VirtualColossus
@virtualcolossus.bsky.social
Colossus was a computer built during WW2 to crack the German Lorenz. Website simulation of it you can use in full 3D, plus 3D Enigma, 3D Lorenz , Typex, Turing-Welchman Bombe & Hagelin M-209
https://virtualcolossus.co.uk
https://virtualcolossus.co.uk
Reposted by VirtualColossus
Make one of your New Year's Resolutions to visit The National Museum of Computing in 2026 :-)
January 1, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Make one of your New Year's Resolutions to visit The National Museum of Computing in 2026 :-)
Previously unknown instructions & settings sheets for the SG-41 have been discovered in Czech archives! Thanks to Eugen Antal, Carola Dahlke & Robert Jahn who published them in Cryptologia.
I've been working to bring these into Virtual SG-41
@tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
I've been working to bring these into Virtual SG-41
@tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
December 21, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Previously unknown instructions & settings sheets for the SG-41 have been discovered in Czech archives! Thanks to Eugen Antal, Carola Dahlke & Robert Jahn who published them in Cryptologia.
I've been working to bring these into Virtual SG-41
@tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
I've been working to bring these into Virtual SG-41
@tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
Sad news today, another veteran has been taken from us. Ruth Bourne, WWII Bletchley Park Bombe operator has died aged 98.
She started working at BP aged just 18.
Thank you for your service Ruth, we will remember you.
news.sky.com/story/wwii-b...
She started working at BP aged just 18.
Thank you for your service Ruth, we will remember you.
news.sky.com/story/wwii-b...
WWII Bletchley Park Enigma codebreaker Ruth Bourne dies aged 98
Ms Bourne's contribution to the monumental task of breaking the Nazis' Enigma cypher was "truly historic", a veterans' charity has said.
news.sky.com
December 18, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Sad news today, another veteran has been taken from us. Ruth Bourne, WWII Bletchley Park Bombe operator has died aged 98.
She started working at BP aged just 18.
Thank you for your service Ruth, we will remember you.
news.sky.com/story/wwii-b...
She started working at BP aged just 18.
Thank you for your service Ruth, we will remember you.
news.sky.com/story/wwii-b...
The long slog to getting everything ready to release Virtual Schlüsselgerät 41 is well underway.
Lots now completed on setup, tutorials and a few more bugs ticked off. No definite release date just yet as I keep adding to my to-do list, but it's very soon!
Lots now completed on setup, tutorials and a few more bugs ticked off. No definite release date just yet as I keep adding to my to-do list, but it's very soon!
December 13, 2025 at 9:31 AM
The long slog to getting everything ready to release Virtual Schlüsselgerät 41 is well underway.
Lots now completed on setup, tutorials and a few more bugs ticked off. No definite release date just yet as I keep adding to my to-do list, but it's very soon!
Lots now completed on setup, tutorials and a few more bugs ticked off. No definite release date just yet as I keep adding to my to-do list, but it's very soon!
I've completed the last model for Virtual SG-41! It's ALL there & working, a 1940s technical marvel lives again! It's taken nearly a year; 378 models drawn by hand on CT scans from Deutsches Museum then animated with @threejs.org
The end is in sight!
@tnmoc.bsky.social
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social
The end is in sight!
@tnmoc.bsky.social
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 9:38 AM
I've completed the last model for Virtual SG-41! It's ALL there & working, a 1940s technical marvel lives again! It's taken nearly a year; 378 models drawn by hand on CT scans from Deutsches Museum then animated with @threejs.org
The end is in sight!
@tnmoc.bsky.social
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social
The end is in sight!
