Dad's Toys - Nuclear Bomb Effects Computer

The "Nuclear Bomb Effects Computer" is typical of the kind of thing one would find laying around the house of an "Oak Ridger" back in the 1960's. The one shown below was Dad's.

The instructions state..."as a convenience to those interested in the effects of nuclear weapons, this circular computer was designed to make data easily available on various weapon effects - some as functions of both yield and range and others on yield alone...".  And who would not want to know all that, right?

Nuclear Bomb Effects Computer - Front

Nuclear Bomb Effects Computer - Rear

These devices turn up regularly on eBay, although they can be a bit pricey. You can always Build Your Own Nuclear Bomb Effects Computer for a pittance.

The gadget found its way into the movies in the 1964 film Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.

On YouTube: Watch Peter Sellers ad-lib a few quick calculations on his Nuclear Bomb Effects Computer in his role as Dr. Strangelove.