@@markheaney Starting around 11:00, he describes and demonstrates how wheelchair users can get to the panoramic lift. It is a few more steps (pun!) but they already figured it out.
I found the wheelchair access the most interesting part. When you mentioned the circular stairs my first thought was "How will wheelchair users get access?". Thanks for explaining that :)
The original Otis lifts at Underground stations had two lifts in each shaft. If one lift failed the other could be brought to the same level and a door in the side opened to allow passengers to transfer to the other car. Each car had two separarate power supplies, and if all else failed the lifts could be hand wound, though it took six people and was a very slow process. The lift testing tower in Northampton is completely filled with lift shafts; i think there about five or six of them.
The TKElevator test tower in Rottweil, Germany is filled with lifts, including the Multi which can go sideways. One of the lifts is accessible to the public and you can get a great view from the top.
Yeah, this is the kind of stuff I was thinking of when he mentioned more than one lift in a shaft. It's definitely unusual, but not unheard of. *Nested* lifts on the other hand...
Some person hit on the idea of using those huge chimneys as a USP, and then engineers had to figure out a way to make it happen safely and efficiently. Love how you bring out the hidden miracles of hard work behind things everyone just takes for granted.
I'm a surveyor & a condition of continued membership is that I do 'continuing professional development'. I'm using these very absorbing videos to contribute to that requirement. Keep going, Stuart. 👍
Fascinating! Funny, as soon as you stepped out of the first lift to go up the stairs to the next lift I was thinking what about wheelchair users or people using a walking frame, but then to see the way the engineering took care of this by integrating various purposes into the rescue lift was really interesting and shows how much thought has to be applied to a solution. Thank you!
I watched this whole video thinking 'Where have I seen this bloke before?' Now I know, yeah fascinating video, well worth watching, like all his previous DIY content.
What an amazing transformation, and so good that they have retained the character of the engineering , and as a wheelchair user, it's fantastic that they have made this facility available to us disabled people, who are more often than not , disadvantaged when it comes to amenities like this. Thanks for the tour Stuart, a really interesting video. I also noticed that the SWL was 3000kg- which means it has been tested at SIX TONS!!! wow - some proper enginerding!
@@properengineeringThose were the days! Raymond Baxter, Michael Rodd and Judith Hann. We always learned something new and that's what your channel does. Love Proper DIY too, for the same reason. Keep up the great work 😊
I went on this lift tuesday just gone and you have just answered every question I had going around my head while I was up there, I find the behind the scenes much more interesting. I felt like Fred Dibnah for a second while up there. I would recommend checking it out, luckily we only had 8 other people in the lift with us.
Haven't been to London for more than 20 years now, so much has changed there in the years since. The city hardly had any highrises back then, and now there's a bunch of them. I really should go back some day and go exploring. Battersea would be near the top of my list, of course. :)
50 years ago I went to school there in Kent and remembered riding the train into Victoria station. Then seeing the massive battersea power station was still a working power station. The wife and will be traveling to London in May and we can’t wait to visit the battersea redevelopment and especially ride the lift 109. Don’t have anything close to that here in California. Well done what a great presentation.
74 years ago, surgery overlooking Battersea. Us 2 Army brats for jabs and vaccinations before embarking for North Africa. The Skylon tower was there on our return.
My father was on site when Battersea Power station was being built. He won a bet of 50 sterling by standing on top of one of the chimneys. He never told me how. Now I have a good idea!
Got to love the way that they could design such a fantastic looking building - as a power station! sheer class! The rebuild is also spectacular - glad they kept so much of the classic building but made it work in the 21st Century.
Excellent Video! Fun Fact: When the chimneys were demolished & rebuilt, the contractors were not allowed to knock down all 4 at once. At least one chimney had to be visible at all times during the project so tourists could still take photos of the iconic structures... (I worked on this project)
When I was watching you taking the lift up, I was a bit concerned that people in wheelchairs were being left out of this "ride"... so was very glad when you explained how that access lift works. I know nothing about engineering, but really enjoy learning about things. Thank you so much!
