Summary

This is a recreation of a classic Big Eli 16-cab Ferris wheel from the Eli Bridge company in the 1960s. I designed it originally for a static model, so it wasn't built to move.

The assembly is pretty straightforward: print two of the sides and connect them with the hub. Attach the cabs between the ends of the sweeps (the arms coming out from the hub). Print two large struts (large enough to hold the wheel off the ground) and four smaller struts for side bracing.

This was designed for my Mountain Park model: http://www.karenandjay.com/mtpark/mpmodel/mpmodel.html

UPDATE: For those who'd like to make the Ferris wheel turn, I've created new Version 2 files. The notched hub will help you line up and glue the struts in place. Be sure not to glue the struts to the side pieces. Line up the side pieces using the notch at the inner center. Print out 16 of the Ferris braces and glue them onto the inner rim sections of the side pieces. There are now pins at the ends of the new sweeps that fit into holes on the new cabs. There should be enough play so that the cabs will freely rock when the sides turn.