Tim's Tightrope Walking Gyrobot

So what do you get for the man who has (nearly) everything? Our amazing toy collector Tim Rowett reached the grand old age of 80 the other week, and Grand Illusions wanted to get him something to mark the occasion.

Luckily we knew that he had seen the Tightrope Walking Gyrobot at a toy fair recently, and was keen to get one. There have been many toys over the years that will balance on a tightrope. I remember as a child having a clown on a unicycle that could pedal along a string. But these toys all had weights that meant that the centre of gravity was lowered, so that it was below the level of the string.

Here we have a toy that can walk along a tightrope, and the whole toy is above the string. It works because it has an internal gyroscope spinning at high speed, and this stabilises it. Tim has a degree in mechanical engineering, so things like this really appeal to him! Having assembled it, he is now showing it around to all his friends and colleagues!

[Kibaoftheleaves]

No ads, no prelude, no annoying music in an attempt to artificially boost the production quality... you've always been a legend.

[addisengaudette]

To Tim and crew: thanks for bringing kindness and joy to youtube. I'm always in a better mood after viewing your content.

[muddle]

I absolutely love how this toy's head slightly moves around a bit, because it gives it so much character

[ultrafuturedeath]

Tim has been in youtube since 2008 what a OG youtuber hope your doing and feeling well tim your a legend.

[wallyman]

I remember being amazed by gyroscopes as a kid. I thought they were almost magical in how they acted. Even today at 57, I still love the feel of resistance you get while handling a gyroscope in your hand and moving it around.

[byrontheusurper]

This guy has the energy of a cool college Professor that has been doing this for years and absolutely loves his Job and any jokes he can make on it!

[PhysicsHack]

I really love gyroscopic toys this is one of my favourites!!! Such a fun demo!

[KmFX]

Hearing this one whirring up to speed made me grin quite a bit, I wasn't expecting it to spin that fast XD

[FlamRackett]

Tim's kids parties must be incredible, the children must be so enthralled if a bunch if adults on YouTube are.

[Hatoohi]

Oh my god! I used to have some of these when I was little, including that same one! Thanks for the memories, Tim. 😊

[RatWithAPlan]

Always love the comment section on tims videos. Gives me hope for the world

[jordanolsen]

To Tim and crew: Thank you for your heart and spirit. this is one of the only channels I can binge watch and at the end, I will come out still feelin good and happy. well done!

[sachiperez]

The way the 'head' bobs around makes it look alive!

[ComatoseNick]

What a lovely mechanical toy. Thanks for showing us all these interesting things

[killergamer]

I love your new intro Tim but I love watching your vids even more I rewatch them over and over love all the work you put in to make these videos big fan of you my fav video is: Tim's BEST toys from 1993

[davidshi]

Oh wow, I didn't know that Tim has a degree in mechanical engineering! That explains a lot actually :D

[mascadadelpantion]

I just love hearing this man's voice

[xandon]

"What's that about half a mile an hour? More like half an hour a mile" Tim I love you and know what you're trying to say, but half an hour a mile is 4x faster than half a mile and hour lol.

[SelcukAskin]

Sir Tim and his fascinating toys for all ages, I am 69!

[arashafzhan]

This is like, Sir David Attenborough..but with toys..