Details
Operation
The Machine is energised by a world universal five volt power supply adaptable to any country. This lights the control console dials and the top column light. When the control lever is pushed from the mid-throw stop position to the forward position, the dish begins to turn slowly, picking up momentum in relation to lever position. The side ports begin to glow and then brighten to full illumination as the dish revolves. From the stop position the lever can also be moved into reverse causing the dish to rotate in the opposite direction accompanied by the same phased port illuminations.
The three lights on top of the control console mark the passage through time as depicted in the motion picture; the faster the speed, the faster the lights mark passage. An anti-flywheel provision is incorporated in the microprocessor software which prohibits the lights programme from being out of synchronisation with the dish as the dish builds or loses inertia. This feature maintains operating accuracy, particularly if the control lever is pushed to full forward, full reverse or stop too quickly.
Also incorporated in the software is a “display” mode which will run the Machine automatically through varying speeds and directions until the power is switched off. This stand-alone display facility allows the Machine to demonstrate its full range of possibilities.
Operational Features
The Machine comes with operational procedures which includes start-up, shut-down, running and maintenance. On the underside of the Swiss pear wood plinth is a brass dedication plaque which certifies ownership with a corresponding recorded serial number registered for authenticity at Granite City Mechanician.
The Machine comes with and is powered by a five-volt DC world universal power supply which connects to the household supply. The 90 degree power output connector plugs into a receptacle under the base plinth toward the rear of the vehicle for very low visual impact. This powers the onboard computer which controls the Machine’s motor and running lights that flash and fade tracking the passage through time, always keeping in synchronicity with the revolving dish. You control directional speed forward or backward from the marbled, crystal lever on the control console.
The Machine is of 1/12 scale and is made of over one hundred and forty separate components plus over three hundred and fifty brass rivets, all hand finished and assembled. The moulding around the edge of the base plinth is the exact scale replica of the original, shaped by a Swiss custom made routing tool. The chair is made up from forty three separate components, and seventeen of which are metal castings.
The onboard microprocessor/computer is located under the seat. The computer receives its command data from the control console. As the control lever is moved from the off position, either backwards or forwards in time, it rotates a perforated disk that is sandwiched between three light emitters and three light collectors. Due to the position of perforations between emitters and collectors a code is sent to the computer. This controls speed and direction of the rotating dish and keeps the twenty one incandescent lights in sequence and in sync with the dish’s rotational speed.
The “motor housing” is diecast in white metal. This houses the stepper motor that drives the dish. The revolving dish is made of copper by a process known as electro-forming. It‘s made by the BJS company of London, the same company that produced the facsimiles of the crown jewels displayed in the tower of London. The translucent cones and domes are made from nylon. The material was chosen deliberately for their perfect visual match to the original.
Despite the fact that although the process in building each machine is the same, it is amazing how much individuality each finished model has in capturing the image and spirit of that graceful Machine.
Bob Burns
I would here express my indebtedness to one of natures gentlemen; Bob Burns. He is the restorer and keeper of the original Time Machine movie prop which is in residence at his private museum in Burbank, California.
When I wrote to him telling of my desire to produce a scale “working” model made from the indicated materials, i.e. brass, copper, wood, crystal, etc., he kindly invited me to come and take any measurements, detail and photos that I may require.
I was made welcome by he and his wife Kathy during the three evenings spent in his company with the Time Machine. He assembled and set it up for me as it was stored in three crates in back of his house, his museum not having been built yet.
Bob holds Time Machine model Number 1 given with appreciation and gratitude.
To read more of the history of this work, see the article I wrote for Science Fiction and Fantasy Models and Figures magazine found within Featured Magazine Articles.
