[SEL] Chain Falls & Little Wonder engines

[MaytagTwin at aol.com]

Hi Rick,
The chainfall is a modern equivalent of the Chinese windlass.  Another name 
for a chainfall might be a differential chain hoist.  It looks a little like a 
block and tackle with chain instead of rope, but, the pulley's are all 
slightly different from each other in size, and, they are relieved so the chain links 
fall into pockets, effectively having the chain act as gear teeth.  The chain 
is connected in a loop, and, as the direction of the chain moves in one 
directions, the two blocks either move away from each other or closer together.  
The force it can generate is immense.

Ask me how I know all this?  I once pulled a Hudson Hornet a 1/4 block down a 
muddy ditch using a chainfall and a long cable.  It took most of a Sunday to 
accomplish, but, I got the car out of the ditch without having to call for 
help.

Regards,
Ron Carroll
Nokesville, Virginia