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
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.
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
Gracias por compartir mi Enigma Virtual. ¡Me alegra que te haya parecido interesante! Durante el último año, he estado trabajando en una simulación del aún más complejo SG-41, que iba a reemplazar al Enigma en Alemania. Habría sido una máquina difícil de descifrar, incluso para Bletchley Park.
October 22, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Gracias por compartir mi Enigma Virtual. ¡Me alegra que te haya parecido interesante! Durante el último año, he estado trabajando en una simulación del aún más complejo SG-41, que iba a reemplazar al Enigma en Alemania. Habría sido una máquina difícil de descifrar, incluso para Bletchley Park.
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
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
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
I've added the letter counter to the SG-41 this week so take a look at how that works. Also, I've animated the folding handle so the machine can be packed away for travelling.
@tnmoc.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social
July 19, 2025 at 7:53 AM
I've added the letter counter to the SG-41 this week so take a look at how that works. Also, I've animated the folding handle so the machine can be packed away for travelling.
@tnmoc.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social
I broke more than fixed this week! I'd placed a few items in the machine out of line so last few bits didn't fit. I re-checked the scan so all fixed now!
The question to answer today - "What happens if you run out of paper?"
@bletchleypark.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social
The question to answer today - "What happens if you run out of paper?"
@bletchleypark.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social
July 13, 2025 at 4:35 PM
I broke more than fixed this week! I'd placed a few items in the machine out of line so last few bits didn't fit. I re-checked the scan so all fixed now!
The question to answer today - "What happens if you run out of paper?"
@bletchleypark.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social
The question to answer today - "What happens if you run out of paper?"
@bletchleypark.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social
@cryptomuseum.bsky.social
Lots to show you today for Virtual Schlüsselgerät 41. Working out the print mechanism meant going back to uncover the cage drive works in detail! New drive mechanism, the print wheels working and switching between encipher/decipher. Phew! @tnmoc.bsky.social
July 5, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Lots to show you today for Virtual Schlüsselgerät 41. Working out the print mechanism meant going back to uncover the cage drive works in detail! New drive mechanism, the print wheels working and switching between encipher/decipher. Phew! @tnmoc.bsky.social
OTD: 23rd June 1912, Alan Turing was born. Best known for his work on Enigma & the Bombe, he also wrote a paper in 1936 "On Computable Numbers" outlining a computing machine. After WW2, he designed one of the first computers, the ACE - run it for yourself; pilotace.virtualcolossus.co.uk
June 23, 2025 at 12:07 PM
OTD: 23rd June 1912, Alan Turing was born. Best known for his work on Enigma & the Bombe, he also wrote a paper in 1936 "On Computable Numbers" outlining a computing machine. After WW2, he designed one of the first computers, the ACE - run it for yourself; pilotace.virtualcolossus.co.uk
Time to start on the next part of Virtual Schlüsselgerät 41. Now we have the actual PRNG (pseudo-random number generator) working, the next part is to print! Unlike the M-209, the SG-41 has 2 tapes; one plaintext & one encrypted. Wish me luck!
@tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
June 18, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Time to start on the next part of Virtual Schlüsselgerät 41. Now we have the actual PRNG (pseudo-random number generator) working, the next part is to print! Unlike the M-209, the SG-41 has 2 tapes; one plaintext & one encrypted. Wish me luck!
@tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
Can I maybe ask a favour?
This Friday, I'm walking in the Milton Keynes "Midnight Moo" to help raise for Willen Hospice who provide free care & support for local people with a life-limiting illness. Even a small amount (if you can) would be amazing!
donate.willen-hospice.org.uk/pf/martin-gi...
This Friday, I'm walking in the Milton Keynes "Midnight Moo" to help raise for Willen Hospice who provide free care & support for local people with a life-limiting illness. Even a small amount (if you can) would be amazing!
donate.willen-hospice.org.uk/pf/martin-gi...
June 16, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Can I maybe ask a favour?
