Updated
August 2, 2007-- Scroll down for progress photos shown below
General Daytime apperaance
The Original Concept Illustrations
MV Questionnaire Info for "Roamin-Off"
1 – Name:
The Grand Imperial Kommand Ship Roamin'Off
2 – File Upload
3 – (URL of MV)
4 – (file upload of MV)
5 – Been on Playa:- NO
6 – Years – left blank
7 – Previous names:
This is the first year for this awesome and imposing mutant.
8 – Prior Mutants?: YES
9 – Prior MV information:
The Tactical MiniVan (TMV)
Mutant Time Trailer (May be used in conjunction with this vehicle if approved)
10 – Camp Information:
Kamp APOKILIPTIKA, 3:00 and "A", part of Terminal City
11 – Day license? YES
12 – Night License? YES
13 – About the Mutation:
It has started as an Electric 3 wheeled Golf Cart. The original body has been
removed, The operator's area is re-built with a fully enclosed canopy with all
the trappings and illusions of something worthy of the Kremlin - Fine woods,
Imperially luxurious seating, Reds and golds and whatnot. Chandeliers, candles,
etc., for lighting. As our mobile command post, it will have a functional
"battle plan map" table to steer and wage campaigns upon, as well as other
trappings worthy of a head of state and their imperial guests...
Above this will be a fully lit (either spot or interior) a large Onion Dome
reminiscent of Red Square in Moscow. Atop the dome will rest a lit red star
(ties in with the Kamp theme), but the real treat will be a working and properly
safe and shielded (with fireproof materials) flame cannon from the top of said
dome - at the required 10'+ from the ground. Lighting will be provided by both
standard electric head and tail lamps, and backup Kerosene lamps also front and
rear. There will also be an inordinately huge amount of el-wire outlining the
vehicle, as well as to give fullness and definition to the dome. The controls
will be positive, secure, and stable, and vehicle will be also equipped to
handle unforeseen problems (tools, fire extinguisher, hydration and first aid,
etc.). There is also a sound system hidden within the dome, which either ties
into "propaganda" radio broadcasts from our registered radio station (99.9 WTF
Disinformation radio) or can be used as a PA system for Dictatorial
proclamations, Worthy items of note, or as a warning device or Public Address in
case of emergency (by BRC personnel) if needed. There is also an air powered
"train horn" as part of the vehicle - similar to that of the Steam Tractor in
2006.
The beauty of the vehicle is its motive power is electric, enhancing it's "
"
properties and lessening its carbon footprint. Charging will be done either via
solar charger or by using excess generation capacity from the camp.
14 – MV Intent:
Theme - By being electrically powered, and by using excess power otherwise
wasted from operation of the camps, or by using Solar or other non-footprint
forms of energy to charge, we will maintain the Theme of "the Green Man" while
still having a stunningly visual machine.
The experience is visual, and ties in with the overall tempo and feel of the
Theme Camp from which its based. It is also a means to give visiting
dignitaries, official persons, visitors, as well as our own people, the ability
to see our wonderful city while being pampered in a way not often seen in your
average Art Car. The total capacity is estimated to be between 2 and 4 persons.
We also have the visual impact of a fire effect- which is wildly popular in BRC
- presented in a safe, sane, and controlled fashion. The Fuel for this device is
Propane, which while being a "fossil fuel" has less environmental impact than
other fuels such as Gasoline, Acetylene, etc. while still giving a good "show"
for those observing the vehicle. Spiels are both scripted and impromptu, to fit
the situation/crowd/etc.
15 – Street Legal? NO
16 – Veh License #:
N/A - New Construction
17 – State licensed:
N/A
18 – Length – 11 feet
19 – Width – Appx 7 ft
20 – Weight:
700 + pax
21 – Frame base:
3 wheel electric golf cart, H-D.
22 – Year frame built: 1969
23 – MV Total Capacity – 4-5
Trailers
24 – Trailers used? 1
25 – More than 1 Levels? NO
26 – describe:
Single level MV. No access to top structure available.
