Evaluation

When researching for my wooden toy a key inspiration was the company UGears. They make very intricate and high quality models using mechanical pieces to give life to the pieces. It was this that gave me the inspiration to create a mechanical wooden toy. From this I went onto researching simpler versions of wooden toys and I came across a 3D modelled walking Trex. It was at that point that I came to the cross road of making a flying pterodactyl or dragon. I could not decide between the two so I went and asked my little brother what he would prefer for his age range was the target market of the toy, and he said that he would prefer a dragon, there for i got started on a design.

To start off when designing my 3D model I first drew a paper sketch of all 3 view points as well as a close up of what I thought the mechanism should look like. I then went onto use google sketch up, a 3D modelling software that I am very familiar with to build I to scale replica of what I intended to build. After this was done I took the both the sketches and the model to the workshop and began to build it. For the manufacturing I used my grandads’ workshop for he is a trained carpenter and could assist me if I got stuck on anything.

During the development of my 3D model I used google sketch up to create the 3D design of the model. After finishing this I used it as a reference point for my finished toy. For the toy I used plywood and wooden dowel. When developing the intricate parts of the shape I used a coping saw but for the larger parts like the box I chose to use a band saw. When making the wheels I used a circular drill and took the centres after drilling.

The 2D animation was made using Photoshop for when it comes to frame by frame animation I find Photoshop to be the software that I am most comfortable with. I used the flying pattern of a bat in order to get the flapping style for a dragon for I felt that they were the closest to a dragon anatomically. I coloured the dragon using block colour but for the background I used the Photoshop offset tool to make a mirrored sky using a watercolour style. I felt that it looped very well and looked very nice with the dragon in the foreground.

I enjoyed this unit, it allowed me to expand on my field of interest as well as giving me some good ideas for what I would like to build for my FMP. I learnt of many new methods of animating as well as improved my knowledge when it came to using some carpeting tools. If I were to do this project again I would choose some more sturdy materials for my model and would have liked to experiment with the 3D printer and laser cutter. In conclusion I enjoyed this unit and feel that it has greatly broadened my skills.

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