Got the bird?

[chunkolini]

I was recently asked to pitch for a job for a large conservation organisation. The brief was vague but interesting, something to do with waterfowl.
I had a think and came up with a group of large geese mounted on stands that will allow them to rotate to face into the wind like glorified weather vanes.
I liked the idea so much that I decided to make a 2/3 model instead of a drawing, thinking it will sell anyway.
The model got a bit out of hand and ended up 2.6m in wingspan.
Judging by the reactions on Facebook I reckon I am in with a chance of getting the job.
Big thanks to my neighbour for hoicking Goosey up on her forklift for the photos.
All made of 15x5mm mild steel strip. There is work left to be done like some more support on the body but I figured get the wings fitted and see where it needs to go.
Laying out the wings

Is there a hint of Bristol Brabazon in there somewhere?

A happy chappie.

 

[EAZEE]

Man that's sweeeeet. If you don't get the job bud they're blind. AMAZING!!!

 

[Maker]

That. Is. Awesome.

 

[EAZEE]

How long did it take you?

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I like that....a LOT! Just wish I had your visual sense for working out solutions.

@chunkolini Won't it/they need a vertical plane of some sort in order to face into the wind? [genuine numpty question, not a criticism of your design ]

 

[mike os]

Ace job mate

 

[arther dailey]

Brilliant, my one thought and its not a critisism is the head looks a bit to speedy? maybe just fatten/shorten or put a bulge on the top for forehead, body an wings fabulous, certainly admire your work.Arther

 

[WorkshopChris]

Wow, just wish i could do that sort of thing, but don't have a clue. Once its made i could jig it for production but just don;t have that ability to start anything creative.

 

[bert]

that's absolutely gorgeous, you should definitely get the job.

 

[chunkolini]

Regards wind direction I am going to turn the wing tips up and maybe set them with some dihedral. With the wings being set back I think it may naturally head into the wind anyway. Time for some experimentation when I have space for it.
How long? about four days but they were good days.
Arther, I want to keep it looking speedy and flowing; I like to keep shapes as simple as possible. Trying to capture the essence of flight etc.
I am pleased with it and by the reactions to it.
The pitch for the job is in three stages, first stage; shortlisting is quite soon. Fingers are crossed. They are looking about a year ahead so it is a long slow process.
Thanks for the positive comments, I figured I was onto something as soon as I made the neck.

 

[Jim Davey]

Nice, I wouldn't want to get hit with its droppings though.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Nice, I wouldn't want to get hit with its droppings though.

I can vouch for that, we're on their migratory route up here and get thousands flying over [luckily, not all at the same time ]. Whatever you do, never let their droppings stay on your car paintwork for ANY length of time.......

 

[steve t]

good luck with the pitch, looks great.

 

[Gareth J]

Re. Getting it to "weathervane", it can be tricky with a bird shape but you've got the advantage of choosing one with a looong neck.

My mum got given a cra**y, cast "iron" duck weather vane. And was adamant it was put up to please the gift giver. In order for it to "vane", the pivot was quite near the front, so that part of the wings were behind the rotation point. However, this was no where near the balance point and there was so much friction, it wouldn't turn at all. In the end, I filled the head with lead, cut off the tail and it just about works.

Long story short, if you can build the front end with heavier steel, or hide a solid steel ball in the head, make the beak totally solid, something like that, the balance point will naturally move forward and anything you put to catch the wind on the rear will be more effective than ever.

Seriously beautiful, the wings are brilliant!

 

[chunkolini]

Balance point at the moment is just behind the leading edge of the wing, so not a bad start. (not by planning) I reckon curve the wing tips up and see how it goes, and if needed a small fin under the tail should not be too much of a distraction.
I imagine getting it to work could be a right 'laugh' or it will behave itself perfectly. We shall see.

 

[Migmac]

Wow, that is seriously good. Anybody would be happy to have that floating about their airspace

 

[arther dailey]

so to get it working weather vane wise how about hiring one of those large fans for cooling industrial units? you could then get it to react /set it up how you want that way no untoward suprises.

 

[Gareth J]

Balance point at the moment is just behind the leading edge of the wing, so not a bad start.

Sounds good, it may be Aok as it is like that. You'd think that a bird ought to naturally point into the wind, be hard work flying otherwise.

 

[the snooper]

nice job chunko as usual

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Sounds good, it may be Aok as it is like that. You'd think that a bird ought to naturally point into the wind, be hard work flying otherwise.

Aye, but they're not [usually] full of holes......