Adding the magic

Sometimes the best way to get from point 'a' to point 'b' is not a straight line. I would agree it is most often much easier to go straight and faster too. When we are in creative mode the object is to do it correctly, and not simply be efficient. It all depends on what we are trying to achieve. 

On the PNE project we did the last of the welding on the lower armature today. Before it was declared finished I had to go around the structure one last time to add the upper edge. No tape measure nor level was required. This had to be a wiggly line done randomly. It wasn't the fastest nor easiest way but in the end it will be the most pleasing visually and will add the most magic. True magic it seems most often takes a little more effort.

Another bowling alley milestone

It was a very big day as the crew applied and sculpted the last of the concrete for the bowling alley lane archways. Space to move around the shop, as always it seems, was at a premium. Now the crew will move on to a slightly different style of arches, ten in all, for the side wall areas. 

Keeping the real world in mind

As we design and build our slightly off kilter cartoon worlds we can't forget about the real world. While we can make anything work in a concept drawing the truth is that people from the real world have to interact with the things we build. The trick is to keep those wonderful proportions and curved lines intact as we do it. 

In the case of the rail inspection vehicle I am designing there are plenty of constraining elements that fight with the design intent. Real full size people need to fit relatively comfortably inside the cab. The rail gauge (distance between the rails) doesn't change. When dollars are a factor the off-the-shelf components are a whole lot less costly than custom made stuff. The train car of course needs to fit through existing tunnels and doorways. And the mechanical components and controls need to be all tucked safely inside and yet still be readily accessible for servicing. And the one concern that trumps everything is the center of gravity of the vehicle. Inevitably some compromises must be made.

But of course with plenty of creative thinking and lots of measuring, sketching, erasing, redrawing and juggling everything can work - without giving away too much of what we set out to achieve at the start. This is the fun and challenge of design.