It’s time to add the Raptor tracks and freshen-up the T-Rex Prints. I didn’t mix the white paint enough and the T-Rex prints came out too light! Now is the perfect opportunity to address that issue.
Note: The road in front of PaulsPrehistoricPark.com is private and the property lines reach the center of the street. You need to check with your local authorities to obtain approvals before attempting this in your neighborhood. However, you may have a pathway or patio in your yard allowing you to try this activity at home. Again, check for any required approvals first. Especially CC&R’s for those of you living in communities overseen by a HOA.
Remember from my first post on this subject “Don’t Try This at Home? And Dinosaur Trackers!” July 17, 2017; I found the traffic paint and glass beads for this project at www.asphaltsealcoatingdirect.com. Sprinkling the glass beads on the wet paint provides a reflective surface – day and night. The paints I used are “fast drying” (10 minutes), which is especially helpful even during non-peak traffic hours.
As mentioned in my previous article, my visits to the Natural History Museum Los Angeles and the Local Public Library where helpful resources for designing realistic Dinosaur Footprints. In my case they would be fresh verses 65 million years or older. “A Field Guide to Dinosaurs – The Essential Handbook for Travelers in the Mesozoic”. By Henry Gee and Luis V. Rey was published in 2003. It contains a number of sketches that were very useful.
I started with a small drawing for a Raptor footprint. Then based on the math discussed below I scaled the drawing up to a 1.5 foot long full size drawing. I used poster board that I found at Staples to make the templates. I needed 2 sheets of 22 inch by 28 inch poster board to make a left and right footprint. Raptors inner claw toe does not touch the ground per various books I have read. I could have just flipped it over but that could get really messy painting both sides of the template at the same time. I used an x-acto knife for cutting the tight spaces on the templates and scissors for the rest.
If you remember my book review of “Dinosaurs Without Bones: Dinosaur Lives Revealed by Their Trace Fossils” by Anthony J. Martin published 2014 you will recall Anthony provided the math calculations for footprint size and spacing based on walking, trotting or running. You never know when algebra will come in handy! The review was in my March 25, 2017 post – A “Dinotopia” Reading & Dinosaurs in the Public Library – Book Review continued.
H = 4L, S = H x (motion factor),
H is the Hip Height of the Dinosaur, L is the Length of the footprint, S = the Stride
The motion factors are < 2 walking, 2 – 2.9 trotting, > 2.9 running
Therefore, a Raptor with a 6 foot hip height would produce a 1.5 foot long footprint every 3 – 4.5 feet while trotting and over 4.5 feet while running. Anyone want to check my math? If you would like more details on how the motion factor was determined, check out Anthony’s book.
Using a measuring tape and marking paint, I made it clear where each footprint would go. I used white paint to avoid show through. One dot for the left foot and two dots for the right foot. I started with 3 feet apart increasing to 6 feet and back to 3 feet. This reflects beginning a trot to running then slowing back to a trot.
I picked up roller brushes for rough surfaces and I have an extendable roller handle. This makes it easier covering large areas on the ground. I preferred the mini roller brushes to paint over the template. They give me more control getting paint into the detailed parts. It’s very important the area is clean prior to painting or your rollers will pick up a great deal of dirt and waste paint. When I prepped the area for the T-Rex prints the first time, I broom cleaned and hosed the area. By the time the water dried and it was time to paint the street traffic had created significant dirt and dust. It required more sweeping before I could start painting.
This time I purchased an 18 volt blower – Ryobi P755 – from Home Depot. Although this model is designed for the workshop it produces higher wind velocity than the garden blower. It’s more compact. The battery power is a nice feature too! Since its compact you will need to get closer to the surface. Instead of bending and straining my back, I incorporated lunges into my movements to clear the street. A good exercise while you work can’t hurt. If this doesn’t appeal to you, consider the yard model with the extendable handle. The blower is great for a fast cleaning just prior to painting and it saves water!
I was able to block half the road for a short period of time. I didn’t start work until after 6:30 PM to reduce the impact to my neighbors. Immediately after using the white paint on the template, I used a plastic measuring cup to sprinkle the glass beads. I wore a mask when I did this as a precaution. The beads are very fine like sand and I wanted to make sure I didn’t accidently inhale any. Four neighbors stopped during my painting to admire the Dinosaur tracks. A couple others waived with excitement as they drove past. It was 9:00 pm when I finished. The moonlight assisted with the last quarter of the painting.
Now It’s Time to Track some Dinosaurs. It looks like the Raptors came out of the barranca! As you follow the tracks up the street and across the bridge they suddenly disappear and only a single Raptor can be seen. Where did the T-Rex and other two Raptors go? You had better watch your back!
The next morning the T-Rex & Raptor prints sparkle in the sunlight. The Magic of Dinosaurs!
The Templates had a serious workout with this project. The Raptor Templates are Toast! I’ll make new ones for future projects. If you saved the cut-out portions it will be easy to make replacements for future projects.
Remember “Dino Fest” September 23rd & 24th at the Natural History Museum Los Angeles. A Fun Filled Weekend of Everything Dinosaur!
Check out my previous post August 24th “Dino Fest” Sept. 23rd & 24th at the Natural History Museum Los Angeles” for more details or go directly to the Museum’s website www.nhm.org
I’m still looking for a School in the Ventura County Area to Create an Activity for the Students! I will provide up to 16 tickets to “Dino Fest” for a drawing to allow 3 or 4 Families to enjoy the festivities. Participation in the Activity will get you in the drawing. Again, Contact Me ASAP so we can put something Fun together quickly!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art & Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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