Jordan and Russell had to face and solve the two traditional and main problems of
a tall structure :-
1) Toppling
There is a tendency for towers to fall over unless the structure has deep foundations or a large base. (see Structures 1).
2) Buckling
A tendency for tall towers to bend. All tall structures bend. However they must not bend beyond a certain limit and then fracture. This is called buckling.
Jordan and Russell overcame these two notorious problems in the following manner;
1)Toppling
According to instructions Jordan and Russell did not use a mallet and chisel to dig out foundations in the desk.
They used instead strips of paper cut from the provided one sheet of A 3 drawing paper. Employing the paper strips as guy ropes Jordan and Russell taped them in the appropriate positions. These ropes tied the tower in place and kept it from falling over.
2)Buckling
Distributing the material (paper in this case) as far from the principal axis centre
as possible the strength of a column is thereby greatly increased. This bears out
the well-
Keeping this fact in mind the Jordan and Russell used a series of different diameter tubes/pipes/hollow cylinders, taped together, to make the main body of the tower. This approach solved any buckling problem and ensured they broke the old record.
Ring the bells, blow the trumpets, set the heather on fire and phone the Daily Record. It is very gratifying to realise that the school now, at last, holds a well deserved World Record. Our first official World Record was gained by Jordan Lynch and Russell Quinn at 3.15 pm on the 21st of May 2007.
The record has been verified, ratified, approved, certified, accepted and acknowledged by the appropriate World governing bodies.
Jordan and Russell have shown great determination and courage in the face of almost
overwhelming odds. For years pupils have been trying to build the tallest free-
Tools provided-
Great results have been attained. The record had stood at a legendary 1570 mm for some time. The competition between pupils has been truly awesome. However out of the blue, with no fanfare, came these two remarkable heroes. Jordan and Russell combined together to push the record to new unprecedented heights. Using innovation, invention and imagination they burst through the fabled barrier. They climbed their Everest, gaining instant celebrity, applause and acclaim.
Select below to enlarge the pictures of the pupils building the Tallest Tower and of course the new World Record.
Russell and Jordan are enjoying their recent elevation to celebrity status. Being applauded everywhere one goes, being hailed by name by complete strangers in the street, signing autographs by the score can be a delightful experience. The fact that Heat, OK, and Hello magazines are planning a double page feature is an added bonus.
Probably the most exciting occurrence was when the producer of ‘I’m a Celebrity get me out of here’ phoned the boys to beg them to appear in his new production. Russell and Jordan’s agent is currently negotiating the terms of the deal.
Although sponsors are hammering on their doors, the boys in a recent BBC 6 o’clock News interview played down speculation about a Hollywood career saying,' We appreciate all the adulation. Nevertheless, we are determined to keep our feet on the ground and finish our education.’
