MacDowall single-pin escapement in Lego Technic

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osUvoeMAMrA&fs=1&hl=en&start=0&fs=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&ap=%2526fmt%3D18]

Those interested in mechanisms and horology will probably enjoy the hypnotic action of this single-pin escapement executed in Lego by YouTuber horolophile. An “escapement,” FYI, is the mechanism in a timepiece that converts continuous rotational motion into oscillating “back and forth” motion and makes it go tick-tock.

Here’s an entry describing MacDowall’s escapement from the 1877 Encyclopedia Britannica:

[via The Automata / Automaton Blog]

More:

• Animated GIFs show how mechanisms work
• Weekend Project: Double Pendulum
• Top 10 mechanical curiosities from the archives
• Gorgeous antique pocketwatch LED retrofit
• Amazing wooden grandfather clock with full plans
• Gary’s wooden clocks (free plans)