I love the refurbishment of the power plant! The lift is an outstanding bit of engineering design...however with my lack of head for heights...I think I'll stay on the ground...and admire it from here. Thank you for the tour and explanation.
Willi Wonka’s lift shot straight up out the roof so this one at Battersea is a half-hearted attempt in my book….but then I am still reading Willi Wonka in my late 50’s so what do I know 😂. Great simple and instructive video 😊
You can really tell that you are not a standard youtuber but someone with lots of experience and knowledge on Engineering. All your videos are well produced and you speak with authority on the subjects. In short, Love it, keep up the good work!
Excellent video, Stuart! I loved the information, model and production. All capped off nicely with the perfect timing of you coming off the escalator!!
I enjoyed my one and only visit. But if you are of a certain age and above most of the retail outlets might not be your thing. The food offerings are not that special either.
I thought the Charing Cross water building video might just be a one-off interesting video, but this is another zinger, so I've subscribed. Thanks for another interesting and well-presented piece! ;-)
Thanks for showing this, Stewart. Lift 109 is such a cool attractrion. And Battersea is such an iconic location. When I heard it was being 'developed' I was worried it would be ruined. But it's stunning! All they need now is to fly an inflatable pig off one of the other towers every few hours.
Hi Stuart, i am absolutely loving this channel. I like many others, found and follow you on the Proper DIY channel, and this one is equally as brilliant. Your clarity of explanations, is second to non, I cannot wait for the next exciting installment!!!!! its brilliant!
Impressive Engineering! I have been up to the base of the Radio/TV Antennas on Top of the What was then the Sears Tower with parts for one of the units up there. I have been up on the upper service decks of the John Hancock Building and one winter day in the late 1960's I was on the observation deck when the wind was so bad the elevators were shut off for two hours. 23rd of December with a group of High School friends Keep up your fine investigations and reporting.
The platform lift and safety systems seem really brilliantly thought out, and this video did a really good job of explaining it all. Absolutely amazing channel!
Along with my wife we went up in this lift back in the summer of 2023. It is truly a marvel of engineering and the views from the top are spectacular. Being a bit of a nerdy geek when it comes to this sort of thing I too wondered about the mechanics of the whole thing. Well now I know so thanks Stuart, for explaining it all. I might even have another trip up in it now.
In London town where chimneys rise, A marvel hides from common eyes. Battersea's heart, a lift so grand, A feat of skill, a crafted strand. Lift 109, a whispered tale, To the public, just a lift, so frail. Yet those who know, they understand, A masterpiece in iron, in skillful hand. High in the chimney's lofty tower, This engineering gem displays its power. Properly designed, with precision true, A symphony of parts, a harmonious view. Steel sinews hold the lift in place, Guiding souls with a gentle grace. From the ground to heights so divine, In Battersea's heart, the lift does shine. Gears and pulleys, a dance complete, In unity, they move, a rhythmic beat. Proper engineering, a silent art, Whispers through each crafted part. Oh, Lift 109, a secret shared, To those who know, it's deeply cared. London's jewel, in Battersea's embrace, A masterpiece, a marvel, a symbol of grace. So let the public see a lift, A chimney's secret, a subtle gift. Proper engineering, in every hue, Battersea's pride, forever true.
Stuart, That is simply brilliant. I'm personally all for re-using buildings rather than knocking what is already a perfectly good building to the kerb and starting again in some sort of garish style, that seems to be modern architecture in some places. Thanks for a great video and presentation of how this all works.
Now that's neat. You said it took 8 years to design and build? Not surprising, given how unique it is. Like everyone else I gave a little chuckle and shake of the head when I saw it go from lift to stairs to lift, and then of course afterward comes the impressive bit we're all here for. Never seen this channel before (brought here from the newsletter) but this is exactly the kind of content I come here to see, so I'm definitely going to sub and watch more.
crazy that battersea is a mall now. with a whole arse tube station. i remember having to walk to battersea park for the diamond jubilee. was a fantastic part of town even then
Rarely I subscribe, let alone to a channel with less than 5 videos, but this is a great exception. I have a feeling I will not regrets it! Thanks for the brilliant video
Just found your channel, and I’m hooked. I have always wanted to know how everything I touch works. You explain everything in an informative and entertaining way . Great work.
