Filmstrip: UNISPHERE Biggest World on Earth (continued)
Film GO BACK
Now the addition of land areas can begin.
Delicate work. No job for windy days though because the sections act like big kites if not securely held.
Continents and islands in place, it remains only to raise the three orbit rings.
Weighing three tons each, the orbit rings are field-welded into a continuous single piece, 450-feet around. Special care is taken to protect the polished surface.
To prevent bending, each orbit ring is lifted by four cranes, each attached at three points.
An intricate communications plan and network links all hands.
Precision teamwork means that the orbit rings rise slowly and evenly.
About 50 stainless steel guy wires connect each ring to UNISPHERE ...
... just as spokes tie a bicycle wheel rim to its axle.
Strong and light they are so difficult to see ...
... that the rings seem to float in space.
Only 162 days after construction was begun, UNISPHERE is complete.
Its challenge successfully met.
Crystal Palace ...
Eiffel Tower ...
Trylon and Perisphere.
UNISPHERE now joins these and the other memorable time-keepers of progress.
A spectacular piece of open stainless steel sculpture ...
... UNISPHERE is dedicated to man's aspirations toward peace through mutual understanding and symbolizes his achievements in an expanding universe.
Special Thanks to Mr. Phil Ras for providing this film for nywf64.com