The Falkirk Wheel - How it Works! Ep. 183.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- How does the Falkirk Wheel boat lift work? In this video, we'll take you on a boat trip to experience the Falkirk Wheel where we'll show you how and why it was built and how it works with a little help from Archimedes. We'll also show you the amazing Roughcastle Tunnel with it's 'trippy' light show and Falkirk's new staircase locks.
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Watching this from the control room at the wheel, great content as always 👍
Legend! Thanks so much! I hope we caught your best side 😂😉
Absolutely fantastic. Now, headed to the 360 vlog.
Awesome! Thank you!
Me too
So happy to get the alert that this video had been uploaded. Was a pleasure to take you guys up the electric penstock locks that take you onto the Union canal from the wheel. Lock 2 is 17 feet tall, not counting the massive double cill.
Before this new cut of the canal the place was a bit of a nightmare. An open cast mine that ran for many miles during the early 80s. when they filled the mine in it looked like the surface of the moon.
So good to see what it is now. Thanks guys.
Cheers and thanks for being so friendly while we were there. Loved it all!
Colin, Shaun and Otis
You guys stand out, among other vloggers NB. Really look forward to the quality of interesting content you share. It's like having Ed Sullivan show on the old box every Saturday night to tune in. My parents loved that show. I just knew they would leave after the show and go to bed.
Then for my brother and myself, it was the waited next episode of Dr.Who & Monty Python!!!
Much appreciated!
And with this episode, you made me cry like a baby... Yes, tears streaming down my cheeks as I write. You see, my favourite uncle, Tom, a brilliant engineer, came back to Ireland (where we lived) from a visit to Scotland and with enormous passion, described this new engineering phenomen he had visited - the Falkirk Wheel. He reached for a brochure and walked me through it with the same enthusiasm and passion as you did--a brochure I still treasure today. Sadly, neither Tom nor his beautiful wife Bridie are with us today, but they were my saviours! Growing up as a shy gay boy in a small village in the West of Ireland, they knew what I would face, and theirs was the home where I was safe from the hostile world outside. Not only was I welcome in their home, but they encouraged me to bring my gay friends over for dinner or coffee, or to just drop in. I miss the joy and the laughter of that home and the many nights of fun and warmth and happiness we had there. So I'll cry a little more and then be grateful, and if there is a heaven, I hope they are both flying with angels. And much as I already loved your channel, I love it all the more now. Heartfelt thanks.
I love this. Thank you for writing this💙
Really lovely story mate.
@@johngreenhorn8853 Thanks so much John
Excellent! I never would’ve dreamed that was how it worked. Y’all did a great job with the video and explaining it so clearly. See you next time!
Can't wait!
Loved your choice of psychedelic music and wild camera work in the tunnel.
Glad you liked it!
@@FoxesAfloat groovy baby!
I remember visiting the Falkirk Wheel on our way to Edinburgh, we where staying in Glasgow and my mom wanted to go to Edinburgh to visit the Royal Yacht. So on our way there we stopt at the Falkirk Wheel. Sadly we did not take a trip, but we did walk the length of the tunnel to the other side and remember that there was some really nice open area to walk. After that we got something to eat, and I still carry the keychain souvenir on my car keys to this day. After that we want to the Royal Yacht, driving back to Glasgow we both remarked that we had a great day. The weather was absolutely great for what was I believe late september.
The Royal Yacht...... Shaun's old ship xx
The Roughcastle Tunnel with editing... makes one thunk that mayhaps some other things were consumed in your past, it gave me a bit of an enjoyable flashback 😜👍
Haha! Glad we could bring back some trippy memories! 😵💫
Hi Colin and Shaun, great video! The trip through Roughcastle Tunnel was really quite the 'trip'. The Falkirk Wheel amazing. As usual thank you for the history. Take care, stay well. Much love Kathy x 💖
Glad you enjoyed it
Absolutely brilliant Colin and Shaun the drone footage of the Falkirk wheel is amazing as specially the views of Scotland and the special affects in the tunnel is very good as well this video is getting better and better every day keep up the good work guys and I shall watch the 360 degree of the Falkirk wheel on the other channel.
