AWGB Revolutions Newletter - March 2017
What’s A Turner To Do?
What does a woodturner do for a challenge, after successfully making a couple of working wooden Trumpets and a wooden French Horn? Well, the obvious choice is to have a go at making a wooden Traction Engine, of course!
SWALLOW 2015
In January 2015, based on the “Minnie” model Traction Engine, George King started creating the 1/8th scale drawings, followed by the making of each component in wood. It took until July before construction of the wooden model was complete. Named “Swallow 2015” due to all the help & support given by a nest of swallows above his lathe, the model was displayed in August at both the South Cerney Steam Extravaganza and the Great Dorset Steam Fair. After declarations of amazement by many visitors, one of his (female) friends asked “Where are all the pretty lights?”
PERSERVERANCE
So, once again, what does a woodturner do? He starts working in September 2015, on the drawings for a Burrell Showmans Engine in 2 inch scale, completing the model, pretty lights and all, in January 2017. This one has been named “Perseverance” which reflects George’s attitude to his work; he loves a challenge and working to overcome the inevitable difficulties. Not patience then, just perseverance!
There were some delays during May and June 2016, the annual swallow nesting not causing much of a problem as they return every year and are used to each other, no, it was the robin chicks hopping round the workshop floor that needed to be carefully avoided.
ROBIN & SWALLOW CHICKS
During 2017 George exhibited at the Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza at South Cerney, at the end of the Craft Marquee. He also joined the Great Dorset Steam Fair Model Tent for the second time. Both events took place in August.
Then he was looking for the next project/challenge!!! Any suggestions?
Jane King
(Woodturner’s Wife)
January 2017