Blade-of-the-Moon's Art

[Mamasaurus]

Hi Blade, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply.

The first thing my husband asked when I told him about your situation...Do you have access to city utilities on the property?  Since the city seems to have a lot of control over your property (with all their demands) that implies you are within city limits and therefore have access to city utilities.  If you don't have access to city utilities, then it's a little surprising that the city cares so much about what you do on your property.  Maybe things works a little differently where you live than here in Texas, but here at least the city only gets directly involved if the property is within their jurisdiction, with access to city utilities. 
The water pipe you mentioned in an earlier post, is that a city one (public water supply)?  If so, you should have a city sewer line running somewhere through or within the right of way. Using city sewer would ensure there are no problems with the septic backing up later.

My husband recommends not using the septic tank you have on the property already.  It is likely only a residential sized tank and drain field and will not provide enough capacity for commercial use.  He understands that using it would be more convenient now, but for those few days you have 300 people for an "event", you'll have problems.  It's more costly, but my husband strongly recommends getting commercial grade facilities put in.  Better to pay a little more up front than to have expensive repairs and headaches later.

I would advise contacting a local civil engineer and duscussing your situation and ideas with him/her.  A civil engineer signing off on the design of your public facilities should remove any doubts and concerns the city officials may have.   You should be able to find one in the yellow pages or online, since many of them have websites.  Just search for "civil engineer".  Title companies and contractors also have engineers they tend to work with.

Once you find a few different options, ask for an estimate for commercial grade restroom plans.  Don't go for the cheapest estimate, because regardles of what they say it's always more than that.  Go for the middle estimate, and then ask that engineer if they will match the lower price.  Teh engineer you talk to will know several contractors and have a few they usually work with, and can help you hire someone trustworthy.
Another reason it's a good idea to hire an engineer is liability.  I'm sure you have disclaimers in the park saying you're not responsible for accidents, but some turd out there with a lawyer can still sue you, and you lose everything.  At least for the bathrooms, the engineer takes responsibility for good construction, and you are legally protected.  It's partly because of this liability that an engineer's services can be a bit costly.  If something goes wrong you have someone else to blame.

I hope this helps.  If you have any more questions I'd be more than happy to answer as best I can.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Hi Blade, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply.

The first thing my husband asked when I told him about your situation...Do you have access to city utilities on the property?  Since the city seems to have a lot of control over your property (with all their demands) that implies you are within city limits and therefore have access to city utilities.  If you don't have access to city utilities, then it's a little surprising that the city cares so much about what you do on your property.  Maybe things works a little differently where you live than here in Texas, but here at least the city only gets directly involved if the property is within their jurisdiction, with access to city utilities. 
The water pipe you mentioned in an earlier post, is that a city one (public water supply)?  If so, you should have a city sewer line running somewhere through or within the right of way. Using city sewer would ensure there are no problems with the septic backing up later.

My husband recommends not using the septic tank you have on the property already.  It is likely only a residential sized tank and drain field and will not provide enough capacity for commercial use.  He understands that using it would be more convenient now, but for those few days you have 300 people for an "event", you'll have problems.  It's more costly, but my husband strongly recommends getting commercial grade facilities put in.  Better to pay a little more up front than to have expensive repairs and headaches later.

I would advise contacting a local civil engineer and duscussing your situation and ideas with him/her.  A civil engineer signing off on the design of your public facilities should remove any doubts and concerns the city officials may have.   You should be able to find one in the yellow pages or online, since many of them have websites.  Just search for "civil engineer".  Title companies and contractors also have engineers they tend to work with.