27 – Sound System? YES
28 – Sound Watts? 50
29 Bar? NO
30 – Stand in motion? NO
31 – Design Safety:
Assure stability at full capacity and while loading and unloading through Center
of Gravity assurance and if needed, outriggers.. Passenger area is enclosed by
steel semi-cage & various hand hold points. New electrical system. Areas around
flame effect are of fireproof materials (Fiberglass, metal), flame effect at
over 10' from ground. Full lighting. All wheel brakes + parking brakes. Fully
securable.
32 – Operating procedures:
Vehicle at complete stop prior to board/egress. Approved, licensed, and stone
sober operators only, fully trained in operation. Rowdy pax will be discharged.
Vehicle designed to make visual continuity 220+ degrees from operator location.
All controls/effects/etc. operated by operator from single location. Fire
extinguisher/shutoff valve (propane)/1st aid kit location marked and/or plainly
visible. View to rear via mirrors and plain view.
33 – Enter/Exit procedures:
For main vehicle, can be accessed from either side to secure and "side walled"
seating - 2- on main seat, 2 on rear facing "jump" seats if used.. Trailer, if
used, from left (drivers) side only, roped off to prevent mobile climb on-off.
Communications via voice between vehicle and trailer.
34 – Lighting:
Extensive and intense el-wire lighting outlining vehicle and enhancing dome and
other unique features. Lit red star on top. Dome lit from within with
spotlighting also possible. Flame effect for show. Safety lighting to include
electric head and tail lights, kerosene side and tail lamps. "Cabin" lighting by
interior chandelier, "candles" (electric and/or kerosene lanterns securely
attached), spotlight to battle map table, and Fiber Optic (monofilament) star
effect on "headliner" of cabin area. The end product *will* amaze you!
35 – Fuel type:
Stock and upgraded power train system, 48 volt electrical system as outlined
above, charged from unused power capacity from camp grid or solar charger. 12
volt deep cycle system for Lighting, audio, etc. Flame effect will be
clean-burning Propane. Is intended to be as
as possible.
36 – Flame Effect? YES
37 – Combustibles? YES
Schedule:
Cart has been obtained and
is in working condition. Fabrication expected to begin late March, early
April 2007, and will continue as needed through July. If completed in
July, the Roam'in-Off will take part in Artown Events in the city of Reno NV.
Original Soviet Locomotive Plaque for front of vehicle
PROGRESS PICTURES:
March 24- 25, 2007
Humble Beginnings
The basic 3 wheel cart frame, stripped-down
Removal of old seat frame
Technical advisor and Shop Master Mr. Fixit considers couch placement, while Mr. Jellyfish looks on
The basic platform complete, with material for couch recovering and carpet tossed on for general idea of look.
Next Steps.... create front assembly and main table, side tables and new battery decks.
Here are some previews..... of the gaudy-ness desired
Opulent finery to be used throughout.
Dome frame layout shown in 1 foot scale
March 31-April 1
Progress
Pinemom learns to weld- fixing on the rear under braces
BB welds the new battery deck frame
Mr. Fixit and BB show off the completed battery deck
The new battery deck for the main running power with the ingenious tie down bar
Starting on the front end assembly main frame. BB Sue had a chance to do a huge amount of welding- and she's real good at it.
Bay Bridge Sue... Welder Woman!!!
BB and Fixit test the "sit-ability" of the front table-- to be sure it is playa-worthy
Basic table frame for front end assembly. Another battery deck being added under table-
Deep cycle battery seen here will run lighting effects separate from the running power.
The labors of the weekend- completed front end assembly. with braces
It's sit-able... and lay-able too.
Sunday afternoon, work done - Mr. Fixit in his natural habitat
Ok, where do we go from here?
The hardest work, and the most time consuming, is creating the actual running platform and foundations. It's not the glamorous part, but the most necessary. Another full day or two will be required before this can be complete, but it's pretty darn close. Once we have a fully operable, balanced and complete platform, the dressing out can begin.
A Concept:
Above is a graphics concept of what the front end might look like. The lower portion of the front end will be MUCH darker, and dressed out to look like heavy-worn locomotive iron with lots of rivets etc. The table top will be surfaced to resemble a vintage treasure map-like-map of BRC. BB Sue and I contemplated the idea of adding vases to each side, and here added to test the look. I pasted-in the couch and side curtains and tables in order to better visualize. The front end is VERY strong, and can support two people sitting on the table. We will likely have two small folding camp stools, located in a storage space under the table, so that friends may sit and relax at the table while me make stops around the city. A small spotlight above the table will illuminate it at night.
