Mystery Hotel

On the top floor you can see out again. What a view!




Then the gondola falls down.




There are two gondolas that work separately.












Some "making of" photos.


The first idea was to use a magnet on a string.






The string goes inside of the tower.




The hinges are on the same line as the rail.


This grey plate stops the gondola from rising. When the string still
pulls the magnet upwards the magnets separate and the gondola falls down.



However, the gondola couldn't rise high enough.


Next idea was to use a sled to hold the magnet higher.






When the string is attached to the bottom of the sled, it can rise even higher.


A reel for the string at the bottom of the trailer.


The string inside of the tower.




I simplified the system and moved the reels on the roof.






A launching mechanism. Later I simplified more and removed the magnets and
the launching mechanism.
I also tested some breaks but there isn't room enough.
When the string goes down with the gondola it slows the gondola a bit
so that it won't fall apart when it hits the bottom.







I found these pictures in the net. If they are yours and you
don't want them to be here just e-mail me and I'll take them away.













Photo by El Faro


















Video here:
Mystery Hotel.mp4