Glad you enjoyed it
"Oh behave.... psychadelic baby" - lol . Great video guys, even the aquaduct leading up to the wheel looked like some sort of star gate entrance (was expecting you to be propelled at light speed to another solar system or something) ;)
If the tunnel was long enough I would have tried 😂😵💫
Beautiful senaryscenery
Just phenomenal! It actually looks like a ride at a theme park. The whole presentation is extraordinary, which is what I’ve grown to expect from you two. Now, if you lads will pardon me, I have a 360 view video to watch!
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🏻🏴💙
Omigosh, your videos are so fantastically produced. I never thought I'd be so interested in the history of canals in a different country, but I've learned so much from you guys. Thank you as always! I hope to make it back to the UK someday soon for a narrowboat holiday. And an extra star to Scottish Canals for making access to the Falkirk Wheel free!
Wow, thank you!
Even a mad scientist back in the days would never ever thought it would take only the energy of boiling water in 8 kettles to lift a boat. simply UNBELIEVABLE
It’s an awesome piece of machinery 👍
@@FoxesAfloat Thank you for this wonderful video of an INCREDIBLE machine 👍
Thanks also for the What 3 Words reference which makes location so easy !!
You are both lovely and adorable.I watch your videos over and over again.Shaun’s hearty laughter is extremely contagious
You are so kind
Thank you so much for 2 amazing Falkirk videos (lol “videos” corrected to “oreos”!! Was so tempted to leave that bizarre autocorrect!) You guys have knocked it out of the park as usual! 🙏
Mmmm.... Oreos 😋
@@FoxesAfloat Oreos are only knock-off Hydroxes.
That 360 Degree video is superb !
Thanks, Stuart!
@@FoxesAfloat you are most welcome. I found you guys quite by accident, being an ex Brit I love following your travels, but I do mean it when I say the 360 is superb ! What a lovely feature to add. Stay safe guys !
How am I just learning this thing exists now? It's amazing! I want to go see it in person some day.
It's an awesome piece of machinery x
I wonder how the Suez Canal linked the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and no locks 120 miles long and NO LOCKS. Think about that
A most excellent piece of engineering. And (bonus!) a trippy tunnel.
Trippy tunnels are cool 😵💫
Love your videos, but this is the best explanation of the Wheel and the best views of it that I have ever seen. Keep up the great work.
Wow, thanks!
Great video, guys.
I never get tired of watching that thing work.
It's an amazing structure!
Came all the way from Australia to go and see this engineering marvel several years ago, thanks for all the facts to refresh the grey matter. Great video as usual, enjoyed every second of it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love the lighted tunnel and your “twist” on that.
You guys just keep getting better and betterer! :)
Haha! One day we'll make a really crap one 😂
So glad you guys enjoyed the big Wheel. We went on the trip boat a few years ago whilst visiting friends in Dunbar. Both the fellas were engineers & loved the mechanics of the wheel. We ladies enjoyed the views in glorious sunshine. Its an amazing trip. xxx
It was amazing!
The cinematography on this video is epic. Love you guys! 💖
Thank you!
What an amazing feat of engineering. The Wheel should be added to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Thank you so much for filming this episode.
I think it's one of the seven wonders of the waterways.
Wow what an amazing journey that was and the research you have done on it all is second to none. Well done Colin, you are the perfect man for making really interesting and informative documentaries. Keep up the excellent work. Now heading over to the 360
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻🏴
Great to watch the 360 video. Amazing to see such a massive piece of equipment move so precisely. I didn't even need a sweater or coat to enjoy the trip.
It was bloody cold up there! 🥶
I grew up basically around the corner from the Wheel. Literally the closest street. Growing up, the Wheel always felt less special so to say, why would it. It was just there for me. But as I've grown up I can appreciate it's brilliance.
I think it's natural to think like that when you see it so often :)
One of my favourite modern engineering projects in Scotland!
The views are amazing, aren't they?
Definitely!
Brilliant video. One of the best I've seen on the Falkirk Wheel. Its an incredible piece of engineering. Thanks Colin for the informative commentary. The drone shots really add to this video, putting the wheel in context.
Happy New Year....
Thanks Tony. Happy New Year! 👍🏻
Brilliant!! Just brilliant. The 360-degree vlog completes the saga and you really feel as though you're there. I saw Otis looking well behaved as you descended. Stay well and see you next time.
John, Ontario, Canada
Awesome, thank you!
wow amazing how it works and free to use and energy reduced, plus the views and a lovely day, great vlog xxx
Its ace!