This stuff would bore the pants off my missus but it absolutely fascinates me! Just the fact that so many people will use this lift and be completely unaware of the work and effort that goes into making this attraction work is amazing and I for one am grateful for the effort you have put into the video Stuart. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
Staggered by the amount of work that has gone into this video. Fantastic stuff, thank you.
Thank you so much for noticing and posting a comment. I try.
Battersea should pay you for this wonderful promotion. No adv agency could have done a better job.
I was going to say the BBC would have had two yawn inducing hour long episodes out of this easy
You're right - here in TH-cam Land I try to pack as much into 13 mins as poss!@@cerulyse
success ! This is really pro content. Thank you.@@properengineering you deserve way more subscribers.
Tom Scott just recommended you in his newsletter! You did a really good job with this video.
Thank you
I also came from Tom Scott and I loved this video. Very well presented.
Same!
Same here. Thanks so much for the video. I have a trip planned to London this year. I'm going to Battersea.
Ditto!
This is amazing. I’m a wheelchair user and i didn’t realise I was able to go on this ride. Will make a trip and go try it out soon.
Let's hope you don't have to test out all three lift systems on your visit!
It sounded like a person would have to walk up the first bit, before boarding the elevator (lift). You might want to check on that.
@@markheaney Starting around 11:00, he describes and demonstrates how wheelchair users can get to the panoramic lift.
It is a few more steps (pun!) but they already figured it out.
Sorry, I must have missed that. Thank you. @@MonkeyJedi99
@@markheaney No worries. And have a great day!
I found the wheelchair access the most interesting part. When you mentioned the circular stairs my first thought was "How will wheelchair users get access?". Thanks for explaining that :)
A panoramic whisky glass. Love it!
Ahh yes, it's always about alcohol, and to be fair, why not? 😂
Called a Whisky Tumbler in my days. Hard to find the cut crystal variety, lately.
The original Otis lifts at Underground stations had two lifts in each shaft. If one lift failed the other could be brought to the same level and a door in the side opened to allow passengers to transfer to the other car. Each car had two separarate power supplies, and if all else failed the lifts could be hand wound, though it took six people and was a very slow process.
The lift testing tower in Northampton is completely filled with lift shafts; i think there about five or six of them.
The TKElevator test tower in Rottweil, Germany is filled with lifts, including the Multi which can go sideways. One of the lifts is accessible to the public and you can get a great view from the top.
Yeah, this is the kind of stuff I was thinking of when he mentioned more than one lift in a shaft. It's definitely unusual, but not unheard of. *Nested* lifts on the other hand...
Some person hit on the idea of using those huge chimneys as a USP, and then engineers had to figure out a way to make it happen safely and efficiently. Love how you bring out the hidden miracles of hard work behind things everyone just takes for granted.
Honestly Stuart, this content is gold. It’s clearly a lot of effort but you have hit all the right notes so far! More (from both channels) please!
Thank you
I'm a surveyor & a condition of continued membership is that I do 'continuing professional development'. I'm using these very absorbing videos to contribute to that requirement. Keep going, Stuart. 👍
CPD - I remember that - glad you are enjoying the videos
A lift within a lift within a lift. How clever!
Fascinating! Funny, as soon as you stepped out of the first lift to go up the stairs to the next lift I was thinking what about wheelchair users or people using a walking frame, but then to see the way the engineering took care of this by integrating various purposes into the rescue lift was really interesting and shows how much thought has to be applied to a solution. Thank you!
This is the sort of content that just *hits* the spot
The Battersea power station has had a warm place in my heart since Pink Floyd's Animals album.
Even if the lift breaks down you’ll still be able to exit through the gift shop. Phew!
