Our mechanical engineering students enjoyed a wee overnight stay in Scotland to visit The Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies and the National Museum of Scotland.
In 1998, work started on the ambitious £84.5million Falkirk Wheel to reconnect the Union Canal with the Forth & Clyde. Her Majesty, The Queen, opened the world’s first and only rotating boat lift in 2002.
The group unlocked more about the operation and mechanics of the traditional 11 locks that were once in its place.
Level 3 Fabrication and Welding student, Callum Riley, commented:
“The wheel was really impressive! The theory behind how it operates is very simple, using Archimedes principle – water displacement aids the rotation of the 500-ton gondolas.”
Travelling 27 meters high on the wheel to the upper level
the students arrived at Union Canal significantly quicker than using a lock system.
The students then travelled to The Kelpies – 30-meter-high horse-head steel structures with a stainless-steel cladding – to stand in awe of the 300 tonne works of art.
Level 3 Fabrication and Welding student, Ben Bowes, joked:
“The sculptures were excellent and life like, but some of the welds weren’t as good as mine!”
The following day, the engineers visited theNational Museum of Scotland for an interactive engineering and science exhibition, ranging from historical transport and communication to modern manufacturing, such as robots and 3D printing.
John Richardson NEUCP Officer, said:
“Another great experience supported by the Futureme programme. We aim to continue to support lecturers so they can provide their students with opportunities to gain industry insight and see the real projects that they could be working on in the future.”