Death Machine

[whatsinthebox Profile]

1 bat. Pow clock -- will run for aprox 1 year
1 photoelectric switch
2 copper leaf springs
2 6V car bat
1 flash light bulb + reflector
1 mirror
2 18" cardboard tubes black with shoe polish inside + oute


Do we know if this contraption would work?

I take it the mirror is to reflect your last moments???

[glurk Profile Website]

The concept of a flashlight bulb aimed at a photoelectric switch across the distance of a roadway is basically insane. I know that people have taken this "Death Machine" bomb idea seriously, but it would never work. Even today, with modern technology and a perfectly aimed laser, it would be difficult. I take the entire idea as a joke.

-glurk

[LIVE55 Profile]

I think it was for Shock value and nothing more. The second mention by Z of 'School Bus' strikes FEAR in the community. People who were Children back then have shared their memories of Police following buses and Parents opting to drive their kids instead.

In this respect, the device(or the drawing) DID work. It instilled fear and panic in the local population.

[traveller1st Profile]

The concept of a flashlight bulb aimed at a photoelectric switch across the distance of a roadway is basically insane. I know that people have taken this "Death Machine" bomb idea seriously, but it would never work. Even today, with modern technology and a perfectly aimed laser, it would be difficult. I take the entire idea as a joke.

-glurk

I'm assuming he realised that too, hence his updated design sent with the 'my name is' cipher. Using the excuse that he was swamped out. EDIT: In the amended diagram the torch has been replaced by the sun. A much bigger torch

EDIT: I should add that the actual bomb itself seems good, it's just the firing rig that seems unlikely.

ANOTHER EDIT: Sorry lol. Wanted to add that had the device been viable it would have been pretty devastating. Guesstimating the size of fertilizer bags at 50 lb you're looking at 250 lb gravel bomb designed to detonate at optimal range.

[Zabagliona Profile]

It's almost like he's taking standard photoelectric detection of gases (like devices used to detect "firedamp" in mines), and "reversing" the process so the photoelectric switch actually sets off the explosion rather than detecting the gases...

Also, "stove oil" is a very old or an older term for a derivative of kerosene...

Mining connections/more military connections...who knows??

[Zabagliona Profile]

Aren't some military mines issued in black cardboard tubes??

...also....not quite sure where to put this, but Z mentions "friction tape" which was specifically issued to signal corps troops...Here is an example of some "old skool" mil friction tape that the signal corpsmen used...

[smithy Profile]

Hmm, not sure it was Z. who mentioned friction tape, was it? My memory's failing.

Also, "stove oil" is a very old or an older term for a derivative of kerosene...

Mining connections/more military connections...who knows??

Zab - ah ha! Maybe that's the expression that the police recognised and drew some inferences from about Z.'s age which has never been disclosed. I've been wondering about that for a looong time. Perhaps I still am.

Sorry! As you were!

[Pittsburgh Phil Profile]

For all these years I thought stove oil was some sort of cooking oil. Boy do I feel like an ass.

[duckking2001 Profile]

lol. Just add some Crisco and set the [expletive] off!

The zodiac is Paula Deen!

[traveller1st Profile]

Hmm, not sure it was Z. who mentioned friction tape, was it? My memory's failing.

The friction tape thing is from this. another in a long line of contested communications.

Date: July 19, 1978
Mailed From: Los Angeles, CA
Sent To: San Francisco Chronicle

Typewritten letter:



I am the ZODIAC and I am in control of all things. I am going to tell you a secret. I like friction tape. I like to have it around in case I need to truss someone up in a hurry....I have my real name on a small metallic tape. You see, while you have it in your possession, I want you to know it belongs to me and you think I may have left it accidentally. I am athletic. It could be swim fins, or a piece of scuba gear. But maybe you play chess with me. I have several cheap sets in closets all over. I have my name on the bottom of the lid with the scotch tape....My tape is waiting for me all over California. Do you know me? I am the ZODIAC and I am in control.