Stuart arrived at the Park on May 7th with Stanley the Stegosaurus and the 4 Raptors – Alan, Blue, Charlie & Jadon. While the Raptors are getting some addition color splashes, Stuart needs some rust protection. Don’t worry Stanley will get protection too!
1st Step: Wire Brushing. Have the Proper Tools & Protection – Leather & Blue Nitrile Gloves, Various Sizes Wire Brushes, Dusting Brush, Blower, Protective Clothing, Knee Pads, Hat & Eye Wear. I start with the Stuart on his side to clean the bottom frame, inside the legs and the tight spots underneath. The knee pads are helpful for this part of the process. Upright to finish, dusting brush and blower to clean area.
2nd Step: Acid Wash. Supplies needed Protective Clothing, Hat, Rubber Gloves & Eye Wear; Brushes; Spray bottle; Etching Acid; measuring cup or other container to transfer Etching material to spray bottle. Again, start with Dinosaurs on their side same reasons as above. Upright to finish. Remember to be very careful when spraying the etching acid. A gust of wind or quick change in its direction can blow the material back on You! Always make sure you keep the little ones and pets out of range, as well. The brushes help with getting the material into heavy rust areas. Let set over night.
3rd Step: Acid Rinse. Supplies needed Protective Clothing, Hat, Rubber Gloves & Eye Wear; Brushes; Towel, Bucket & Water. Stuart is tall. I found a step stool to provide a little assist. Stuart is anxious to help with a brush in his mouth. A damp towel is great for the final wipe down after brushing. Let Dry Completely.
4th Step: Rust Reformer. After You’re sure the Dinosaur is dry, spray on the Rust Reformer to provide a nice seal. Again, starting on the side. After a couple hours upright to finish. You may like the flat black look and decide to clear coat at this step. Or maybe add a few details eyes, etc.… and then clear coat.
5th Step: Primer. I use the Rusty Brown Primer. I have used the white before too. If your base colors are very light you might consider the white primer. After a day or two for curing, it’s time for color.
The New 3D Movie “Titanosaur” at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles is Terrific! It’s about 30 minutes so see it again if you can. Stuart is just a baby, barely a week old in comparison.
These Giant Animals didn’t chew with their teeth, they were for shredding trees & plants. This is the reason Sauropods swallow Stones. The Stones grind up the vegetation in their stomachs. Dr. Luis M. Chiappe, Senior V.P. Dinosaur Institute at The Natural History Museum Los Angeles was one of a Team that Discovered the Great Nesting Site in Patagonia. This site provides a wealth of information about these animals and samples of their skin! The proximity of the nests to one another would indicate the Adults did not stay guarding or warming the nests. As many as 50 eggs to a nest have been discovered. Most females would lay 20 – 40 softball size eggs at a time. Over a 1,000 in a life time, but only few would survive in unattended nests. The fossils of babies in the eggs confirmed they were fully formed at hatching, allowing them to search for food independently. Their growth rate was phenomenal! The study of their cells indicates they could reach 50 lbs. in 5 days and 3,500 lbs. in a year! Osteoderms, small boney coverings, have been found on portions of their skin, which are believed to have provided them nourishment when regular food sources became scarce. When fighting for mates their tails could be deadly weapons. Neck Slamming like Giraffes was also a form of combat. Titanosaurs were the Largest Animals to Ever Walk the Earth!
Thanks to Carnegie Museum Natural History, Andrew McAfee for photo.
“Antarctic Dinosaurs”
are waiting to Chill You at
The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles
This Special Exhibit ends January 5th!
After the “Titanosaur” movie I made a return visit to “Antarctic Dinosaurs”. There is so much to see in this wonderful exhibit I just can’t get enough!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
Your feedback is appreciated, Thank you