@tnmoc.bsky.social
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social
This week, I've started working on the paper tape reels which are held in the base of the SG-41. Two tapes can be fitted; one for the cipher text and one for the plain text to be printed. @tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org
November 15, 2025 at 9:42 AM
This week, I've started working on the paper tape reels which are held in the base of the SG-41. Two tapes can be fitted; one for the cipher text and one for the plain text to be printed. @tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org
Postbox in Newton Longville. We will remember them. #Rememberance #LestWeForget
November 9, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Postbox in Newton Longville. We will remember them. #Rememberance #LestWeForget
We are getting so close now! This week sees the completion of the final part of the actual SG-41 mechanism; the ink cartridge & upper paper feed rollers. So is that it ... all done? Not quite, there's one important part missing. @tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social @threejs.org
November 9, 2025 at 9:21 AM
We are getting so close now! This week sees the completion of the final part of the actual SG-41 mechanism; the ink cartridge & upper paper feed rollers. So is that it ... all done? Not quite, there's one important part missing. @tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social @threejs.org
New Rememberance Day postbox topper has been installed outside Bletchley Park / @tnmoc.bsky.social if you're visiting either. You can even press the drum to hear the noise!! I love this, remembering all the WRNS who served running the Bombe machines. Superb work Clare Reeves & Amanda Vines
November 1, 2025 at 4:20 PM
New Rememberance Day postbox topper has been installed outside Bletchley Park / @tnmoc.bsky.social if you're visiting either. You can even press the drum to hear the noise!! I love this, remembering all the WRNS who served running the Bombe machines. Superb work Clare Reeves & Amanda Vines
The end is in sight for Virtual SG41! I've started into the paper feed block which I've been saving until last. This is the final big section to do and includes the mounting for the upper rollers, the ink cartridge, release button, paper tape reels and of course the paper itself.
November 1, 2025 at 10:34 AM
The end is in sight for Virtual SG41! I've started into the paper feed block which I've been saving until last. This is the final big section to do and includes the mounting for the upper rollers, the ink cartridge, release button, paper tape reels and of course the paper itself.
JePu Machines have released a video in English & German on cracking an Enigma message using my Virtual Bombe and Enigma! It goes into huge amount of detail from encrypted message to solution. Nice work!
Enigma Codebreaking with the Turing-Welchman Bombe!
youtu.be/eHzsAoKXmZM?...
Enigma Codebreaking with the Turing-Welchman Bombe!
youtu.be/eHzsAoKXmZM?...
Enigma Codebreaking with the Turing-Welchman Bombe - do it yourself!
YouTube video by Jens Puhle
youtu.be
October 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
JePu Machines have released a video in English & German on cracking an Enigma message using my Virtual Bombe and Enigma! It goes into huge amount of detail from encrypted message to solution. Nice work!
Enigma Codebreaking with the Turing-Welchman Bombe!
youtu.be/eHzsAoKXmZM?...
Enigma Codebreaking with the Turing-Welchman Bombe!
youtu.be/eHzsAoKXmZM?...
Virtual Schlüsselgerät 41 (SG-41). Another week and yet another mess of levers in the CT scans that do something .. but what? One of those cases where I'm just going to have to model & animate them in @blender.org & @threejs.org to find out. @tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Virtual Schlüsselgerät 41 (SG-41). Another week and yet another mess of levers in the CT scans that do something .. but what? One of those cases where I'm just going to have to model & animate them in @blender.org & @threejs.org to find out. @tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
@microsiervos.bsky.social have posted a brief review of my Virtual Enigma. So glad they found it interesting. They did say "using the mouse and pressing buttons and switches isn't very intuitive". Any thoughts on how to make it easier or clearer what you need to do?
Una máquina Enigma virtual para vivir la experiencia de cifrar y descifrar mensajes en 3D | #criptografía #seguridad | por @alvy.bsky.social www.microsiervos.com/archivo/segu...
Una máquina Enigma virtual para vivir la experiencia de cifrar y descifrar mensajes en 3D
¿Quién necesita una máquina del tiempo cuando se puede jugar a ser Turing descifrando secretos nazis en 3D desde el navegador?
www.microsiervos.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:07 PM
@microsiervos.bsky.social have posted a brief review of my Virtual Enigma. So glad they found it interesting. They did say "using the mouse and pressing buttons and switches isn't very intuitive". Any thoughts on how to make it easier or clearer what you need to do?
