Quite spectacular looking thingy - but the principle is the same as used 
here:

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schiffshebewerk_Niederfinow

Have a trough (granted: a rather big one) filled with water and a 
counterweight equal to the weight of trough and water. Ship moves in, 
displaces water in trough equal to ship's own weight, balance achieved.

All needed to lift any weight you want is a big enough trough and some 
electrical power to overcome friction.

About the cables: of minor importance - a cable can break but the Falkirk 
Wheel's supports may break, too. Cables do not tend to break easily, if well 
maintained.

The Wheel is looking much more impressive - but on the other hand it needs a 
lot more space.

"clipka" <ano### [at] anonymousorg> schrieb im Newsbeitrag 
news:4ab4e792@news.povray.org...
>I think this is one of the most ingenious canal lock designs to date:
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falkirk_Wheel
>
> Virtually all you need to do is overcome some friction (note that the 
> thing does not dip into water at the lower basin, otherwise energy would 
> be needed to displace water in that position). And there's no risk of 
> breaking of any cables or hydraulic pipes.

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