Hi Stuart, been enjoying your Proper DIY channel for the last couple of years. Something tells me this new channel is going to be equally as good. 😊
Thank you
I watched this whole video thinking 'Where have I seen this bloke before?' Now I know, yeah fascinating video, well worth watching, like all his previous DIY content.
What an amazing transformation, and so good that they have retained the character of the engineering , and as a wheelchair user, it's fantastic that they have made this facility available to us disabled people, who are more often than not , disadvantaged when it comes to amenities like this. Thanks for the tour Stuart, a really interesting video. I also noticed that the SWL was 3000kg- which means it has been tested at SIX TONS!!! wow - some proper enginerding!
Showing my age, but this channel reminds me of the BBC tv series 'Tomorrow's World'!! Was must-see viewing in our house back in the day 😊
Now to even be put in the same sentence as Tomorrow’s World is a huge compliment. Thank you.
@@properengineering Was it a compliment? - I think he just called you a Burke Mate, a James Burke.
@@properengineeringThose were the days! Raymond Baxter, Michael Rodd and Judith Hann. We always learned something new and that's what your channel does. Love Proper DIY too, for the same reason. Keep up the great work 😊
09:52 "Here's the clever bit" ... for a split second I thought that model of the emergency lift was sticks of dynamite..... 😂
I went on this lift tuesday just gone and you have just answered every question I had going around my head while I was up there, I find the behind the scenes much more interesting. I felt like Fred Dibnah for a second while up there.
I would recommend checking it out, luckily we only had 8 other people in the lift with us.
So cool! I will be visiting London in May and I think I might just stop by and ride this cool little elevator while I'm there
Haven't been to London for more than 20 years now, so much has changed there in the years since. The city hardly had any highrises back then, and now there's a bunch of them. I really should go back some day and go exploring. Battersea would be near the top of my list, of course. :)
The reveal of the model was so casual, it made me go 'wow!' on seeing it. Great content, instant sub.
Awesome, thank you!
Beautiful re-use. Kudos to the owners and developers.
50 years ago I went to school there in Kent and remembered riding the train into Victoria station. Then seeing the massive battersea power station was still a working power station. The wife and will be traveling to London in May and we can’t wait to visit the battersea redevelopment and especially ride the lift 109. Don’t have anything close to that here in California. Well done what a great presentation.
Thank you
74 years ago, surgery overlooking Battersea. Us 2 Army brats for jabs and vaccinations before embarking for North Africa. The Skylon tower was there on our return.
My father was on site when Battersea Power station was being built. He won a bet of 50 sterling by standing on top of one of the chimneys. He never told me how. Now I have a good idea!
Got to love the way that they could design such a fantastic looking building - as a power station! sheer class! The rebuild is also spectacular - glad they kept so much of the classic building but made it work in the 21st Century.
Superb stuff. I'd not been near Battersea for decades, but had seen the odd thing about it over the years. Glad to see it's all finally come together.
Excellent Video!
Fun Fact: When the chimneys were demolished & rebuilt, the contractors were not allowed to knock down all 4 at once. At least one chimney had to be visible at all times during the project so tourists could still take photos of the iconic structures...
(I worked on this project)
Great point! Nice to hear from someone who worked on it.
When I was watching you taking the lift up, I was a bit concerned that people in wheelchairs were being left out of this "ride"... so was very glad when you explained how that access lift works. I know nothing about engineering, but really enjoy learning about things. Thank you so much!
I love the refurbishment of the power plant! The lift is an outstanding bit of engineering design...however with my lack of head for heights...I think I'll stay on the ground...and admire it from here. Thank you for the tour and explanation.
Just needs some pigs on the wing.
That's really interesting and makes you appreciate the engineering that goes into these projects.
Willi Wonka’s lift shot straight up out the roof so this one at Battersea is a half-hearted attempt in my book….but then I am still reading Willi Wonka in my late 50’s so what do I know 😂. Great simple and instructive video 😊
You can really tell that you are not a standard youtuber but someone with lots of experience and knowledge on Engineering. All your videos are well produced and you speak with authority on the subjects. In short, Love it, keep up the good work!