One in a lifetime experience so awesome but no media can give the real experience 👍❤️🤗
👍🏻
Absolutely fantastic stuff. I love the psychedelic tunnel.
Great to get a proper view on the wheel, rather than cycling by it from below.
I’m enjoying seeing you get closer to Glasgow and places I know.
Thanks for the awesome videos, slowly catching up on several years worth.
Glad you enjoyed it
Grooovy camera work in the tunnel! Yeah baby yeah!
🤣🤣
OMG I need to do this - just added to my bucket list
👍🏻
Thank you guys for making me smile on a very sad day today my family lost our step mum lynn at 14:46 so watching this has made things better thanks again guys xx
I'm so sorry to hear that, Anthony. Sending love and our thoughts 💙
The tunnel was trippy but I wouldn't like being in it that long. The Falkirk wheel is quite a feat of engineering!!
That was the best vlog I have ever seen of the Falkirk Wheel. Your commentary was superb. Loved it. Take care guy's, stay safe and well. Regards Derek.
Thanks, you too!
The cinematography in this video is top-notch. Beautiful work!
That was AMAZING! What an incredible engineering feat! And there is NO fee! Wow! Loved the tunnel with the "trippy" lights & music! Well done, Guys! Now I'm off to do the 360° views on your other channel! ❤🐕❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
What an absolutely fantastic vlog guys, this was so interesting to watch. X
Thanks so much! 😊
Wow, the Falkirk wheel is amazing. Thank you for explaining
Our pleasure!
Cracking video, loved the camerawork through the tunnel
Nice one. Thank you!
That is so cool!
Not only the video, but your engineering description of how it works!
Cheers Daryl!
Part of me is totally fascinated by the wheel. Part of me things it would be a total blast to take a boat up or down it. And part of me really hates high places and being 100 feet up looking down isn't a good idea. Still, I get to experience it with you two, at ground level, so it's all good
You'd love it!
Fantastic!!! Groovy tunnel and like a Ferris Wheel!! Brilliant!!!🎉 😍
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🏻🏴💙
That 360 video you took was the best I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing to.
Wow, thanks!
That the trip up or down only takes about 4 min. is amazing. And having spend most of my teen years in the '70s, I enjoyed that trip through the tunnel. LOL
👍🏻👍🏻
That is one fascinating and massive piece of machinery.
xoxo's Sandie
It's mind-blowing to watch.
Glad you enjoyed one of the rare gems from Scottish canals
Thanks again!
I live near The Wheel and have regularly taken visiting friends for a sail on The Wheel. It always impresses and is well worth a visit. Nearby are the huge Kelpies. Horse head statues at the end of the canal as it opens into the River Carron and the Forth.
That Falkirk Wheel is Super Clever !! Always baffled me how it works , Amazing !!💕✔️
Glad you enjoyed it x
What a awesome piece of engineering that structure is...................well explained and learnt loads of things about the Falkirk Wheel...........definitely on bucket list to go and see......stay safe.........thanks for sharing
Our pleasure!
British engineering at its best. Really amazing. Thank you, guys, for the video !!
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🏻🏴💙
Learn Falkirk Wheel from my IELTS exercise. The word description is really abstract, thanks to your video I quite understand how it works now! 💯
Had to show my 13 yo daughter this video. Amazing stuff! The tunnel lighting of course grabbed her attention! Good stuff!
Awesome! Thank you!
Fascinating guys, and brilliant photography.
Glad you enjoyed it, James 👍🏻🏴💙
Oh my that tunnel took me back to the late 60's. Thank you for the Falkirk wheel and all the facts. And no Colin do not lick off all the choc 1st. Take care xx
You're all weird except me 😂 (Licks another chocolate biscuit) 😋
@@FoxesAfloat Out of curiosity, how do you eat Kit-Kats?
This is a quality content! All the best in 2022!Cheers from Poland.
Thank you! Happy New Year!
Great vlog! Somehow, you manage to make things entertaining and informative at the same time!
Wow, thank you!
Awesome video. The hosts make it fun and interesting.
Thank You
From Canada
Great! Thanks so much. Brilliant to see this amazing feat of engineering. Also loved the “disco” tunnel.
So cool in there!
Awesome bit of engineering! Appreciate the facts and figures along with the trip. The tunnel was awesome too.
Cheers Mark!
