2. Holidays

Halloween Time Machine 2006

This year a group of us decided to make a Time Machine as a Halloween entertainment. We planned on a darkened, UV-lit, machine-theme entryway leading to the Time Machine itself. It would be a 4 foot by 4 foot room the victims/visitors would have to step up into. The room would be decorated internally with interesting electronic-theme stuff. At the time it is being entered the Time Machine would be held in an elevated position by a set of electromagnets. The room system would be installed on a wheeled base so that it could be spun around quickly. The pictures here show the construction of the Time Machine.

There was, of course, more to the entertainment than just the Time Machine. A legend was created to explain why visitors seeking candy would have to go back in time to retrieve their treats, with just 30 seconds to find and get them. When the Time Machine was occupied, the room would drop about 2 inches and then be spun around to face a darkened, UV-lit, jungle-theme space populated with UV-makeup people. There were several areas, or "scare points" where the search for the candy could be interrupted. There was a flame thrower in the open area above this space that would jet a couple of seconds of flames for effect. When the candy was collected, the visitors re-entered the Time Machine, it was spun back around, and they were permitted to exit. While they were exitingl, the room was re-suspended by the magnets.
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    This is the back of the Time Machine. The power line to the electromagnets is supported by rubber bands to keep it out from under the wheels and to allow continuous connection to the power supply as the assembly is rotated.
    This is the other side wall of the Time Machine room. The lightweight materials were used to maximize the payload (visitors/victims) supported by the magnets. The holes in the lower part of the walls will be hidden by coverings when in use. They permit cast members to reach into the room and grab the victims' (ankles) to increase the experience.
    This is the completed Time Machine. For strength and for identification, a board was screwed across the top, finishing the basic structure. Decorations giving a machine-like appearance will be added inside the room. The completed structure was tested with four large adults, and it provided a very satisfying experience. It can be quickly recycled to its initial height, and it rotates on the rough surface visible with a "freaky" effect, especially since everything is in the dark with only UV light at the time. Yet it was stable enough to give no clue of what was to happen.