CaDA Solar System – CaDA C71004W

The CaDA C71004W – CaDA Solar System is a mechanical Sun-Earth-Moon model made of building bricks, designed by JK Brickworks. With 865 pieces, it forms a hand-cranked gear model in which Earth and Moon move around the Sun at the correct relative speeds.

The inspiration – the orrery

An orrery is a mechanical model of the solar system that depicts the relative positions and movements of planets and moons, usually in the heliocentric model. Since true scale accuracy is barely achievable, such models generally work with simplified sizes and distances. The name goes back to a device built around 1712 by John Rowley, named after his patron Charles Boyle, the 4th Earl of Orrery.

The model – CaDA C71004W

Turn the crank clockwise and a gear mechanism sets Sun, Earth, and Moon in motion: according to the manufacturer, one crank turn corresponds to roughly one rotation of the Earth, i.e. one day, 30 turns to roughly one orbit of the Moon, and 365 turns to one orbit of the Earth around the Sun. A month ring with twelve month markers shows the progress through the year. A yellow Sun, blue-green-white Earth, and light-grey Moon sit on a black gear frame with a brown base and gold-coloured month ring. The instructions also include interesting facts about the solar system.

Technical data

The CaDA C71004W comprises 865 pieces. The finished model measures 33 × 19.4 × 21 cm (L × W × H). Mechanical model with hand crank; month markers are stickers. Recommended from age 8 (according to the manufacturer).

Whether as a learning model for astronomy fans or as a desktop mechanism for technic enthusiasts – the CaDA C71004W makes day, month, and year visible with a single crank.