It's time to fill out some of the metalwork that holds everything together. It's no wonder the SG-41 weighed in at around 13kg especially as Germany were running out of lighter metals by the end of the war.
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social @threejs.org @tnmoc.bsky.social
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social @threejs.org @tnmoc.bsky.social
September 27, 2025 at 9:10 AM
It's time to fill out some of the metalwork that holds everything together. It's no wonder the SG-41 weighed in at around 13kg especially as Germany were running out of lighter metals by the end of the war.
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social @threejs.org @tnmoc.bsky.social
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social @threejs.org @tnmoc.bsky.social
One of the final external controls completed, the F/L knob. This switches the SG-41 between Funktion (Operate) and Löschen (Clear). Clear mode releases the mechanism from the cipher wheels so they can be moved to a new position or reset. @tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
September 13, 2025 at 8:23 AM
One of the final external controls completed, the F/L knob. This switches the SG-41 between Funktion (Operate) and Löschen (Clear). Clear mode releases the mechanism from the cipher wheels so they can be moved to a new position or reset. @tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
Last month, I was thrilled to be invited to GCHQ in Cheltenham to see their rare SG-41 cipher machine for real!
It has answered many questions about this amazing WW2 machine. I can now move on & complete my latest sim which will be released (hopefully later this yr) on my site virtualcolossus.co.uk
It has answered many questions about this amazing WW2 machine. I can now move on & complete my latest sim which will be released (hopefully later this yr) on my site virtualcolossus.co.uk
September 5, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Last month, I was thrilled to be invited to GCHQ in Cheltenham to see their rare SG-41 cipher machine for real!
It has answered many questions about this amazing WW2 machine. I can now move on & complete my latest sim which will be released (hopefully later this yr) on my site virtualcolossus.co.uk
It has answered many questions about this amazing WW2 machine. I can now move on & complete my latest sim which will be released (hopefully later this yr) on my site virtualcolossus.co.uk
That is SO cute! Look, it's a little knitted Colossus
I WANT ONE!
I WANT ONE!
Colossus fans! Don't miss the UK premiere of The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War at Southwell Minster (3-27 Sept).
This incredible "wool art" exhibition features the Colossus computer!
Find out more: ow.ly/twrO50WPw06
#Colossus #TNMOC #TheLongestYarn #SouthwellMinster
This incredible "wool art" exhibition features the Colossus computer!
Find out more: ow.ly/twrO50WPw06
#Colossus #TNMOC #TheLongestYarn #SouthwellMinster
September 3, 2025 at 12:32 PM
That is SO cute! Look, it's a little knitted Colossus
I WANT ONE!
I WANT ONE!
Reposted by VirtualColossus
A new and very informative posting by the Sigint Historian, which sets Sigint history in perspective and generally offers reflections for historians.
siginthistorian.blogspot.com/2025/08/reco...
siginthistorian.blogspot.com/2025/08/reco...
Records and Memory
One of the more interesting questions I had to answer as GCHQ historian was why a large collection of intercepted message logs encrypted i...
siginthistorian.blogspot.com
August 31, 2025 at 10:58 AM
A new and very informative posting by the Sigint Historian, which sets Sigint history in perspective and generally offers reflections for historians.
siginthistorian.blogspot.com/2025/08/reco...
siginthistorian.blogspot.com/2025/08/reco...
