The biggest problem I encountered this week was not finding what I felt was a suitable final outcome.

We started the week off with some more workshop time - experimenting with different methods of sculpting. I also investigated dying plaster - using violet ink dye. The result was certainly different. I also harvested the skins, although I didn’t get a chance to use them in the end.

I made a clay model of my first design for the central structure - intending to use the model as a base to warp acrylic around (using a heat gun). However, I was not happy with the final shape, and the clay would have taken too long to dry out. Still, it is an interesting structure, just not useful for this project.

Running out of time and ideas, I went back to basics and sketched out a central “spine” for the structure on the train. I also came up with the laser cutting plan as well. Why laser cutting? To ensure uniformity & provide a cleaner, easier, adhesion using solvent (which has no gap-filling ability at all). It was also a lot quicker than cutting the pieces individually.

I used couched nylon w/ interfacing to provide the exterior “shroud”, however I am not happy with the shapes of the shroud. I am quite pleased with the central spine though.