In 1951 there was a children's U-238 Atomic Energy Lab playset for $50
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Re: In 1951 there was a children's U-238 Atomic Energy Lab playset for $50
#2My grandfather worked for AC Gilbert, which made the Erector Set, and American Flyer trains. I had rather complete sets growing up, and couldn't figure out why my erector set and toy trains were so much better than everyone else's.
But another toy was a lead casting kit: You would melt lead in a crucible, which would then pour into a mold. http://www.girdersandgears.com/kaster.html
Never had the atomic energy kit, probably because I was already too stupid from the lead fumes out of the crucible.
Re: In 1951 there was a children's U-238 Atomic Energy Lab playset for $50
#3In 2012, there was the Raspberry PI computer for $25. As much fun as I'd have with a Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab, the present isn't too shabby either.
I've also seen someone fly a Geiger counter on an autonomous quadcopter, so there's that.
Re: In 1951 there was a children's U-238 Atomic Energy Lab playset for $50
#4The section of the pamphlet titled "Radioactive Source Replacement" is spectacular. I wonder how many -- if any -- reorders they ever processed. Was there a crate of radioactive zinc sitting in Gilbert's warehouse waiting to be shipped to rosy-cheeked little scientists?
Re: In 1951 there was a children's U-238 Atomic Energy Lab playset for $50
#5You can still buy uranium ore pretty easily:
Re: In 1951 there was a children's U-238 Atomic Energy Lab playset for $50
#6In 2012, there was the Raspberry PI computer for $25. As much fun as I'd have with a Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab, the present isn't too shabby either. I've also seen someone fly a Geiger counter on an autonomous quadcopter, so there's that.
You know those things could be useful to detect radiation leaks or even dirty bombs.
Re: In 1951 there was a children's U-238 Atomic Energy Lab playset for $50
#7Apparently the first half of the 20th century was fucking awesome[1].
[1] http://www.cracked.com/article_19481_the-8-most-wildly-irres...
Re: In 1951 there was a children's U-238 Atomic Energy Lab playset for $50
#8Would love to read a copy of "Dagwood Splits the Atom"
Re: In 1951 there was a children's U-238 Atomic Energy Lab playset for $50
#9Apparently the first half of the 20th century was fucking awesome [1]. [1] http://www.cracked.com/article_19481_the-8-most-wildly-irres...
I actually had the PowerMite tools.
and several chemistry sets
Re: In 1951 there was a children's U-238 Atomic Energy Lab playset for $50
#10Apparently the first half of the 20th century was fucking awesome [1]. [1] http://www.cracked.com/article_19481_the-8-most-wildly-irres...
I'm from the second half and had some pretty cool chemistry sets as a child. I've noticed recently that all the chemistry sets are really rubbish now. Where's my strip to magnesium to set fire to?