A.C. Gilbert Heritage Society - Member Models
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Bruce Hansen's Astronaut Trainer

Bruce Hansen writes:

This is the Astronaut Trainer built from a 1962 No. 10231 Astronaut Set (box is in the background). This model was one of the two new models for the 10 1/2 set in 1962. The action in this model is a rotating centrifugal rocket trainer that also tilts up/down. The model stands about 3 feet tall and is over 2 feet long.

An OH 72 tooth gear is mounted on the bottom of the frame which meshes with the P13 pinion gear. The vertical shaft passes through the framework and has a P13 12 tooth gear attached at the top. This second P13 engages with a P12 crown gear attached to the same axle as a pair of CJ 36 tooth gears. The CJ's have strips screwed to them which act as eccentrics to pull the framework up/down as the model rotates.

The trainer framework rotates about 20 revolutions per minute and tilts up/down around 15 times per minute.