Instead of applying Lagrangian equations, Newton's second law is applied to the rotating gyroscope with respect to its center of mass. The aforementioned setup appears in the so-called Laithwaite engine, the detailed mechanics of which are still an enigma. The forced precession of a symmetrical gyroscope is studied for the particular case in which the axle of a flywheel is pivoted by a hinge joint and follows a horizontal circular path of a given radius.