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I've completed the parts and instruction for the crank / cam mechanism. This one of two mechanisms I'm trying out for the Dodo model that I'm working on at the moment. The pdf file is available for premium members to download.

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I've completed the layout for mk I dodo mechanism. It uses a crank/cam to move the wings at four times the speed of the body so giving a fluttering effect.

I had a blindingly obvious idea while I was putting together the parts for photography. How can I make the white parts stand out from the white background? Print the parts onto coloured card. Obviously.

So - photography complete. Just instructions to do. I'll be making the model available to members as an interesting mechanism to construct for yourself.

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I've put together a quick YouTube video showing how one of the proposed Dodo mechanism works. You can view it here.

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I've completed the mech for the dodo model. I'll be doing a YouTube clip showing how it works - it'll have to wait until morning when it is a bit lighter. Suffice to say that the mechanism is both intriguing and cunning.

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I've been working on the back end of the website for the past couple of days so I've had nothing to report apart from database structure stuff. This afternoon I've been back to the sketch pad working on a new model for next week. The dodo is a character I've wanted to use for a while now. I think I've arrived at an interesting movement so it's off to the drawing board. This will be a top-of-a-box character. Turn the handle and the dodo will try to fly. The wings flap frantically but the dodo only just lifts of the ground.

There are a couple of ways to acheive this movement. I could use the same movement as the die fledermaus model with a mixed cam and crank slider or I can use a couple of separate cams one for the dodo movement, one for the wings. I'll be trying out both techniques and will report back.

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