Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machine

Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machine is a static amusement ride dating from 1904, designed by Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim. It underwent significant additions in 1934 by Joseph Emberton and has been subject to subsequent alterations. The structure is constructed of steel, timber and concrete.

The ride is arranged around a tapering steel shaft rising just over 60 feet high, supported by a square steel-lattice tower approximately half this height. From the top of the tower, ten equally-spaced timber booms radiate outwards at an angle to approximately the same height as the shaft, spanning a diameter of 45 feet. Steel wires run from the shaft to fixings at various points on each boom, and from each boom-tip down to the cars. Each boom supports half the weight of two cars, and each car is supported at both front and back by two booms.

The ride comprises a circular access platform approximately 12 feet above the ground, centred on the vertical drive-shaft. This platform is timber construction covered in roofing felt, with a timber deck on top serving as the modern working surface. Timber rails control queuing and run around the inside of the decked access to the cars. A square inspection platform stands at the top of the tower. Access to the platform is gained via a timber stair from the ground on the north-east side, with stairs descending on the north-west side through a small wooden hut. The control cabin stands on the access platform within the tower and contains the original tram controller as well as the modern electronic control mechanism.

Below the access platform projects a circular concrete canopy, stepping up at regular intervals either side of the former north-west entrance. This canopy has been fitted with a plastic fascia and has been extended on the south side with a glazed canopy. Below this canopy are several retail units.

The motive power comes from two identical 50-horsepower electric motors made by Lister of Dursley, mounted on large cast-iron pedestals positioned to the north and south. Cogs on the rotor shafts of each motor turn a first gearing wheel, which transfers power via a shaft across the pedestal to 990mm diameter drive wheels. These deliver drive via six ropes to two main 3.6 metre diameter fly wheels, which sit in large metal castings and are decoratively painted. The ropes were originally made of cotton but are now hessian. The fly wheels' axles turn drive shafts fitted with pinions which engage with the toothed crown wheel at the base of the drive-shaft. The north drive shaft is fitted with a small pulley wheel, which may have originally powered the ride's lighting. This is now performed by slip-rings on the central column. The foot of the drive-shaft rests in an oil bath. The heavy castings are by Robinson & Cook of St Helens. A floor of metal grids partially overlain with timber has been installed within the central area to provide safe working access to the drive components.