Features of note:

Here are a few of the features of the automata piece that may not be obvious from watching the videos or looking at the photos.

• There are 12 wildebeests and 3 crocodiles in the piece.
• Two of the wildebeests are juveniles 
• Wilbur's gyrocopter is a custom built 2 cylinder "Serengeti 2000"
• This piece was designed with a more open concept to the base. In this way the mechanism is easier to view, and the piece seems "lighter" or "airy" in keeping with with the flying motif.
• Sobek can be seen cranking the mechanism below the river. He is the African Crocodile God. It is said if you believe in Sobek you will not be bitten by a crocodile. 
• One wildebeest is so tired and traumatized from his swim that he cannot crawl up onto the bank.
• There are  67 separate crocodile teeth incorporated into the piece!
• Six fasteners into the bottom of the pillars can be released to service the piece by removing to top section in future if necessary.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 17" tall X 22" wide X 7.5" deep. (43.2 X 55.9 X 19.1 cm)
Weight: 5 lb. (2.2 kg.)
Number of Pieces: 440 plus
Materials of Construction: Frame - Poplar, Followers - Maple, Cams/Gears - Birch Plywood,   Animals - Birch, Pine, and Basswood                                                  

Time Lapse Assembly

The Serengeti 2000!

The Serengeti 2000 before paint.

 The idea of creating a gyrocopter for Wilbur's crossing meant building an engine to power it.  It had to be small enough for a wildebeest to carry in a pack back during migration yet powerful enough to carry him over the river.

The result is this 23 piece assembly. Don't ask Wilbur how he got it - he doesn't know. 

---

Click here to learn more about wildebeests!

Click here to return to the
 Automata Gallery