Absolutely fantastic! I loved the facts and figures about the wheel, it was such a beautiful day to film as well. Thanks guys!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
That was amazing, for a long time visiting the Falkirk wheel has been on my bucket list, maybe one day I'll make it there but it's a bit of a drive from Kent!
A full day and then some!
Loved the vlog guys. The tourist board must love you! It makes ME want to go back, so it's bound to prick the interest of anybody who watches your vlog. Thanks!
Haha! I hope so but they've never been in touch 😕
Thank you so much for making such a good video of the Falkirk Wheel and the canals around Falkirk.
Fascinating vlog! Hats off to the engineers, and thanks so much for bringing us with you 🤗 Now for the real time video 🥰
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🏻🏴💙
You have an amazing knack of explaining the engineering in words and images. Best description of the Falkirk Wheel I’ve seen.
Awesome! Definitely up to expectations. The Wheel is incredible. Love the tunnel as well. Finally, a tunnel that might not terrify me.
Can't wait!
It reminds me of that machine Jodie Foster steps into in Contact. Lucky you didn't end up at Vega 26 light years away ;-)
😂👍🏻
Excellent! I watched the 360 video first, and then this episode. The wonderful explanation of why and how the wheel works, and the discussion of the engineering involved is just spot on. Another great episode, Gents. Best wishes from a sub-zero Central Michigan!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Your explanations are loud and clear. I hope one day I can hop into the boat and visit it.
Not the first video I've seen about the Falkirk Wheel, though definitely the best by a far margin - very well done, lads! Another triumph.
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🏻🏴💙
Again a great video gents! I have always wanted to see the Falkirk Wheel!
Now you have 👍🏻🏴
Most excellent camera work! Devoted followers we are! You did such a great job with the groovy tunnel too!👏
Thanks so much!
That was worth the wait, thank you both so much 🙏✝️🕊🙏
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🏻🏴💙
I have always wanted to visit Scotland, I have been loving this journey of yours so much. Thank you so much.
You are so welcome
Amazing production values in these videos - must take a lot of work to put together
Much appreciated! Takes a whole week to research, film, edit and caption xxx
I love they way you explain things - especially this one. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🏻🏴💙
Great vlog guys. Really interesting, amazing piece of machinery. You explain it so well and make it very interesting.
You guys are looking so well. Again, thank you for that😘
Aww, thanks David 👍🏻
One of your very best. Exceptionally well produced. Thank you.
Thanks David!
I hope to experience the Falkirk Wheel one day. Incredible engineering.
It's a wonder to see and ride.
Really Groovy. We are so happy to see what we had planned to do before the crazies. best of travels.
Can't wait!
Both blogs are absolutely amazing!!
Cheers Alfie 👍🏻
Thank you, and your sponsors, for this one.
I am amazed that it is only a 4-minute rotation for the Falkirk Wheel. That is some engineering.
It really is amazing !
Was looking forward to this and was not disappointed, brilliant.
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🏻🏴💙
That wheel is the most amazing structure and the way it works...an amazing attraction.....
It really is!
I recall I saw the Falkirk Wheel on another show a few years ago - perhaps it was Coast. Your explanations are so clear. This was another fascinating video from you guys. I'm hooked on all your videos. Who needs Britbox anyway!! ha ha
So glad you’re enjoying them xx
Great channel and upload. In the off season i help out with Scottish canals removing non native species of trees along the canal, and we also replace the pontoon and jetty surfaces with a new non slip surface as you can see on the easter carmuirs pontoon, which you were standing on at the end of the video. Its made from recyclable crushed glass. Thanks for showing our wonderful part of the world.
Awesome 😎❤️
Thanks for sharing all the info regarding the union canal 😊 looks seriously cold
It was!
That was a bit oooooo going through the tunnel, especially when the boat became curved! They do nice lunches in the visitors centre. Great day out.
Thanks for watching!
I loved this when I watched it 2 years ago. I am doing a British Isles Cruise in June and have booked an excursion to see this marvel. We even get to take a tour boat up ! Very excited, and I thank you for the brilliant video.
Have fun!
Wow! Those graphics in the tunnel were amazing & I’m loving your 360 vlogs too! Well done boys for always bringing us such brilliant vlogs with plenty of history & facts!! Xx
Thank you! 👍🏻💙🏴
Oh WOW!!! Excellent vlog!!! Interesting!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Marvellous feat of engineering. I look forward to watching it again on my TV.
Nice one!