Much thanks to the truly awesome, and endlessly generous Mr. Fixit for his help, advice and expertise!
--- Kernul Killbuck and Bay Bridge Sue, project co-conspirators.
May 5-6 Work Weekend Photos:
The new ship's wheel in place
BB Sue tries out where the Victrola Horn will be placed. This is a recent addition.
Home Made speed controller now in place
Welder Woman
Pine Mom playing with the side curtain placements and couch side table placement
The Kernul relaxes after a LONG weekend in the presence of impending splender
Safety 12th
A toast before the big maiden launch
BB is thinking "not too much...that's my favorite"
BB Blows kisses to the adoring crowd.... and...
The Roamin'Off.... ROAMS!!!! Test drive success.
May 5-6 2007 work weekend videos on Youtube:
Kernul & Rogman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtgCGR_WT3E
BurnerBaby, Pinemom, Kernul, TITWI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auxdF2tjP9o
A day at Fixit's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW9Sju9XKQo
BBSue: "no, no not that grinder!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gc1RbfLq3g
Mr Fixit "working his magic.."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmyDFhGAlz0
IT LIVES!!!! It MOVES!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbOQ62IhYis
Mr. Fixit, Killbuck, Bay Bridge Sue, Titwi
And now... on to June
June 17, 2007: Onion Dome Construction
The Layout Plan shown earlier-- to create 8 uprights of emt 1/2 inch conduit.
To begin, we re-created this pattern in full size as a chalk drawing on the floor of the shop...
The curve is started....
...then each piece bent to the pattern.
The first one was challenging...
...but it all went much faster than I thought
Ready to be trimmed. We eventually produced 8.
We discussed different ways to create a base-- a plywood disc top and bottom, etc... but Mr. Fixit
convinced me that an emt hoop and metal ring at top would be best. Welding would be stronger and would not loosen-up under vibration and movement like bolts would. Here, the fist two uprights ate welded in to top and bottom hoops.
To make sure is was straight up and down, I set a plumb line down to the center of the base circle. The top ring? Turns out that an old basketball hoop was the right size. Later a light metal disc can be spotted in to keep the center pole of the fire device aligned.
The curve I was looking for worked.
Fixit welds on the remaining uprights
Testing a fit on the cart frame--
The Maniacal Master of Morphing and Mutating -- Mr. Fixit. You WILL do as he says.
He's got Rasputin Eyes!!!!!
The sum of the day of work--
Dome: Metal basic framing done. It will later (but soon) have a number of parallel horizontal hoops attached, as many as practical, around the metal frame. This will give the red covering a nice rounded, smooth look. The dome will be able to lift up, to have access inside for some of our effects.
Side lamps attached-- they will need polishing and 12v auto trunk lights installed.
Front end-- finishing started-- last of the frame on, and a heavy coating of black paint applied. Later, false rivets will be put on, and the whole painted to look like bulky iron-- much like on an old locomotive.
The side and back curtain attachments are going in well, and I played around with some thoughts for draping cloths and tassels inside-- this is not the final look, but it'll give the idea. BB Sue is going to make framed portraits on either side of Lenin and Stalin.
The headliner needs to go in yet, and soon, the table top will get it's finished surface. I brought back all the couch cushions and fabric to make covers for them. Big headrests will also be installed.
Not bad for one day's work. I'll continue to put in as many days as possible in June and July-- we hope to have this in a very presentable daytime appearance by July 28, and Reno's Drum Dance and Didgeridoo Festival- the ending of "Artown, " where there will be an art car parade. Then, a couple more weekends in August, and we should have all the final effects installed.
June 23, 2007
"DOME DAY"
With a tight schedule to get the Roamin-Off into day parade condition for Reno's Artown closing event on July 28, the dome is of critical importance. Here, the horizontal struts are going into place. These struts will hold the red taffeta nylon cover off of the EMT uprights and give the finished dome a smooth look.
The work went rather fast over the morning, and to my surprise, it actually worked!
The horizontal CPVC pipes had to be glued, and this clamp method worked great while the cement set.
By afternoon, the basic hoops installed. There will be at least a couple more installed. As BB found out, the more hoops, the smoother the look.
