The Solar System…
A few months’ ago I binge watched The Expanse on Netflix:
Whilst most sci-fi set in space is further away, this is set in the solar system which got me thinking. Now I love planning and researching as much as I do building so it’s been a great opportunity to renew my love of space. As a child I always wanted to be an astronaut until I realised that it wasn’t like Star Trek and I’m a little claustrophobic!
Research
It’s been fascinating and one area I’ve been drawn to is orreries (solar system models). You can see a selection of them in my Pinterest board.
I have subsequently spent many an hour working out how gears work, what ratios are and how you can use them to power an orrery. I love spreadsheets and maths so this isn’t for everyone! I’m toying with playing in a 3D CAD programme such as Fusion 360 as a way of learning it. That needs more time than I currently have though! There’s a few interesting builds out there if you google but here’s a few of my favourites:
Orrery- a Mechanical Solar System Model From Plywood
Brass Orrery: Orrery Instructions
Solar System Orrery (3D Printed): 13 Steps (with Pictures)
Action
Researching was quickly followed by a few purchases such as this Copernican Orrery:
I realise that I am not a fan of cardboard models and despite weighting it, my base has warped but it is fun to do something completely different.
I also found these on Shapeways but I’m not sure what I am going to do with them yet. They sure are beautiful though.
Games…
And the major plus was that in Rise of the Tomb Raider, I even got to set one in motion and climb and jump all over it!
I’ll post progress on Instagram and Facebook but I’m trying not to make this little sideline a main part of my modelling blogging as I just want to enjoy the fun!