How does John Payne design and build his kinetosaurs? Let's watch him!

Research
First, John Payne decides which dinosaur he wants to create. Then he gathers as much information as he can. He reads books, searches the Web, and talks with museum staff and paleontologists.

Choosing Materials
When he is ready to start making the sculpture, John goes to the salvage yard to find discarded steel. Sometimes he needs specific sizes of steel tubes, so he has to buy it new.

Making Plans
Next John makes many sketches to explore his ideas. Then he draws a very detailed plan of the dinosaur on his computer. Like any sculptor, he thinks about the lines, shapes and patterns of the dinosaur bones and how the sculpture will balance. Then he transfers that plan to a grid on the floor of his studio. He also draws patterns on the steel pieces.

Production!
John cuts the steel pieces with an electronic torch called a plasma cutter. Then he hammers each piece to stretch it out and round off the steel. He spot-welds the pieces together into each shape, then hammers and welds some more to finish each piece. Finally, he grinds the burs away.

Assembly
When it's time to put all the parts together, John lays them on the floor grid. He usually hangs the backbone first, then adds the legs. As he puts the pieces together, he figures out how to make the kinetosaur balance and move.

Finished!
Once the kinetosaur is finished, John cleans it and stains it. Then he applies a clear sealer to protect it from rust. Then the kinetosaur is ready to leave John's garage and come to a museum near you!
 
  

Kinetosaurs Home Page
Copyright 1999 The Children's Museum of Indianapolis