Mechanical Memories Magazine

Cor, what a gorgeous model!
By Darren Hesketh
This working model from my museum collection is based on the theme of
Tutankhamun's tomb, and was built by Kraft's Automatics in the early 1950s. Kraft
developed a wide range of themes in the 50s and 60s and, like Arthur Bolland (who
himself had a lifelong fascination with Egypt) also built a model based on the young
Egyptian king. Unlike Bollands range of models, which were colourfully surreal and
humorous in their approach, Kraft's were more dark and gritty!
Never to be outdone in terms of ' numbers and movements ', this Kraft model
certainly doesn't disappoint. Within it 's short sequence you'll see the lower coffins
elevate outwards (each containing a rather creepy mummified corpse); two strange
characters pop out from behind the stack of coffins; two posts either side of the
sarcophagus move outwards (revealing mummified corpses on either side); the tomb in
the centre opens up whilst a coffin rises from within; and finally, the rear sarcophagus
opens up revealing treasures of gold and jewels - all nicely lit up from the rear. Overall,
a very attractive and imaginative model by Kraft based on a fascinating subject.
Other models also built by Kraft include: The Guillotine (his masterpiece); The
Spiritualist' s Room (featuring a massive eleven movements in total); The Haunted
House (a crane conversion which also features a very clever ' Pepper's Ghost' illusion);
The Haunted Churchyard (disturbingly eerie); The Haunted Bedroom (bizarre and
comical); The Drunkard's Nightmare (you need to be drunk)! And Aladdin 's Cave (once
again featuring a clever optical illusion).
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