The Challenges of Building a Dalek: Part 15
Be sure to read the previous parts of The Challenges of Building a Dalek. We are still working slowly through the August Florida heat, working in the shade. Using fans can only work for a short amount of time before they do not fully work anymore. Dad is at the point of trying to get the dalek inside of the house, so that way we can work in the dalek at full speed again.
Exterior
Since the last update; we have been able to add another layer of hunter-green paint, which will be the primary color for our dalek. As a result, we discovered that we have many dents and dings that need to be patched up and then sanded down. The goal is to make our dalek smooth to the touch.
We are also able to fit the balls (hemispheres) into place for the first time. Each row will have 4 balls, measuring at 5 ¾ a part, and will be centered in their row. We have made 34 balls so far and one is in the mold curing; we need 75 in total. Dad had made up a stick with the four holes predrilled to the correct measurements. That way he puts the stick to the panel where the row will be and drilled the holes into place. All we’d need to do is to screw in the balls. Our dalek will be painted again after all the holes are drilled.
Current Design
Our batteries have died yet again, this will be our second set that has called it quits. We will be buying the correct batteries as we would like the dalek to move at top speeds. Currently, the neck is about 10 inches in height; and about 16 inches in diameter. When you add it to the base it stands at 62.5 inches, 1587.5 millimeters, including the wheels. Derek the Dalek is currently a bright hunter green and will be having soul-sucking black hemispheres around the base. We are still in the process of looking for another electronic scooter/wheelchair to make the next dalek to make more of today’s version of the dalek.
