09-12-2008
The first thing I did here, was to re-shape the left leg and claw configuration. I followed the advise of a good friend (having extensive experience raising birds), who pointed out that the leg should be more upright and the claw should be curled more; resembling a bird in its natural and relaxed roosting state. After I have attached the feathers to the body, I will bring the upright portion of the leg in closer to the body. I am wondering if I should curl the claws a bit more...
Next, was to begin adding a several "vertebrae" to the neck, in order to provide a base to weld the "skin" onto later. I utilized washers of various diameters, starting with larger ones near the base of the neck and graduating to smaller diameter washers as I moved up along the curvature of the neck. Then, back to larger washers as I neared the top where the head will be formed later.
Due to the complex curvature of the neck line, adding the "skin" will be no small task - requiring much patience and several trial and error test fitments. To begin, I took a small piece of cardboard and cut it to the size I needed to fabricate the first piece. That shape was traced onto a metal sheet and cut, then tack-welded into position.
Next, I utilized the torch to bring the metal up to a bright orange heat, while tapping and shapping with a small hammer. The trick was to avoid as many wrinkles as possible and shoot for smooth transitions. Although, it doesn't need to be perfect, as this stage will simply create a shape and base to add more material (e.g., feathers and texture) later on.
I have discovered that the tight radiuses along the neck will require additional, small sections of metal. It is simply impossible to stretch and shape the metal as much as I had hoped to - even with cutting "reliefs" at key points. Additionally, my father (whom peruses my insane projects from time-to-time with strange looks of disbelief), observed an abnormal looking recessed area along the back of the body. While studying several photos of cranes in various positions, I had apparently merged two different shapes in my head and had not meant to leave the recessed area. No problem. I will form and attach a new filler panel to the area. This is a good example of why I welcome contstructive critiscism and suggestions - it helps to keep me thinking "outside the box."