Something a little different. I was asked to put this forum on by a member making automata.
For anyone who doesn't know what an Automata or automaton is, here's a bit of a brief run-down.
These wonders of woodwork or metal are works of art in their own right and best described as an object or contrivance that seemingly works under it's own power even though there is an engine or power-plant of some kind driving it. They may be cranked by hand, wind powered, clockwork, or mechanically driven by electricity or battery.
Most of us have seen one at some time or another, and as kids many of us may even have owned one something similar to the one below and not known it was automata.
Attachment 344642 Press the button in the base of the stand hard enough and the cow(or whatever it is) will collapse. Press it lightly in the right places and you can make it nod it's head, wag it's tail sit down, kneel down and do many other actions.
They can be made of wood or metal or paper-machete or tin or plastic and leather or a combination of these and other materials. Many of the top line one are intricately carved to give a lifelike look and feel some are nothing more than a series of moving parts, whilst some are so complex that they defy comprehension.
I made a number of automata some 20 odd years ago for a gypsy story teller. A drumming monkey, that sat atop an organ-grinders box was one. A man sitting on a wooden fruit box rocking back and forth, whilst his dog ran around at his feet whilst at the right tie a little girl carrying a dolly ran towards the man and the dog, these were part of a gypsy story telling box. Unfortunately I can't find any of the photo's right now, but the (now quite elderly) story teller crops up at shows, carnivals, steam rallies, etc, from time to time and if you are lucky enough you might get to see them and hear one of his stories. If I can ever find the pics I will post them here.
I know you're out there you automata makers so here's a chance to show off your stuff.
Cheers - Neil :U
The video below will lead to a few more just to give you an idea of what an automata is.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gMbiSIVrPgk" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" width="600"></iframe>
