World’s largest Rube Goldberg machine lights up Christmas tree for Latvian town

To make the act of switching on the town’s Christmas tree lights even more exiting, Latvian e-commerce company Scandiweb constructed the world’s Largest Rube Goldberg for the people of Riga.

 

Possibly the most elaborate way anyone has turned on some festive lights, the chain reaction consisted of 412 individual mechanical steps.

 

 

The principle of a Rube Goldberg is to complete a simple task in the most complicated way possible.

 

This festive attempt featured a diverse range of devices including traditional parts like wheels, levers and balls, as well as more unusual items like a fan and coffee maker.

 

 

The chain reaction was set in motion by a red button, pressed by Riga mayor Nils Ušakovs and a Scandiweb representative.

 

The incredible finale was initiated by a sound meter that was triggered by the shouts and screams of the guests.

 

 

Guinness World Records adjudicator Seyda Subasi Gemici oversaw the entire 10 minute attempt.

 

The challenge took two months to organise, with Scandiweb employees, construction masters and a number of volunteers helping design and test the incredible Rube Goldberg.

 

Scandiweb successfully bettered the previous record of 382 steps achieved in Hungary back in April 2015, becoming record breakers in time for Christmas.

 

The Guinness World Records 2017 Edition and Guinness World Records 2017 Gamer’s Edition are ideal gifts for would-be record breakers and people interested in jaw-dropping facts and feats.

 

 

Find out where you can pick up a copy here.