So nice of you
Terrific video… I’ll share it with my aging nerd battalions!
Excellent video, Stuart! I loved the information, model and production. All capped off nicely with the perfect timing of you coming off the escalator!!
Many thanks!
Excellent video Stuart. This is almost the best use of a whiskey glass too!
Great stuff. One of our local coach operators offer a day out from Eastbourne to explore Battersea Center . Must give it a go.
I enjoyed my one and only visit. But if you are of a certain age and above most of the retail outlets might not be your thing. The food offerings are not that special either.
Thank you for a superb video. As a wheelchair user myself, I’m especially happy to have watched to the end!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for that explanation of how it all works.
I thought the Charing Cross water building video might just be a one-off interesting video, but this is another zinger, so I've subscribed. Thanks for another interesting and well-presented piece! ;-)
Brilliant . . . sad to see there are only three videos - hopefully more to come soon.
The clue is in the title sequence 😉
I don't know why I didn't found this channel before. Interesting topic, quality video, great!
Glad you enjoy it!
Fantastic exposition on this attraction
Thanks for showing this, Stewart. Lift 109 is such a cool attractrion. And Battersea is such an iconic location. When I heard it was being 'developed' I was worried it would be ruined. But it's stunning! All they need now is to fly an inflatable pig off one of the other towers every few hours.
Glad you enjoyed it
Another great video with another great model.
Glad you like it
That lift is a cool use of space,well planned and well thought out
This is a great addition to your DIY channel. Very informative. Appreciate the work you have put into this.
Thank you very much!
ngl that is pretty cool. especialy how they use the second lift to make the attraction fully accessable.
Hi Stuart, i am absolutely loving this channel. I like many others, found and follow you on the Proper DIY channel, and this one is equally as brilliant. Your clarity of explanations, is second to non, I cannot wait for the next exciting installment!!!!! its brilliant!
Many thanks
Impressive Engineering! I have been up to the base of the Radio/TV Antennas on Top of the What was then the Sears Tower with parts for one of the units up there. I have been up on the upper service decks of the John Hancock Building and one winter day in the late 1960's I was on the observation deck when the wind was so bad the elevators were shut off for two hours. 23rd of December with a group of High School friends Keep up your fine investigations and reporting.
Always exciting to see the next top-tier engineering channel take off! I'd say good luck but you'll succeed no matter what!
That's kind of you to say
At last a channel for blokes that like engineering but don't quite understand it. Brilliant!
Fascinating! - on the list next time time I venture to London
The platform lift and safety systems seem really brilliantly thought out, and this video did a really good job of explaining it all. Absolutely amazing channel!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Tom Scott sent me here, but I think I'll stay. Fantastic video and presentation!
Excellent engineering, thanks for the detailed information, I shall have to visit and ride 109.
I love your videos. I was asking all those questions in the first half of the video - which you answered in the latter half. Great stuff!
Awesome, thank you!
Along with my wife we went up in this lift back in the summer of 2023. It is truly a marvel of engineering and the views from the top are spectacular. Being a bit of a nerdy geek when it comes to this sort of thing I too wondered about the mechanics of the whole thing. Well now I know so thanks Stuart, for explaining it all. I might even have another trip up in it now.
Amazing! Great Job Sönke! 😊 I have it on my bucket list! 🏭
As a wheelchair user, I was actually wondering how I would get from the first lift to the last. Clever.
Wow, Interesting story. I’m so happy with your explaining. Keep on posting these videos!!
In London town where chimneys rise,
A marvel hides from common eyes.
Battersea's heart, a lift so grand,
A feat of skill, a crafted strand.
Lift 109, a whispered tale,
To the public, just a lift, so frail.
Yet those who know, they understand,
A masterpiece in iron, in skillful hand.
High in the chimney's lofty tower,
This engineering gem displays its power.
Properly designed, with precision true,
A symphony of parts, a harmonious view.
Steel sinews hold the lift in place,
Guiding souls with a gentle grace.
From the ground to heights so divine,
In Battersea's heart, the lift does shine.