Once you find a few different options, ask for an estimate for commercial grade restroom plans.  Don't go for the cheapest estimate, because regardles of what they say it's always more than that.  Go for the middle estimate, and then ask that engineer if they will match the lower price.  Teh engineer you talk to will know several contractors and have a few they usually work with, and can help you hire someone trustworthy.
Another reason it's a good idea to hire an engineer is liability.  I'm sure you have disclaimers in the park saying you're not responsible for accidents, but some turd out there with a lawyer can still sue you, and you lose everything.  At least for the bathrooms, the engineer takes responsibility for good construction, and you are legally protected.  It's partly because of this liability that an engineer's services can be a bit costly.  If something goes wrong you have someone else to blame.

I hope this helps.  If you have any more questions I'd be more than happy to answer as best I can.

It's actually the county, Sullivan County, based in Blountville.   Bluff City, where I live doesn't seem to care at all one way or the other.   We have utilities, water is from Johnson City,  our power is from Bristol.  we're pretty small and out of the way here in the country. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bluff+City,+TN/@36.4514819,-82.3207524,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x885a83c638ed2a6b:0xd38e6cc916b3cf4c!8m2!3d36.4742705!4d-82.2609685

I'd have to dig up the paperwork, but the septic system is actually a smaller commercial unit i was  told, they sold it to my aunt at a discount since it was on hand, i was told it should support 4 toilets at least.  300 is possible but it would spread out of a 12 hour period.

i'll looking one up.  Like this?  https://www.google.com/search?q=bluff+city+tn&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS701US701&oq=bluff+city+tn&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.8063j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=civic+engineers+sullivan+county+tn&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=36541341,-82544047,1741&tbm=lcl&rldimm=7041812208932580998&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!3sEAE,lf:1,lf_ui:2

i've contacted this place recently, just waiting to hear back :  http://publicrestroomcompany.com/assets/public-restroom-company-logo-large.jpg

[Mamasaurus]

It's actually the county, Sullivan County, based in Blountville.   Bluff City, where I live doesn't seem to care at all one way or the other.   We have utilities, water is from Johnson City,  our power is from Bristol.  we're pretty small and out of the way here in the country. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bluff+City,+TN/@36.4514819,-82.3207524,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x885a83c638ed2a6b:0xd38e6cc916b3cf4c!8m2!3d36.4742705!4d-82.2609685

I'd have to dig up the paperwork, but the septic system is actually a smaller commercial unit i was  told, they sold it to my aunt at a discount since it was on hand, i was told it should support 4 toilets at least.  300 is possible but it would spread out of a 12 hour period.

i'll looking one up.  Like this?  https://www.google.com/search?q=bluff+city+tn&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS701US701&oq=bluff+city+tn&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.8063j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=civic+engineers+sullivan+county+tn&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=36541341,-82544047,1741&tbm=lcl&rldimm=7041812208932580998&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!3sEAE,lf:1,lf_ui:2

i've contacted this place recently, just waiting to hear back :  http://publicrestroomcompany.com/assets/public-restroom-company-logo-large.jpg

The county?  I'm sorry, I must've misread your earlier posts then.  My husband was even more puzzled about why the county would stick their noses so much in your business when the city doesn't even care. *shrug*

But it looks like you're on the right track!   The Google search for Civil Engineers pulled up a few different options, so now I hope you can find a good fit for you.   Just let them know what you plan on doing and see if you can get an estimate.  Go for the middle one, then ask if he/she will match the lower price. The civil engineer will be able to help you with what you need to do and confirm the contractor you found does good work.  The civil engineer will be able to see exactly what you have, and can confirm that your septic system will work with the type of bathrooms you want.  I wish you the best, and hope to go up there to see the park some day.

We may be taking a road trip up north sometime this year, so we'll have to see if we can swing by.  The kids will love it! 

