A BBS Universe Evolution: Making MARS

Through November and December of 2017, the BBS universe underwent a startling evolution, the details of which you can (and definitely should!) explore here.

Part of our universe evolution included the development of what we’ve come to call our Mobile Artistic Rendering Station (aka MARS). MARS addresses two longstanding challenges we’ve faced in the Big Brains:

• Our cardboard and pegboard construction materials have had a tendency to devolve into an unwieldy chaotic pile;
  
• The process of scouring the community center for large standing whiteboards has often hindered our project readiness.
  

Given our space constraints, it made sense to address both of these challenges with a single solution. So, MARS is formed:

First, our Big Buddies were tasked with measuring all the diverse dimensions of the 2x4s that Tamara, a kind and generous BBS benefactor, salvaged from the dumpster of the construction company for which she worked. Buddies then chose the combination of boards that would best fit the dimensions described in the diagram we had created.

After measuring twice, Big Buddies, using our handy and fairly safe oscillating saw, cut the lengths required for the MARS out of boards they had scrubbed and prepared for the project.

Next came the pilot holes and deck screws to secure the frame to the platform.

There was a lot of practice and teamwork involved in using power tools for the first time.

Once Buddies modified the design a bit by adding boards across the tops of the long sides, they attached, after much ado, two 3x5(ish) whiteboards. With some locking casters thrown on, MARS was ready to roll.

MARS, fully loaded.

Great work, Big Brain Buddies!