The 'flyer' for the 2013 Manchester Mini Maker Faire.
On both days, the railway at MOSI was operating, using the 'Planet' replica and two blue coaches. On Saturday, I was Operating Officer with Ray as Driver, Mike as Fireman and Richard as Guard. The train was 'in traffic' well before noon and, by that time, visitors were really streaming onto the site. We had no let-up all afternoon and most trains were loaded to capacity. I drove for a while to give Ray a break.
'Planet' and a well-loaded train on the 'Pineapple Line' with the 1830 warehouse in the background.
In 2013, over 50 'Makers' were booked to attend the Manchester event. I was able to make a quick tour of the site during the day and take a few pictures which are here, but I only saw some of the many activities taking place.
There was a restored Norman T-300 engine driving a Ducellier alternator and a restored Villiers MK12-2-HS engine driving a bicycle dynamo, both running on gas.
Restored Villiers and Norman engines, each producing electricity.
In the 1830 Warehouse there was an activity involving a number of sewing machines and another advertising 'Build your own Retro-Computer'. Also in the 1830 Warehouse, there was a workshop building Potato Cannons. Later in the day, these cannons were tested in the Lower Yard.
Testing Potato Cannons in the Lower Yard.
Professor Screwtop was a magnet for children in the Upper Yard. He had a very tall bicycle, a comedy car (which produced the most terrifying explosions from time to time) and a traditional Punch and Judy show. Sometimes, he just sat on the floor telling stories to his enthralled audience.
Professor Screwtop and the Punch and Judy Show.
Also in the Upper Yard, there were a group of exhibitors featuring wood and wood products. TreeStation is 'a unique social enterprise' providing arboricultural services' and a number of forestry machines were on display, including Firewood Processors from Maaselän Kone Oy in Finland (more details here). The TreeStation website is here. 'Start in Salford' is a 'creative arts and wellbeing charity' started in 1993. A pole lathe was being used to fashion turned wooden parts but I was particularly taken with the idea of their Yurts made in Salford. The 'Start in Salford' website is here.
A Yurt, made in Salford.
As a further example of the eclectic mix, members of Manchester's Cottonopolis Coglective Steampunk Society were touring the site in their distinctive costumes (corsets and cogs feature heavily) and they took a trip on the train.
Members of Manchester's Cottonopolis Coglective Steampunk Society.
All-in-all, a very interesting day.
