Switch contacts

Here are some schematic drawings and sketches of the overhead contact posts for the extensions off of the train to brush against. The overhead post has been designed in a way to allow modification for a moving lever within its assembly, perhaps activated by a hydraulic cylinder.

Autonomous switches

The trains are starting to progress, a few more mutations are needed for them to be just right. I am currently drawing out contact points for the structure to meet with the extensions off of these trains. One contact spins within the frame. This was to allow a train to pass through the narrow corridor but still have the capability of extending outwards. When the arm hits a adjacent structure, it will just spin inwards and maybe to the other side. A spring loaded bumper has been introduced to allow for train to train collisions. The arm extensions have been designed so they can be fitted on almost any element of the frame. The intent is to have a series of autonomous devices move along the tracks, and trigger contact switches which will activate moving devices above and below.

A couple issues i have been running into:
1) Acrylic is not forgiving, easily cracks when joints are tight, and tolerances needs to be tighter.
2)Grounding strip catches onto the rail line, needs to be smoothed out on the bottom.
3)Trains still need to be fine tuned and tweaked to be more consistent in movement.
4)Wheels spinning out, need to get tires for wheels attached to gear and motor, or use a rubber gasket.

I came across this video clip of the mail bag retrieval of the trains.

Spatial associations towards a program

Here are some of the symbols i chose for program exploration. The intent is to analyze each symbol through word association and drawing of each spatial quality.


How do you define 'you can camp here' spatially. What actions and reactions are associated with that statement? Exemplifies nomadic lifestyle of Hobo, free of commitment to a place or thing: unsure of his/her exact destination from day to day. For many (but not all), Point Douglas is a temporary inhabitation, until something better comes along.

Action- an invitation to inhabit, acceptance, safe, someones experience confirms inhabitation, lent out space

Reaction- settlement, rest and relax, feelings of relief, temporary use

Spatial considerations - temporal inhabitation , the spatial qualities of the symbol signify a semi enclosed space, protected, open to public
It makes me wonder why an r is used to signify a place for healing. The symbol seems to portray some kind of protection or shelter. But why the r, unless it isn't a r. Obvious reaction to this symbol is healing, rejuvenation. A act of kindness and compassion from others, something that exists within the Point Douglas community.


I like this one. Its like some guy met a lady with a house full of cats. The cat lady signifies another aspect of acceptance within the hobo culture which seems to be a big part of there survival. Hobo's survive off of the kindness of strangers. There are actions of invitation, approachability, and security associated with these symbol. Space would be open to strangers, calm and comforting.

Obviously danger and caution are affiliated with this one. The image reminds me of a crazy man waving a gun in the air. Avoidance and fear could be a reaction to this space. Maybe its about perception as well, the man appear dangerous, just like parts of Point Douglas does, but when you get to know them they are harmless. Ambiguous spaces that are changing location.
If there were any rich people in Point Douglas they would probably live on the north end. What is that symbol saying, free handouts, possible money to be had or taken. It almost feels as though this symbol alludes to the survival instinct, if the opportunity arises then take it: take advantage of wealthy people. But what would this space be like, always changing to avoid having to give handouts, or perched up on a isolated, high location, hard to approach by others.
What is this place? Is this our final destination? Or is it referring to this place being the spot for everything a Hobo would need. Perhaps its a meeting point, a place for communal activity. The site is the place, or at least once once in the context of country trade, and city immigration. How does the site become the place again?
Danger , Danger, Hobos might be accused for wrong doing of someone else. Avoiding the space seems like the typical response, or caution and temporary use of the place. If stranger not welcome, then is this place safe for people within that community already. Perhaps a scapegoat is sought after. What makes this place safe for residents? Is it knowledge, proximity to certain elements involved? This symbol is quite similar to other warning signs, with a Criss-cross pattern, resembling a fence keeping someone out.

