only one carrying helmsman card for any aircraft carrier. Did a little machining when they started recording our civilian employment; and priority work occurred with shipyard labor unavailable. Had all sort of ancillary tasks, enjoyed instructing most. Navigation, seamanship, small arms, and indoctrination of new petty officers.