Re: Modelling large theropod movement

[jrc <jrccea@bellsouth.net>]

I too, have had my hands on Hall's theropod during its developmental stage
(not nearly as much hands-on experience as John, thank goodness....).  I
challenge anyone to make the motion more realistic while using only one
motor..... :-)

Hall and I discussed the hip side-to-side rotation, and I agree with his
reasons for omitting it -- would have made the model too subject to
mechanical problems and would have turned it into a maintenance hog.  Even
the gears are handmade, and the internals of the knee action are a marvel to
behold, as is the toe articulation.

Hall is a world class artist, sculptor, paleontologist, and engineer.  (his
video of ornithocheirid flapping flight is still the best that I have seen,
though I don't know if it has ever appeared commercially)
JimC
P.S.  So is John Conway

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Conway" <john.a.conway@gmail.com>
To: <Danvarner@aol.com>
Cc: <dinosaur@usc.edu>; <Ken.Carpenter@dmns.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 4:38 AM
Subject: Re: Modelling large theropod movement


> I have never met someone with more dedication to get something exactly 
> right. I'm something of a perfectionist, but after a three months of 
> working 9am-3am six days a week, I have a tendency to say "it's good 
> enough". Not so Hall Train.
>
> "Artist" he may be, but he's as thorough as any "scientist" (sorry, 
> couldn't resist!), and that walking /T. rex/ - as much as I hate the sight 
> of it now - is a masterpiece.
>
> Cheers,
> John