Hi,

I was wondering if there was anybody out there who had actually built a
singing bird cage. After reading Mr. Wrights article I decided to give
it a go. I considered many times to copy a modern cage, but when I saw
the article, I knew I wanted to build one along those lines. Mine
actually isn't a cage, but a clock. Something that gave me fits was
working out wheel ratios. I had no point of reference. I kept ending up
with things like the cams which control the whistle going too fast and
the wheel that drives the fly and bellows going too slow. Quite a
learning experience! Also maybe somebody else has noticed, but in the
article I think there is a problem with W1. In the picture, W1 would go
up and it seems to me the pivot is in the wrong place, and that would
pull the mouth closed. Also, I have repaired a few recently made
Whistlers and they all seem to whistle one tune or another. Not one that
I recognize, but they are not on the same lines as a bird. I am curious
if anyone has repaired any of the older ones and if so what kind of tune
did they whistle? Did anyone make a drawing of the cams?

I also wanted to take time to thank everyone for the input on locating
the article on Automata. It was truly appreciated!!!
Kevin