The overall look so far. Note the NICE shade, and the progress on the front end.
We wanted a good solid iron locomotive look, and I think this is getting there!
On this surface, the Soviet metal plaque will be installed, as well as headlights
The next work weekend will be in early July. By then, the couch will be nearing completion, and the dome cover will begin. Another important element will be the table top. Well, lets just say it's got a bunch left to do.
Of course, this IS for Burning Man, so it will eventually have elwire and night lighting.... and FIRE!!!!!
FULL FRONTAL CART-AGE!!!!
July 4 progress
Hey... Cari-- like what I did with that bracket you gave me? Nice touch--a Burner-catcher!!
Nearing full daytime appearance... sans dome of course-- but that soon
The couch turned out nice-- needs headrests yet.
Possible night lighting for front and top edges
MORE SOON!!
777 Progress!!!
Holy Buddha! Wait till ya see the progress!!!
Ta da!!
The table now has a hinge- so there is access to the 12V Deep Cycle battery, wiring harnesses and for storage
The head rests and side tables are now in, really finishing the basic comforts. Draping below the side tables still to be added.
Detail shot of the front visor look... VERY gothey ironesque, eh?
Battery charger port installed... and, special anti-playa-hijacking technology too!
The new nifty shifty-shift lever... very elegant!
Headliner and bell underway
The Battle Map Table Top nearing completion!
It's been quite a weekend! The Roamin'off went on an extended night time test flight last night for several miles around Lemmon Valley NV... and it performed admirably! All systems are go for major completion by July 28.
Next major event is July 21 weekend-- plan to get dome covered!!!
JULY 15:
I went to the shop, also known as the Old Lemmongrad Ironworks and Mutant Vehicle Factory 19....
...starting to ad on the finishes for the main vehicle:
The Table Top is in!!!!! Also called the Battle Map, to plot and scheme upon!
You will also note the headlights have been installed as well, with appropriate blackout lids in case of Stuka attacks!
Drapes are now in for the side tables. I like how these carry the bright red of the side tables down the side.
Testing the beer can on the table.... yep, it works.
So, in review, just need a bit of hemming... add on a few more lights, install the wiring , fuses and main lights battery.... control panel.... and start up on the dome cover... which I should be able to do this very evening.... and get ready for fitting on the 21st. So, prepare for an excellent set of pics from THAT busy-frantic work weekend!!
July 20-21-22
Dome and Wiring Work!!
The basic dome cover is in place.
The cart is nearing completion... apart from vast elwire and a few other accent lights! You'll notice the diplomatic flags that will provide instant access to secret compounds, and allow the Roamin'off to park anywhere in BRC-- even in front of fire hydrants!
The underside of the table makes a perfect foundation for the electrical connectors, circuits and for the amp. By the time BB gets through with this, it's going to be a wire-age masterpiece. Also note the original Soviet Submarine clock.
The Grand and Stentorian Bombastic Proclamations Projector has finally been fitted!!!!
A small preview of the basic running lights
Work re-commences in just a few days.... Thursday-Friday in fact.... and then Saturday to RENO and the Drum Dance and Didgeridoo Festival... the closing event of Artown.
Drum Dance and Didgeridoo Festival, Reno, July 28.
Including the 2nd Reno Rally of the Mutants!
Transport ready
On the Mapes Plaza, downtown. What a great turn-out!
BTW... we ARE saving a few surprises for when it gets to the playa... so we won't show everything here.
The Proud Creators taking the "Roamy" for first "walkies" with the public 7/28/07
Roamin'off now goes into Web Silence Mode!
We are keeping the rest for view on the playa, Burning Man 2007!
This has been the best project so far, and we hope all of you have enjoyed the progress info, and maybe gained a few ideas from it too. We certainly learned a great deal. Visit us at APOKILIPTIKA-Terminal City, located at 3:00 Keyhole and Arctic!!!!!!
Our greatest thanks to Mr. Fixit of Hot Wheels Camp for his ALL TOO generous support and help. We owe him... & he is doomed.
See you on the playa!!!!
Kernul Killbuck- APOKILIPTIKA
Bay Bridge Sue- APOKILIPTIKA
Mr Fixit- Hot Wheels Camp