S&T RAILROAD
THE
FLYING SANTA
Sangster built a
wood framed motor and gear box and placed it on the roof. The first
edition used an old barbecue rotisserie motor and a bicycle chain and sprocket.
He then made an extending crane like structure out of half inch pipe and
steel cable. The neighbors were very curious. The crane boom
extended 10 feet and was attached to a pipe apparatus holding the sleigh
and one reindeer. The other end held counter weights. The lights
in the reindeer and sleigh were powered with 110 volts by means of a home
made rotating friction electrical contact. The Flying Santa was very
impressive, circling the roof, 20 feet in diameter. Most nights you
could not even see the rigging holding it all up.
Over the years
Sangster improved upon his creation. The barbecue motor was replaced
with a high rpm pool pump motor and several pulleys and belts. The
length of the boom was increased to 20 feet which equated to 40 feet in
diameter. Two more reindeer were added bringing the total up to three.
The Flying Santa flew from 1992
to 1995. The Flying Santa cost approximately $500.
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