I've been continuing work on the paper feed mechanism after a very exciting visit which has helped a huge amount (more on that soon). The paper feed lever allows you to extract your printed cipher/plain text from the SG-41. @tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
August 31, 2025 at 8:52 AM
I've been continuing work on the paper feed mechanism after a very exciting visit which has helped a huge amount (more on that soon). The paper feed lever allows you to extract your printed cipher/plain text from the SG-41. @tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
Reposted by VirtualColossus
Yesterday we unveiled a new mural honouring Tommy Flowers, He was the brilliant engineer behind the Colossus computer. A truly fitting tribute to his genius and legacy.Thanks
@HeritageFundUK
& @TommyFlowersFdn
#TommyFlowers #Colossus #VJDay #DigitalLegacy Photo credit: Andy Taylor & Dave Wild
@HeritageFundUK
& @TommyFlowersFdn
#TommyFlowers #Colossus #VJDay #DigitalLegacy Photo credit: Andy Taylor & Dave Wild
August 16, 2025 at 6:37 AM
Yesterday we unveiled a new mural honouring Tommy Flowers, He was the brilliant engineer behind the Colossus computer. A truly fitting tribute to his genius and legacy.Thanks
@HeritageFundUK
& @TommyFlowersFdn
#TommyFlowers #Colossus #VJDay #DigitalLegacy Photo credit: Andy Taylor & Dave Wild
@HeritageFundUK
& @TommyFlowersFdn
#TommyFlowers #Colossus #VJDay #DigitalLegacy Photo credit: Andy Taylor & Dave Wild
Jim Sanborn is to auction off the solution to K4 of the Kryptos Key, the outdoor sculpture that sits at CIA headquarters.
Would you keep this to yourself and guard the secret to allow the game to continue or release for the world to know the answer?
www.wired.com/story/jim-sa...
Would you keep this to yourself and guard the secret to allow the game to continue or release for the world to know the answer?
www.wired.com/story/jim-sa...
The Kryptos Key Is Going Up for Sale
Jim Sanborn is auctioning off the elusive solution to K4, the outdoor sculpture that sits at CIA headquarters.
www.wired.com
August 15, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Jim Sanborn is to auction off the solution to K4 of the Kryptos Key, the outdoor sculpture that sits at CIA headquarters.
Would you keep this to yourself and guard the secret to allow the game to continue or release for the world to know the answer?
www.wired.com/story/jim-sa...
Would you keep this to yourself and guard the secret to allow the game to continue or release for the world to know the answer?
www.wired.com/story/jim-sa...
Reposted by VirtualColossus
Celebrate the legacy of Tommy Flowers! Join us at The National Museum of Computing on Friday, 15th August to unveil the new Flowers Mural.
Secure your place here: bit.ly/4ljjOuJ
@fitzroviaNoir @tommy_flowers_aberfeldy #TommyFlowers #Colossus #TNMOC #ComputingHistory
Secure your place here: bit.ly/4ljjOuJ
@fitzroviaNoir @tommy_flowers_aberfeldy #TommyFlowers #Colossus #TNMOC #ComputingHistory
Preserving the legacy of Tommy Flowers: uncovering lost histories
Join us to honor the GPO engineers who worked on Colossus, as we showcase the Tommy Flower Mural
bit.ly
August 9, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Celebrate the legacy of Tommy Flowers! Join us at The National Museum of Computing on Friday, 15th August to unveil the new Flowers Mural.
Secure your place here: bit.ly/4ljjOuJ
@fitzroviaNoir @tommy_flowers_aberfeldy #TommyFlowers #Colossus #TNMOC #ComputingHistory
Secure your place here: bit.ly/4ljjOuJ
@fitzroviaNoir @tommy_flowers_aberfeldy #TommyFlowers #Colossus #TNMOC #ComputingHistory
As well as working on modelling & animating the complex paper feed mechanism, I've been having a play adding a few extra visuals. Some useful (hiding specific parts of the mechanism to see how it works) and some just eye candy!
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
August 9, 2025 at 8:41 AM
As well as working on modelling & animating the complex paper feed mechanism, I've been having a play adding a few extra visuals. Some useful (hiding specific parts of the mechanism to see how it works) and some just eye candy!
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
Just when I thought I'd got past the most complex bits for Virtual SG-41, I find the paper feed mechanism. It's buried in deep on the left-hand side and includes a cam, 3 levers & 2 ratchet/pawls all which need to be modelled & animated! @tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
July 29, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Just when I thought I'd got past the most complex bits for Virtual SG-41, I find the paper feed mechanism. It's buried in deep on the left-hand side and includes a cam, 3 levers & 2 ratchet/pawls all which need to be modelled & animated! @tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social