During our return journey from the New World, my family enjoyed a few days seeing the sights of London. A bit of a world wind visit but we hit the main sights and enjoyed them once again (the kids were tiny last time and didn't remember them). Couldn't help but take a few inspiring snaps at the Imperial Science Museum which I thought I needed to share.
First up, the famous Babbage Difference Engine, Mk1
And the larger Mk II, made in 1991 from Charles Babbage's designs
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| Detail of the computational mechanisms and brass pinwheels |
The Museum also had some wonderful models of period Flying machines - lots of dirigibles and early powered machines, not so many aeronefs!
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| La France 1884 (above) and Gifford Airship 1852 (below) |
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| WW1 era designs |
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| Stringfellow's Flying Machine, 1848 - unconfirmed reports claim this as the first powered flight |
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| Bleriot Criss Channel design, 1909 (1:10 scale) |
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| Classic Rumpler Taube monoplane, originally designed in 1904 |
Then there was the fantastic bit of engineering - one of the first steam locomotives - just look at those rivets and all the cross bracing - great stuff! Note that the boiler is encased in a cask styled wooden sheath.
A very worthwhile few hours meandering through the collection - highly recommended!
I really need to revisit the science museum, my problem is that I am too easily distracted by the dinosaurs next door!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a challenge! But given that we had been to three different Natural History Museums in the last year we decided to give that a miss. I recall from a decade or so ago that it is rather good though!
ReplyDeleteHaven't been there for years! I must get down there. Thanks for the pictures - don't remember any of those exhibits!
ReplyDeleteYes its part of the Defence Fuel depot at Obelisk Bay.
ReplyDeleteI know a few guys so we'll see - fingers crossed!
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