The eBayer's guide to the Galaxy

[ffutures]

A while ago I started a comparative guide to Mechanical Orreries, Planetariums and Telleriums on eBay UK, aimed at people who want educational or scientific devices rather than antiques. I'd appreciate comments if anyone spots anything that looks wrong, or wants to tell me about any models I've missed - I know that there are plenty, but I don't really want to review anything without hands-on experience. It doesn't necessarily have to be my experience; if anyone else has experience of any other models and can give me a brief summary, photo, etc. as in the ones I've done, I'd love to add more.

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Mechanical-Orreries-Planetariums-and-Telleriums_W0QQugidZ10000000007734323

Comments

[armb.livejournal.com]

I hadn't realised the teaching ones were so expensive. Makes my (home) approach of "stand over there and point this torch at this globe on the table, now imagine this tennis ball in my hand is the moon..." look good value :-)
And now I know tellurium is the right word for such a model.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Well, I got the big Orbit Tellerium for work for £20, and the Helios Planetarium for myself for £40. Occasionally eBay does throw up bargains.

[akicif.livejournal.com]

Sorry, but "tellerium" is just such an ugly word. It looks more like what you would call an element named after the father of the H-bomb.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

It's technically accurate and has a long history, unfortunately there isn't much chance of changing it.