Playapus corralus: (sometimes appearing as spiny sharks with humanoid heads) is a class of extinct fishes, having features of both bony fish (Osteichthyes) and humanoid facial features (homobizzaro/disambiguation. In form they resembled fish like bodied creatures with human heads, but their epidermis was covered with tiny rhomboid platelets like the scales of holosteans (gars, bowfins). They may have been an independent phylogenetic branch of fishes, which had evolved from little-specialized forms close to Recent Chondrichthyes.
The Playapus is perfectly adapted to Black Rock Desert, and has been known to consort with homo-sapiens. It is especially fond of music, and primarily nocturnal. Some believe the Playapus is the missing link.
This is the only known sketch of this rare creature. As we learn more about it, we will update our illustration.
We found these vehicles on Craigslist. The one we picked is a Cushman mini-truck, with a 1 ton capacity... plenty of capacity for picking up a few extra passengers.
Our mini truck can seat 6 people very comfortably, and 8 without too much of a problem. The tail sections can carry another 2 people.
The first step was to connect the first trailer section. This is a "garden cart" and works pretty much like those little red wagons, but bigger and with good shock-absorbing tires.
Our next step was to beging building the frame, whick the body elements would attach to.
The trailer is quite comfortable, even for someone of my size (6' 2")
Then the last section. Shown here are Eden, Kara, and the posse of dogs. The back trailer would be a good seat for someone small, but is also water-tight so it can double as an ice bucket for keeping drinks cold.
Then we affix wire to the "exoskeleton" which is what we will attach the "scales" to
Any sharp edges must be removed for safety.
Now we install the scales. These will be used for the entire back tail portion of the playapus.
Now we have installed the "fin" base, and we need to rust proof the metal.
Shaping the metal so the scales can be installed.
Welding on the 'fin' sockets, this is what we will insert the 'fin' poles into.
Now we fabricate and wire the exoskeleton for the sections.
We got a little help from Shadow.
Starting to bring the form into focus.
Finally the frame for the tail section gets fabricated.
We are just about ready to connect the sections and add scales.
Here is the outline of the rear shark fin
Now for the 'vertebrae' section. The idea is to create a swiveling body section that retains it's shape as the playapus turns.
For this we have linked sections of steel flat bar, and welded a 'rib' to each section.
Held together with bolts and nylock nuts, the 'backbone' will swivel without any significant sag.
Then we begin affixing the scales to each rib, temporarily held together with linked wire ties, but eventually light chain.
A video of the skeleton http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QYC66QotKY
Side view, installing L-wire.
First night shot
Video of Playapus Corralus
Getting ready for the DMV prom (2010)
2010 and a new face and all silver for the beast - Metropolis!
