TUTU

Designer: Dr. Volker Latussek

This puzzle measures: 68 mm x 68 mm x 50 mm

Material: Am. Walnut, Zebrano

Dr. Volker Latussek wrote about it:

“A tribute to Yasuhiro Hashimoto… With his designs, Yasuhiro Hashimoto has given friends of mechanical puzzles all over the world deeply felt moments of happiness. When I recently had the opportunity to work with his 4L puzzle for the first time, the thought matured in me to say thank you for the wonderful time that Hashimoto-san gives us. Now I could have sent him a message and somehow put my admiration into more or less appropriate words. However, I decided to dedicate a mechanical puzzle to him, which might never have been thought of without his 4L puzzle. TUTU is created by a transformation of the 4L puzzle into the usual n-folded cubic world. The transformation is written as: 4L is equal to 2 times 2L; which transforms into 2 times TU, which is in turn equal to TUTU. The cuboid box with an L-shaped opening becomes a 3x3x2 box with a T-shaped 3×3 opening. Is that all? Yes, that is all. Because something unexpected happens during this transformation, even for those familiar with 4L. While this remains perfectly valid, the 4L puzzle will always be the original. Many thanks for that, Hashimoto-san.”

Kevin Sadler wrote about it:

“This puzzle was designed by Dr Latussek as a tribute to one of the best packing puzzles ever designed and made. Volker and I agree that the 4L puzzle by Yasuhiro Hashimoto is an absolutely tremendous puzzle. I recall that the 4L took me a very long time and it was with some considerable trepidation that I set to work on this – at least 2 other packing puzzles from Volker remain unsolved by me so far (Euklid for Nick and Fermat). So, you're all wondering, how does it compare? Right up front I have to say that this puzzle is absolutely FABULOUS! If you have solve 4L then it will not be quite as challenging but it has a couple of truly lovely Aha! moments. If you've never done 4L then expect a really fun challenge with thought and planning. It is also made perfect by the sheer quality of the woodcraft and the wonderful choice of woods used.”