Upside down and backwards

Petter has been very busy of late fabricating three very unique signs for the NEB's Pub project. One of the projects in particular was exceptionally challenging to assemble. Various bits had to be finished and then slid over each other to facilitate the fastening together of other parts. And the bulk of it was done while the sign was upside down and backwards while clamped in our handy vise. He's making great progress and I have no doubt it will make perfect sense sometime very soon. Stay tuned...

Train engine progress

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.