Wednesday 9th January

Worklist:

Cows
Fencing
Figures

A chilly morning, but the workshop was warm and inviting. Stephen immediately unveiled a new supply of cows that his neighbour Ian had recently produced. The original 3D file had been lost, so another had to be sourced online - a better shape, but the effect of a static pose and no head-turn needed to be assessed 'en-herd'. The new cows, printed in a different, red material, had been given two coats of grey plastic primer.

The previous, white cows were slightly smaller, were walking, and were looking to one side. After experimentation, the new, slightly larger grey cows were pushed nearer the front, where their size was less evident.

Putting the tree in place confirmed the arrangement worked well.

We had also been undecided about colour, but seeing them in place prompted us to adopt an overall dark colour and brown was decided. Geoff also found a whitemetal cow kit and was able to assemble it with its head turned, increasing the variety of stances in the herd.

The fence extension along the front was next. Some tight-grained timber was found and Geoff cut this in the band saw to sizes replicating the adjacent plastic fencing. Stephen then 'planted' posts along the agreed line and started to apply railings using a selection of clips.

 

The two gaps in the fence were discussed at length - where do the paths go requiring the gaps? Why were there two so close? Were they both required - could we barricade one? Should there be gates? Scenarios were discussed and one that entailed a general use path to the workshop and an access to the agents house off the platform was readily adopted. So, gates will be installed, albeit with appropriate warning messages!

Geoff had also found a few human figures in the whitemetal box. However, it was soon discovered that each had either arms, heads or both missing. He decided to add the missing appendages and although the arm in the pocket looked fine, we didn't think the bank robbers head had any place on the layout. He'll no doubt become another onlooker next to the crane.

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And here are the 8 cows being printed.

The cows are printed on their backs to minimise the additional framework that is required to support them as they 'grow'. This open-mesh is removed with a knife. The inside of the cows is automatically filled with a grid support to maintain the external shape. The whole process took 11 hours!

(Yes, the video date is wrong!)