Doubtful of what. Perhaps this is suppose to be used with a another symbol. Doubt is always a troubling feeling, especially when you are in unfamiliar place. The element of surprise could arise. The existence of resources for the Hobo not certain in this location. The space could be ambiguous, and uninviting. Does not display signs of benefit for the hobo. What does that mean if a a place is doubtful, do we just avoid it in fear of wasting resources to inquire and experience the unknown. Point Douglas is doubtful to the outsider, not sure if its worth getting involved. How do you make something less doubtful?
Available communication source, other than the symbols. Maybe this refers to ties somewhere else: wanting to call a loved one. This space could signify a connection to other spaces, and ties within other areas. Seems like an integral part of the ecology, for the hobo, because of the use of communication for their livelihood. The duck image is interesting, maybe an expression of 'quack quack quack' is to resemble someone talking on the phone for a long time.
A strong sign, signifies immediate action from the viewer. It reminds me of some Pirate's hook from their hand, yelling halt: like someone has trespassed. If you go further you could be in danger. Space may be fenced of but can still enter into its interior but with risk.
Signify silence or use of clean language. Is there a tendency for Hobos to speak with great vulgarity? The logic behind the symbol i am not sure about? Is it suppose to resemble a kite, the presence of kids. Or maybe just don't complain and you will be rewarded.

I came across this pic of a hobo sign with symbols:

Train switching

The train is becoming transparent

I am currently working on building the new frames for the train cars. The use of acrylic is proving to be a better look and functionally better for the chassis. I have created extensions and a circular fitting that will allow the train to extend out from a variety of points along the frame. I wanted to leave some flexibility in the structure so i can fine tune my needs for the contact switching.

Strategy for developing the space above and below

The symbols within the hobo 'code' are strong indications of behavior within the hobo culture. But what if i start analyzing these symbols as actions and reactions within a continuous narrative. Take for example the symbol for 'a kind lady lives here', displayed as an image of a cat. Perhaps there was an expereince with a cat lady who was kind, and that cat image became the distinguishing characteristic. I think of a kind lady as someone who is safe, someone who can offer help and resources, an inward action seems apparent. The reaction of the Hobo, and the nature of using this symbols, would suggest an attraction to this location, a favorable destination, a retreat. The symbol also speaks to the narrative of the Hobo, and could be used to create my own narrative within the site. Question of where my one finds a kind lady on the site, and is there any relation to her location in respect to the context of the neighbourhood. For instance there are many pockets of kind lady's within Point Douglas area. Although there is a dangerous stereotype for the area, there are safe havens within. And physically speaking, the location of such a lady would probably be in the north, a denser residential neighbourhood. Perhaps this context can help with a general location and relationship within the specific site of have chosen. There is the possibility that a discovery of actually hobo symbols in Winnipeg could guide me as well.

As i go through this process , picking and anaylzing relevant symbols to the site, a program can emerge. My intent is to go futher in symbols anaylsis, with respect to the spatial properties of these symbols and the actions they incur. Take for example the kind lady would represent a area that is inviting, and open to visitors, easy to get too, and spatially comforting. This strategy can serve as a guide to creating these separate spaces throughout the project.

The train will become a device which extends and collides its structure to contact the structure around it. The movement will create a variety of contacts that will activate moving devices above and below. The plan is that the relationship between these new spaces, created by the symbols, will be manipulated by the activation of moving forces. The intent is to play within these spaces, where the train become autonomous devices that become the puppet master for the architectural programme above and below.

The box car

I finally got the train to work along the track. Some issues still remain, the weight of the car is a bit heavy for the motor. I am looking into stronger motors, and modifying the train car assembly to be lighter . The train is just a box car right now, but serves as a starting point for the train to adapt to the new characteristics of the voids above and below. As switching devices are added to the train, the movement of those switches and the interaction with the model will be a guide for the trains modifications.

The substrate will be a continual process, as pieces are cut, i will add as necessary. My intent is to start playing with the completed spaces and work my way towards incomplete sections.