Marvels of design, construction and engineering

I have created this thread for like minded individuals to share their passion for all things related to the design, construction and engineering of anything that has greatly impressed them.

Today I climbed 463 steps to the top of the Cupola (dome) designed and built by Brunelleschi in the 1400s to complete the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore) Cathedral in Florence.
It still remains the largest masonry dome ever built at 45 mtrs. wide and is an absolute marvel of design and construction.
For anyone who has seen it you will know what I mean, if you haven't, check it out on Google, it is a fascinating story with all plans purposely destroyed by Brunelleschi leaving today's experts still questioning how he actually achieved it.

 

Yes, I have already congratulated dilligaf on his ingenious method of transporting beer and camping kit on two wheels in another thread. Well engineered and fit for purpose.

The Duomo dome by the way did come in useful for keeping the Cathedral and its congregations dry, plus it has stopped following generations getting above their station in the fact that they cannot understand how he did it.

'Paddies, tea and scaffolding' constructed the Ribblehead viaduct amongst many other marvels in the late 1800s.
The viaduct in North Yorkshire is just over 100ft high with 24 arches and well worth visiting.
A great way to see it is by travelling on the Settle to Carlisle railway which uses the viaduct.
Another way is to embark on the Yorkshire three peaks circuit, when you get to Whernside it is there in all its glory, standing proud and still being used 150 years on.
Great biking roads through North Yorkshire and Cumbria lead to it as well.

 

Quick release fittings would be good.
Just remember to detach it before emptying the cans of John Smiths down yer neck.
We don't want any melted bike rear ends!

 

Just had another quick think on the BBQ front!
If you heatproofed the bike rear end you could bbq on the move and divert the fat from your burgers etc. into a funnel, down a tube onto your chain.
This could be a serious threat to Scottoiler and the likes.
Imagine pulling up at your favourite stop, burgers cooked and chain lubed!

 

I'm actually on my hols at the moment dilligaf, so yes, just chilling and finding time for a bit of banter. (and yes it is about 20 degs. and sunny)
I think you've probably sussed the beer would have to be removed before using the grill as a BBQ.
I would never encourage you to drink and ride, best leaving leaving yer beer back at camp and enjoying as much ale as you want back there.

 

Nicely in keeping with the theme Havit!
Demonstrating leverage to turn over uno fat bastardo

 

Absolutely marvellous, I had never heard of the viaduct, let alone seen the video.
Thanks for posting that biglad

 

What a guy!
Great link that dicky, many thanks.

 

Just googled this complex Dougie as I was not aware of these magnificent modern buildings
They have already been voted as one of the top 12 treasures of Spain which is very forward thinking indeed.
Great picture by the way, thanks for sharing it.

 

Well, I have had to look this one up Havit and it has a very interesting story.
The building is made from Maple wood and represents the core business of Longaberger who predominantly manufactured Maple wood baskets creating a $1billion per year turnover in 2000 with 8,200 employees.
Amazingly this has dropped to 75 employees now, with the building being closed in 2016
Not the nicest of buildings but very different with the handles being heated to stop frost damage, thanks for that Havit.