Gears and pulleys, a dance complete,
In unity, they move, a rhythmic beat.
Proper engineering, a silent art,
Whispers through each crafted part.
Oh, Lift 109, a secret shared,
To those who know, it's deeply cared.
London's jewel, in Battersea's embrace,
A masterpiece, a marvel, a symbol of grace.
So let the public see a lift,
A chimney's secret, a subtle gift.
Proper engineering, in every hue,
Battersea's pride, forever true.
Great poem Walkabout16! I’ve never posted a video and received a poem back - well done.
I did not even know the power-station complex was open. Will go and have a look one day...
The views are stunning I agree. The gift shop isa given, if you can afford a day out in London you can afford to buy a souvenir 😅😅
Nice video. I have worked as a design manager for Otis on this lift. Very accurate description
Babe wake up Proper Engineering posted
For someone who has nightmares about elevators, this was extremely satisfying to watch. Very interesting, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I was going to ask about wheelchair users, I'm glad that there's accomodation
Very very cool
Don’t you just love engineering!
Well researched well filmed well presented and well interesting
Now I like that..... Proper Job
To me, it will always be one of many iconic Pink Floyd Album covers, Animals.
Love this building. My favourite building of all time.
Stuart,
That is simply brilliant.
I'm personally all for re-using buildings rather than knocking what is already a perfectly good building to the kerb and starting again in some sort of garish style, that seems to be modern architecture in some places.
Thanks for a great video and presentation of how this all works.
Amazing video, very well done. A great piece of London history that's been saved.
Glad you enjoyed it
Didn't have time to get there ,hopefully next time !
A very interesting video, might have a look next time I visit London thank you.
What amazing and innovative engineering
Now that's neat. You said it took 8 years to design and build? Not surprising, given how unique it is. Like everyone else I gave a little chuckle and shake of the head when I saw it go from lift to stairs to lift, and then of course afterward comes the impressive bit we're all here for. Never seen this channel before (brought here from the newsletter) but this is exactly the kind of content I come here to see, so I'm definitely going to sub and watch more.
crazy that battersea is a mall now. with a whole arse tube station. i remember having to walk to battersea park for the diamond jubilee. was a fantastic part of town even then
This really is an excellent video and connects with my inner geek 🤣. Really interesting. I will definitely be visiting.
Fascinating. Thank you PE👍.
Great video and informative technical information. next time I'm in London i will definitely go and ride this one .
Awww nice, when the elevator came up you even focused the camera on the coolest building due to it's history... The Walkie Scorchie building!
The best bit about the Walkie Scorchie (great name btw) is that was the second time they'd made that blunder.
Your new engineering channel is great, we’ll done 👍
Thank you very much!
Fantastic Insight, complements the proper DIY channel really well. Thanks
Many thanks - great video!
I have to go there one day.
Rarely I subscribe, let alone to a channel with less than 5 videos, but this is a great exception. I have a feeling I will not regrets it! Thanks for the brilliant video
Wow, thank you!
“It’s unique AND one of a kind!! 😂
This man has earned a sub and a like. Phenomenal video.
Nice engineering story. Thank you.
Pink Floyd would be happy to see that icon redone and saved awesome video
Thoroughly enjoying your new channel Stuart. Thanks for taking the time to create such informative content. 👍🇺🇸
Your new channel certainly isn't disappointing - I've really enjoyed the first three videos and am looking forward to number four.
Thank you very much!
That was so interesting!
Nice vid - saved myself 25 quid!
fantastic, dont even want to go in the lift just wanted to see how they did it thanks so much
Glad you liked it!
Great attention to detail, really enjoyable and informative 👏
Just found your channel, and I’m hooked. I have always wanted to know how everything I touch works. You explain everything in an informative and entertaining way . Great work.
Welcome aboard!
This stuff would bore the pants off my missus but it absolutely fascinates me! Just the fact that so many people will use this lift and be completely unaware of the work and effort that goes into making this attraction work is amazing and I for one am grateful for the effort you have put into the video Stuart. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
Thank you