This Friday, I'm walking in the Milton Keynes "Midnight Moo" to help raise for Willen Hospice who provide free care & support for local people with a life-limiting illness. Even a small amount (if you can) would be amazing!
donate.willen-hospice.org.uk/pf/martin-gi...
This Friday, I'm walking in the Milton Keynes "Midnight Moo" to help raise for Willen Hospice who provide free care & support for local people with a life-limiting illness. Even a small amount (if you can) would be amazing!
donate.willen-hospice.org.uk/pf/martin-gi...
Adding in a few shadows make all the difference to a simulation. This is made very easy with Three.js which is the JavaScript library I'm using for 3D.
The encrypted output is not from a coded sim, it's from the mechanics alone!
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org
The encrypted output is not from a coded sim, it's from the mechanics alone!
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org
June 15, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Adding in a few shadows make all the difference to a simulation. This is made very easy with Three.js which is the JavaScript library I'm using for 3D.
The encrypted output is not from a coded sim, it's from the mechanics alone!
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org
The encrypted output is not from a coded sim, it's from the mechanics alone!
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org
Now we finally get to see how all the messing about in Virtual SG-41 with cogs & cams starts to encipher our letter. A lot of work done in past couple of weeks to get here, this is a fiendishly clever device!
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
June 7, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Now we finally get to see how all the messing about in Virtual SG-41 with cogs & cams starts to encipher our letter. A lot of work done in past couple of weeks to get here, this is a fiendishly clever device!
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
@tnmoc.bsky.social @threejs.org @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
Our Virtual Schlüsselgerät 41 was looking a little naked, so this week, I've been modelling it something to cover it up.
This really adds so much to the look of the machine, looking awesome.
Still lots to do, so keep following along.
@tnmoc.bsky.social
This really adds so much to the look of the machine, looking awesome.
Still lots to do, so keep following along.
@tnmoc.bsky.social
May 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Our Virtual Schlüsselgerät 41 was looking a little naked, so this week, I've been modelling it something to cover it up.
This really adds so much to the look of the machine, looking awesome.
Still lots to do, so keep following along.
@tnmoc.bsky.social
This really adds so much to the look of the machine, looking awesome.
Still lots to do, so keep following along.
@tnmoc.bsky.social
Now we've got the Pilot ACE completed, it's time to get back to our build of the SG-41 (Schlüsselgerät 41). Here's a very brief recap of where we'd got to and a quick additional set of levers hidden away behind the rotors to work out. @tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
May 17, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Now we've got the Pilot ACE completed, it's time to get back to our build of the SG-41 (Schlüsselgerät 41). Here's a very brief recap of where we'd got to and a quick additional set of levers hidden away behind the rotors to work out. @tnmoc.bsky.social @cryptomuseum.bsky.social
Thanks to ITV Anglia News for this awesome interview which was on TV this evening! Taken on site at The National Museum of Computing @tnmoc.bsky.social, it was exciting to talk about the Pilot ACE, Alan Turing & his work & to show off some of mine!
pilotace.virtualcolossus.co.uk
3D c/o @threejs.org
pilotace.virtualcolossus.co.uk
3D c/o @threejs.org
May 14, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Thanks to ITV Anglia News for this awesome interview which was on TV this evening! Taken on site at The National Museum of Computing @tnmoc.bsky.social, it was exciting to talk about the Pilot ACE, Alan Turing & his work & to show off some of mine!
pilotace.virtualcolossus.co.uk
3D c/o @threejs.org
pilotace.virtualcolossus.co.uk
3D c/o @threejs.org
Setting up Pilot ACE right in front of EDSAC, they are old friends these two! EDSAC was working the year before ACE but both used mercury delay line technology. Many thanks to @tnmoc.bsky.social for helping me get setup for todays demonstration.
May 12, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Setting up Pilot ACE right in front of EDSAC, they are old friends these two! EDSAC was working the year before ACE but both used mercury delay line technology. Many thanks to @tnmoc.bsky.social for helping me get setup for todays demonstration.