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Oct. 29, 2001
Nov. 7, 2001
Nov. 16, 2001
Dec. 18, 2001
Jan. 29, 2002
Feb. 5, 2002
Feb. 20, 2002
Mar. 6, 2002
Mar.13, 2002
Mar. 25, 2002
Apr. 3, 2002
Apr. 12, 2002
Apr. 23,2002
May 2, 2002
May 29, 2002
Jun, 13, 2002
Jul. 29, 2002
Aug, 16, 2002
Sep. 12,2002
Sep. 23,2002
Oct. 4,2002
Oct. 24,2002
Nov. 06,2002
Dec. 05,2002
Mar. 07,2003
Mar. 25,2003
May 1, 2003
Jun. 13,2003
Jun. 23, 2003
Jan. 29, 2002 Feb. 5, 2002
Master patternmaker Al Ballint prepares a wood pattern for a missing segment of Vulcan's lower torso segment. This pattern will be used to make a new casting in iron for repair purposes. Stainless steel plates are used on the interior of the cracked castings for reinforcement. These plates will be tied to a central armature system which will also be fabricated in stainless steel. William Vickers prepares a crack in the lower torso segment for weld repairs. All remaining components of Vulcan were safely moved from Vulcan Park in Birmingham to Robinson Iron's plant in Alexander City, Alabama on February 5, 2002. Despite cold, blustery conditions the move went smoothly. A 50 ton crane was used to hoist the components. The head casting was the heaviest of all weighing 11,000 pounds.
Feb. 5, 2002 Feb. 20, 2002
Harry Slyhoff positions one of Vulcan's most famous casting on the rear of a special double drop deck trailer used to transport the components. This is the second heaviest casting weighing in at a most impressive 9400 pounds. Vulcan's right hand joins all of the other castings at Robinson's fenced area. The small spear placed in the hand in 1938 remains in place. In 1946 the spear was covered by the torch which burned red or green as a symbol of highway safety. William Vickers adds a new iron casting to fill a void in Vulcan's lowest torso segment. The new casting is bolted in place on the interior and welded with a nickel welding rod on the exterior for a permanent installation. Conservator Nick Veloz from Alexandria, Virginia inspects Vulcan's leg castings. Nick is a specialist in outdoor sculpture restorations and is working to assist Robinson Iron with the project at the request of the Vulcan Park Foundation.
Mar 6, 2002 Mar. 13, 2002
This photograph shows the damage in more detail. James Whiteard makes repairs to the left elbow. Since the crack does not extend the full length of the casting it can be repaired with backup plates made of stainless steel and a weldment on the exterior. The weld will be ground flush with the casting surface before finish painting. Marketing and Design Manager Wayne Fuller develops details for the new spear for Vulcan's right hand. This drawing will be used to create a wooden pattern which will be used in the foundry to make a new iron casting. Curtis White removes the old paint coatings from Vulcan's head. The cleaning work nears completion.
Mar. 13, 2002 Mar. 25, 2002
A steel work platform is under construction near the Statue components. This platform will be used to erect the statue this Summer. The idea is to pre-fit all of the components together with the internal armature so that problems can be addressed before the statue is moved back to Red Mountain. Patternmaker Tom Sanders prepares a new repair piece for Vulcan's left hand. The holes between the knuckles were caused by a flaw in the original casting. This type of flaw is called a cold shut. Vulcan's head receives the coating of zinc thermal spray neded for long term corrosion resistance.