Superman the Movie Kryptonian Spinning Rings

booshman

Well-Known Member
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Hi, I've been trying to figure out how the set from Superman the Movie worked. I understand how the rings were fused and only appeared to be spinning on top of one another when the entire thing was spun, but I can't fiure out how they were able to spin them with actors stood in the centre. I think they only spun the outer circumference with the rings on it, but how is the central part kept stationary, what's holding it up? I want to try an make a scaled down version, so any info on how they did it full scale would be welcomed, thanks.
 
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I would guess a recessed circular track in the floor with casters that the rings can rotate on with maybe a powered wheel powering the whole thing. the rings could be made relatively light. The part that I haven't quite got figured is the kind of back and forth reciprocating motion that the rings make while they rotate,,, they jiggle, is the best way I can describe it... not sure how that was accomplished... could be a simple answer, but I haven't figured it out...
 
... The part that I haven't quite got figured is the kind of back and forth reciprocating motion that the rings make while they rotate,,, they jiggle, is the best way I can describe it... not sure how that was accomplished... could be a simple answer, but I haven't figured it out...
Might’ve been an unintended byproduct of how the circular track was laid/powered.
 
As per Buliwif described. Recessed spinning track with hulahoop style rings welded together. The oscilating "jiggle" is purely because the ring werent perfectly round. Unintentionally I would say but gave a good effect anyway.

An easy scaled down version could be made with a lazy susan bearing but this might be a little noisey. Any reasonably arge bearing could be used with the centre section raised from the floor and hold a plate on ontop for the figures (or whaever you plan to put in the middle of the rings). Add the rings to the outer of the bearing and use a small motor with a rubber tip pressed against it to turn the bearing.
 
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