Just A Bit Of Escher-esque Fun

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Which way does this LEGO model of the Pontycysyllte Aqueduct, face?

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With Acknowledgements to the Canals & Rivers Trust: this is on their latest e-post magazine.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

I can’t see the problem, but the arches should be cast iron, not masonry

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Optical illusions may work for some people and not others.

The aqueduct’s arches reverse their orientation as I stare at the picture, look away slightly then back again: facing down to the left then down to the right.

I think we can excuse a certain amount of artistic licence in the model, especially if the columns are all of separate LEGO bricks…

….

I cannot make those that hide the image in a mass of repeated, coloured shapes work for me – you need squint at them in an odd way, but also my eyes differ quite a bit. I’ve a whole book of those puzzles, given me as a Christmas present some years ago, but the hidden images are apparently erotic so maybe it’s as well I can’t see them….

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Going back to it I see it the opposite way. Weird how the brain works

[Martin ConnellyParticipant @martinconnelly55370]

I struggle to see the view where the arches get larger as they are further away. I can force myself to see it if I imagine a blue lake behind it instead of a streaked background but the changing size of the arches then looks very wrong.

Martin C

[Nigel BennettParticipant @nigelbennett69913]

Interesting image! If you have never been to see it, then it’s well worth the effort. Walking across it on the towpath is frightening enough, but when you reflect that one of the rites-of-passage among the local yoof is to walk along the other side, which is about 6″ / 150mm wide with no handrail, and the alternative of getting wet by falling either six or a hundred and twenty seven feet if you miss your step…

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

I must admit I found it alarming to walk along (both ways), and when passing someone coming the other way wasn’t sure which was worse, clinging to the rail or standing on the channel side of the twopath. I don’t think I could take a boat across it, especailly one with a fully-open stern.

It was given a full overhaul a couple of years or so ago, and I recall the enthusiasm in the Project Manager’s voice when she was interviewed about it on the radio.

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

It had me fooled for a bit until I realised the grey was background. Now I cannot see it the wrong way round at all.

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi. never been to see that one, but I have navigated a 70 ft narrow boat over a similar one. somewhere on the Cheshire Ring. As said, it’s a bit daunting looking over the side with no walkway and no handrail, I remember it passed over a busy road, and I think we were heading back to Penkridge via Sandbach’

If you look at the image, and let your eyes relax, it’s usually quite easy to see the view change.

Regards Nick.

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