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

It's actually the county, Sullivan County, based in Blountville.   Bluff City, where I live doesn't seem to care at all one way or the other.   We have utilities, water is from Johnson City,  our power is from Bristol.  we're pretty small and out of the way here in the country. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bluff+City,+TN/@36.4514819,-82.3207524,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x885a83c638ed2a6b:0xd38e6cc916b3cf4c!8m2!3d36.4742705!4d-82.2609685

I'd have to dig up the paperwork, but the septic system is actually a smaller commercial unit i was  told, they sold it to my aunt at a discount since it was on hand, i was told it should support 4 toilets at least.  300 is possible but it would spread out of a 12 hour period.

i'll looking one up.  Like this?  https://www.google.com/search?q=bluff+city+tn&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS701US701&oq=bluff+city+tn&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.8063j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=civic+engineers+sullivan+county+tn&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=36541341,-82544047,1741&tbm=lcl&rldimm=7041812208932580998&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!3sEAE,lf:1,lf_ui:2

i've contacted this place recently, just waiting to hear back :  http://publicrestroomcompany.com/assets/public-restroom-company-logo-large.jpg

The county?  I'm sorry, I must've misread your earlier posts then.  My husband was even more puzzled about why the county would stick their noses so much in your business when the city doesn't even care. *shrug*

But it looks like you're on the right track!   The Google search for Civil Engineers pulled up a few different options, so now I hope you can find a good fit for you.   Just let them know what you plan on doing and see if you can get an estimate.  Go for the middle one, then ask if he/she will match the lower price. The civil engineer will be able to help you with what you need to do and confirm the contractor you found does good work.  The civil engineer will be able to see exactly what you have, and can confirm that your septic system will work with the type of bathrooms you want.  I wish you the best, and hope to go up there to see the park some day.

We may be taking a road trip up north sometime this year, so we'll have to see if we can swing by.  The kids will love it! 

it's beyond me.  i've written to the mayor of bluff city, but never received a response, the blountville mayor, where the courthouse/sullivan county planning and zoning is based was just confused when interviewed,  and gave a very political answer " i'm sure they are doing all they can to work with mr kastner. "       Th Director, Ambre Torbett is fond of telling me " we've had planning and zoning in the county since 1982 ".   I guess they first became involved when they had complaints for our way more than expected trick or treat with the dinosaurs event about 2 years ago.  i was told by the director to seek a special use permit...and their involvement was assured since then.

Awesome! feel free to visit any time!  give me a heads up when and i'll try to meet you!

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Chasmosaurus and guests lol

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

[BlueKrono]

Looks great! That head sculpt is excellent. I feel for you though - with all these feathered dinosaurs now that's a lot more work for you!

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Looks great! That head sculpt is excellent. I feel for you though - with all these feathered dinosaurs now that's a lot more work for you!

and the vinyl feathers don't take paint well either.. :/  i'll prob do this guy like the Oviraptor, tail, arm, head feathers, the rest painted on.

[Reptilia]

Agree, impressive head sculpt on that raptor.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Agree, impressive head sculpt on that raptor.

Thanks, i think it looks a bit like my dog when he's happy..well content anyway.  lol

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Dromeosaurus feathering






new projects i'm considering :

Adult Giga, poses, full body/half body



Amarga sub-adult :

[ZoPteryx]

Great work on that raptor!  That Giga would be a big challenge, but an impressive looking one! 

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Appreciate that bud.   Yeah I think moreso than the T-Rex in some ways but less than the Spino .  Given we have all that experience now maybe a little less than the Rex too.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

[ceratopsian]

He's impressive!

[Patrx]

Wonderful work, Chris! I think this one might be my favorite yet 

[Halichoeres]

The head especially looks great!

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Thanks!  He took much longer than intended, mostly because all my other projects took longer, ect.. lol   I actually sculpted his claws in March, but then i broke almost every one of them moving him around to paint...i was fit to be tied! lol

Maybe i'll be able to afford the Apoxie one day to coat the whole critter, but man those little feathers take forever almost as long as cutting them out. 

I have to thank Doug, i used his new Velociraptor for a 3D reference, really helped giving me guidelines to follow. 

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

The head especially looks great!

It's entirely hand sculpted with Apoxie Sculpt, i'll never get that taste out of my mouth lol

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I love finding pics and videos folks have taken here :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAWuvfXQTeA