The performer shows a square wooden tube which has large windows at the front, back and at the top. A small stand which the tube sits on and a lid, along with a black wooden block and a solid brass rod are also shown. The block also has a hole running through it that corresponds to the holes in the sides of the tube. The performer now inserts the block into the tube, pushes the rod through the holes locking the block in place and then assembles the tube on the stand. Now, with the block remaining in full view, the performer merely pushes the lid against the top of the block and to the spectator’s surprise, the solid wooden block magically penetrates the brass rod and ends up visibly in the window at the bottom of the tube! The entire unit is then immediately turned upside down showing that there is no way the block could have passed though the rod as the block is seen to stop where it hits the brass rod. The block can now be removed and shown to be perfectly solid! It’s an incredible visual illusion.
Phantom Block Penetration has been inspired by the following previous creations: Edward Massey’s Miracle Block, Richard Resor’s Supreme Block Penetration and Bill Adams’s Bionic Block which is by itself an amazing mechanical marvel as the effect can be done with no manipulation of the block.
The mechanical method for this item is absolutely ingenious and it does not rely on magnets to do the work, yet the effect can be immediately repeated!
This is, unquestionably, one of the most deceptive and visual block penetrations ever created.
The wooden tube including the lid and stand measures approximately 6.6cms wide x 14cms high x 6.6cms deep and has been completely handcrafted from natural aged teak wood with a lightly distressed oil finish. The block measures approximately at 5.5 cms cubed which is big enough for stand-up shows, yet small enough for the close-up table.
Our special thanks to Mr. John M. Talbot for suggesting the ideas & consultations on this amazing piece of magic.
Many thanks to Tony Curtis for the nice illustration provided.
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Tue May 10, 2022 1:46 am
by Olaf S
If the brass rod could be much thicker, trick would be more convincing
I find the original rope versions to be more inconspicuous and convincing
If the brass rod could be much thicker, trick would be more convincing
I find the original rope versions to be more inconspicuous and convincing
You can probably use the block only together with a piece of rope to do the penetration.
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Tue May 10, 2022 9:31 am
by Rob Rand
I like this effect because, with the rope, you need two spectators to hold the rope. Now you have the same effect as a stand alone one.
It’s also an effect I don’t have yet, I mean that special block design
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Wed May 11, 2022 8:22 am
by John B.
Thanks Rob!
I also suspect that the block is gimmicked and all the rest are ungimmicked. If it works the way I am thinking, it may be hard to use it with a piece of rope. I guess we will find out soon enough- do you know when it will be released?
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Wed May 11, 2022 9:16 am
by CollinW
I'm assuming it works like Massey's Block. To me the rod seems unusually small in diameter. I think using a rope is more magical especially if you use soft rope that can be squeezed, or even a shoe lace.
Instead of needing spectators to hold the rope, you could have cleats on the side......like this.
Screen Shot 2022-05-11 at 11.05.39 AM.png
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Wed May 11, 2022 10:47 am
by Olaf S
I suspect, that the release will be around mid-May
I guess price will be again in upper range ...
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Wed May 11, 2022 4:39 pm
by Rob Rand
Expected release date is Monday 16 May…
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Mon May 16, 2022 5:35 am
by Olaf S
MW Phantom Block Penetration available now for 350 USD
I passed this time, but looking forward to reading the reviews.
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Wed May 18, 2022 9:19 am
by bobt1
I have a similar item called The Houdini Block which was imported from Germany and sold by Collector’s Workshop. It is made of heavy plastic and I think the price was $69. It is very deceptive and one of my favorite items.
I have a similar item called The Houdini Block which was imported from Germany and sold by Collector’s Workshop. It is made of heavy plastic and I think the price was $69. It is very deceptive and one of my favorite items.
Bob, can you post a picture of your Houdini Block in the hidden MW thread ?
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Wed May 18, 2022 1:37 pm
by bobt1
Olaf, as you know I will soon be selling my items via auction. I have all packed with instructions and I just don't want to take things apart for photos. The item uses a chimney and a block that has 2 nesting pieces. The nesting is very good but can't be examined. I thnk some are getting this vesion confused with a rope and block penetration used by Harry Blacksont and made my others. It uses springs inside the block to open a portion of the block for penetration. Bob
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Wed May 18, 2022 2:38 pm
by KirkW
Bob,
Is this the trick you are referring to?
6E548ACD-37A3-4E38-B717-495AFD7BB207.png
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Wed May 18, 2022 2:57 pm
by bobt1
Yes!! The Houdini photo was a sticker that could be placed on the block if desired. Thanks, Bob!!!
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Wed May 18, 2022 6:21 pm
by KirkW
I have this Houdini version as well. I purchased it from someplace in Germany many years ago and it is a favorite of mine.
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Wed May 18, 2022 6:43 pm
by bobt1
Yes, it is a very nice item and easy to do. Another member told me that Thomas Pohle also made a similar item called China Block Penetration. I have no idea how the new MW item works. I think many will buy due to the nice wood decor.
So great to see that you prove it can be done with rope Olaf !
Wonderful video !
Rob I enjoyed your comment, I think the trick looks so much more impressive now.
My wife was totally surprised & thrilled, examined the block and remained perplexed.
However, threading the old Tibetan shoelace through required some contemplation.
That was probably the real challenge that the Tibetan Lama has imposed on me
Re: Magic Wagon - Phantom Block Penetration
Posted: Sun May 22, 2022 7:55 pm
by Rob Rand
Yes I think it’s a challenge to find the right rope Olaf…
But the way you perform it, to tie the rope, is a brilliant idea…
SOLD OUT 
I enjoyed your comment, I think the trick looks so much more impressive now.