35mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec, ISO 200
Rounding out the next-to-last of my shots from the photowalk, this is a small part of the mechanism that controls the floodgates separating the Charles River from the Boston Harbor. (Here’s a photograph that Rich, the man that organized the walk, took while I was shooting this massive gear).
Now, I know the river and surrounding harbor used to be absolutely disgusting, but in the time since I’ve been here, it’s been real nice. Blue most days, a nice natural green some, and cleanly frozen in the winter (with the exception of debris thrown off of various bridges).
Now, many of you already know that I’m a student of engineering. While never one to take apart a radio just to put it back together, I’ve always loved gears- especially worm gears and bevel gears. I love seeing how the motion of one element can power an entire drivetrain and how it can increase output. This setup, while you can’t see the other components, has a rack and pinion setup along which the gear shown travels (presumably) when the gates open.
Yes, I just ENGeeked. Deal with it.