The crew worked hard on the Trinidad pirate train all day. They were doing the tough and painstaking task of tying on the galvanized mesh in preparation for the sculpting which will happen next week. I welded on the piping for the whistle today and gave it a test as well. The engine is looking more and more like the concept every day and by the end of next week will be much closer to being finished. I can hardly wait to take it to California to be fit to the chassis. Then we will have to do a test drive which of course will be a whole lot of fun!
Peter discovers a new tool
It's a well known fact that I love tools. Over the years we have gathered a good assortment for just about any job imaginable. There are a few I don't use every day but it is comforting to know that when I need them they are handy. A number of years ago I acquired a giant, antique anvil. It's a real beauty. I use it often, but Peter loves to dispute that fact (somewhat disparagingly I might add). He has, on occasion, even wondered aloud why it remains in the shop. Recently, when cleaning out the shop he instructed the crew to take the heavy anvil off it's custom made block stand and tucked it into the corner. His excuse was the anvil was taking up far too much room. I of course knew better. Yesterday, he was fashioning a metal crown for a sign he is creating and wondered how he would shape the metal. I suggested he use the anvil and a hammer, as it always works well for me. And so he did - with great success. I suspect that the old anvil is now one of Peter's favourite tools. I wouldn't be surprised to see it all polished up and sitting on the stand in it's rightful place very soon.
TEXTURE MAGIC - WOODGRAIN goes on sale
In the last few days I've been adding to, tweaking and testing the new woodgrain textures. There was a little last minute sorting and labeling today. Then we declared the collection complete and I gave the files to Peter for uploading to our website. It is now officially gone to market. I also finished routing our first paying project using three of the new textures. We are pleased with the result. I look forward to seeing what everyone else does with them too.
