Dreaming up details

A theme park requires a great deal of planning. The park project in Trinidad requires more than usual on account of the distance. Popping over to work out a detail as the park is build won't always be an option. So now is the time to work out as many details as possible with the engineers and planners. The park layout and track path are now set and we are moving on to the building details. The trickiest structure will be the train station and so we are starting with that part of the project.

The engineers and planners reference my notes, drawings and comments and then translate them into the required technical drawings which will be used to build the actual structures. It is a process that works well to ensure the end result lives up to the original vision. Over the next weeks of planning and well into the construction process I'll be making a myriad of similar quick drawings to communicate my vision of the park details

-grampa dan 

Tunnel vision

Some areas of the park will be virtually invisible to our guests - except those who really take the time to look. For this reason we spend just as much time working on these areas. One such area is the tunnel under the main walkway. A small stream will flow through it.

The tunnel is visible from three locations for those who take the time to look. The pathway down to Bucky's Bumper Boats crosses a small bridge. To the right is the stream tunnel. Most guests will focus on the bumper boats and the colorful island we have created but the occasional one may glance to the right and even bend down to take a look. 

The second location to get a glimpse of the tunnel is from inside the maze of caves which we created under the walk way. One small portal looks into this tunnel but the way is blocked by steel bars. Most likely only our smaller guests will view the stream from here as the tunnel portal is pretty low.

The third location to look through the tunnel will be from the barrel bridge. These guests too will be pretty occupied, trying to stay balanced on the wobbly rope bridge but the occasional one is sure to look deep into the long tunnel.

Yesterday Peter and I spent considerable time hunched over in the tunnel preading two coats of mud on the ceiling. When it had hardened some Brando and TJ were sent in to smooth things out with the sponges.

The tunnel will get it coats of paint next and then we'll add the stones in the stream. We are not yet finished working in this low and cramped space. Hopefully the odd guest will appreciate our efforts.

-grampa dan

Newbies

I love working with young people. Some on my crew are at their very first job. Each one is eager to please and hard working. The only thing they lack is experience. I have found that if I truly believe in them and expect the best of them they will rarely disappoint.

Our job is to teach them the skills they need to do the job and to work safely. We do this by pairing them with others who have been working for us for a while. These seasoned employees know what is expected and understand it is part of their job to take care of the newbies. As the 'older' hires get more responsibility they too do their best to do the job better and faster. It is the quickest way to bring everyone up to speed and in the process we accomplish a great deal every day.

Each day Peter and I apply as much fiberglass reinforced concrete as humanly possible. As the day progresses and the concrete begins to harden, more and more crew join in the sculpting process. As quitting time approaches they are inevitably shoulder to shoulder trying their best to get it all done before the clock runs out and before the concrete gets rock hard. The pace always quickens as they work, each trying to out do the others. It is also a time of laughs and silliness as they chat while they work. It is a great deal of fun to watch.

As the crew worked this evening I stepped back to take a broader look at the job and to make sure nothing got missed. What I saw made me laugh out loud.

Cole, one of the newest members of the crew was slowly working his way across the scaffold. He was tethered to the scaffold as he was instructed but as he worked he slowly ran out of rope - without taking notice. The lanyard got tighter and tighter until he simply couldn't reach his work any longer. I snapped the picture just as he finally realized what was happening. Then as I looked up I noticed another member of the crew above him. They had lain on their stomach high on the scaffold to reach down to carve, rather than climbing down a level and working at a more comfortable position. Each was intent on simply doing the job as fast as they were able.

I appreciate each and every member of my hard working crew. Together we are building a fabulous project!

-grampa dan