Beacon is a success

Instead of a prototype this year I decided to use the  same technology but create a different sculpture.  this gave us a test of concept that was more manageable in size and scope.

Kris showing the lightweight efficiency of the new plywood uzi.

Painting the parts.

Test panels finished and painted.  We just went freestyle designing in all directions. Images using native american and mayan styles seem the most appropriate for Vast.

Built as lightweight as possible. using the tractor made the lifting simple and safe.

The beacon.

Ahh....

Close up of the bent panels and the plastic water bottle lanterns inside.  Not much of a breeze but the lanterns could move gently if there was wind.

The lanterns during the day.

Preburn.

The burning was  very interesting.  it started out slow and  built slowly till we had a 30ft flame.  Each stage with its own character.  the falling debris and popping of the bamboo kept things interesting.

Lantern Work night.

Hedy, Joel and Kate came over and we cut out about 120 parts for the first 2 lanterns. Tim dropped off  new soldered LED's . and we are well on our way to finishing the first 2 lanterns.

I spent the weekend working out the process for routering the panels and did about  12 panels, just improvising to try out different approaches and see what the results might be.  Here is my favorite,  next we paint the  deeper sections black and then roll on red.  This has been the most fun so far.

Lots of organizing this week.  Contacting the various teamates scattered across the country and getting them started on their remote work. Playa del Fuego is next week and we are almost ready for our first build and test burn. woohoo!

Plywood Uzi

Kris demonstrates the strong but lightweight construction

Team Meeting

Local team members met today to discuss the big plan.
Tim, Hedy, Kate, Joel, Quentin, Kris, Bunker, Dirk and Heidi

Building Box Beams

Kris and Quentin spent the day building box beam parts

LED Soldering

Quentin, Tim and Dirk working on soldering LEDs for the hanging lanterns.

Weekend prototyping

Well thar she blows!  the first 2 beam prototypes are up.  They are way stronger than I assumed and not too heavy; about 50 lbs. each.  I'm rethinking my organic shaping.  It seems superfluous in the full size prototype. Next I want to add more  holes to open up the structure and give it more air.

I also worked out a possible bench seat arrangement. The box over his head would contain a micro miniature diorama in plaster.  the walls have the perfect recliner slope.

Also tested to see what size of plaster detail would fit in the lower section.  Quite large actually.  this is a 32" d container.  In the center you can see the 3/4" plywood template this was a test to see if the template would hold the beams in alignment.  So far so good.