2. Travel

Falkirk Wheel-Scotland

The Falkirk Wheel is a boat lift near Falkirk Scotland that performs the same basic function as boat locks in that it moves boats between two different water levels. This device raises and lowers boats between two cannels that have about an 80 foot difference in elevation. The wheel uses much less space than the 10 locks that would be needed to do the same job. There are two caissons (troughs) holding about three feet of water that allow boats to float into and out of the Falkirk Wheel. The mechanism rotates in order to move the boats over the 80 foot elevation distance.
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  • VG9Q3412 The Wheel is the device on the right and the visitors center is on the left.

    VG9Q3412 The Wheel is the device on the right and the visitors center is on the left.

  • VG9Q3423

    VG9Q3423

  • VG9Q3424 This diagram shows how a large set of planetary gears keep the two caissons level as they are rotated between the upper and lower canals.

    VG9Q3424 This diagram shows how a large set of planetary gears keep the two caissons level as they are rotated between the upper and lower canals.

  • VG9Q3425

    VG9Q3425

  • VG9Q3428

    VG9Q3428

  • VG9Q3430

    VG9Q3430

  • VG9Q3431 In this aerial view you can see the pond in front of the visitors center where boats can maneuver and dock. The upper canal passes through a tunnel in the hill at the upper right of the photo and then uses an elevated viaduct to reach the Wheel.

    VG9Q3431 In this aerial view you can see the pond in front of the visitors center where boats can maneuver and dock. The upper canal passes through a tunnel in the hill at the upper right of the photo and then uses an elevated viaduct to reach the Wheel.

  • VG9Q3436 The gate on the end of the caisson is seen in this view. The gate folds flat to allow boats to enter the caisson.

    VG9Q3436 The gate on the end of the caisson is seen in this view. The gate folds flat to allow boats to enter the caisson.

  • VG9Q3437 In these four images the Wheel is rotating counter-clockwise. It takes five and a half minutes to rotate 180 degrees. The motion is driven by a 30 hp electric motor.

    VG9Q3437 In these four images the Wheel is rotating counter-clockwise. It takes five and a half minutes to rotate 180 degrees. The motion is driven by a 30 hp electric motor.

  • VG9Q3441

    VG9Q3441

  • VG9Q3442

    VG9Q3442

  • VG9Q3443

    VG9Q3443

  • VG9Q3453

    VG9Q3453

  • VG9Q3454

    VG9Q3454

  • VG9Q3461

    VG9Q3461

  • VG9Q3464

    VG9Q3464

  • VG9Q3468

    VG9Q3468

  • VG9Q3484

    VG9Q3484

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    VG9Q3436 The gate on the end of the caisson is seen in this view. The gate folds flat to allow boats to enter the caisson.
    VG9Q3437 In these four images the Wheel is rotating counter-clockwise. It takes five and a half minutes to rotate 180 degrees. The motion is driven by a 30 hp electric motor.
    VG9Q3441.JPG