I Robot

My daughter, Juniper, is five weeks old today. I must confess to being a little sleep deprived and completely twitter-pated. My father, meanwhile, has been racing ahead on his Sign Invitational entry. Nevertheless, between diaper changes, cuddles, and feedings I have been working on the concept for my entry. I have settled on a coin-operated, diesel-powered sign-writing hydraulic automaton (or CDSHA).

Normally, I am getting my hands dirty in the workshop, however, I have been planning on learning Enroute and CDSHA is the perfect opportunity to dip my toe in. I've spent the past few days exploring the software while designing my entry. Today, my files were finally complete and I fired up our twin Multicams. The plasma cutter made quick work of the steel for my entry's pedestal. Once the pieces were cut out it didn't take long to weld them together. I love the level of detail and precision the CNC plasma allows!

Meanwhile, the router carved out the first of the detail panels for the sides of the pedestal. I couldn't resist a quick test fit.

I am looking forward to painting it - but first things first - I have some diaper changes, cuddles, and feedings to get in before then!

Peter

Always looking and learning

Whenever I walk through a creative environment I first enjoy it. Then a million questions come to mind. How did they do it? What materials did they use? Which tools were used? And a whole lot more...   At a trade show like IAAPA, everywhere I turned there was no shortage of samples of creative environments. I first enjoyed and then began to ask the questions. The difference is at a trade show there are people standing by who were eager to answer my questions. Better yet, with a quick scan of my badge they were instantly set up to send the information I was seeking to my inbox. It wasn't quite as fun as enjoying a theme park out in the sunshine but I managed to answer a whole lot of questions and gather a whole lot of valuable information in a very short time. One of those questions was where could I get quality (faux) foliage that would stand up to all kinds of weather for years to come.

It's all who you know

They say business is largely about who you know. I believe that to be true. That means we have to first do outstanding work and then get out and meet people to let them know what we do. What better place than where they gather.  My trip to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions attractions expo in Orlando was a chance to visit with many of our friends and associates in the business and also make contact with many new ones. It is a chance to put a face to the many shared emails and to talk about projects, current and future. The entertainment world isn't super large and when you are known things happen. With the passing of time we see real progress with our efforts. We were very pleased to see our work and the Cultus Lake Adventure Park featured in 'Z Press', the official publication of Zamperla Rides.