The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-11-06
How the work was Done.

DESIGNING AND MOD ELING THE STATUE
The Scientific American supplement of
October 23d contains an illustrated descrip-
tion of the method of modelling and erecting
the statue from which we make the follow
ing extracts:
The design and modelling for the statue
itself was work of vast labor. A prelim-
mary study model, seven feet high, was ex-
ecuted by the sculptor, Auguste Frederic
Bartholdi and, having been approved by
him, another, four times the size, was pre-
pared. This was very carefully studied
and remodeled, and was then divided into
great number of sections, each of which
was marked with Distinguishing figure or
number.
The exact form of the statue was now
settled, and the sculptor proceeded Co con
struct models of the moulds upon which
the copper casing or envelope which forms
the entire exterior of the statue should be
shaped.
Each section was then very carefully en-
larged again to four times the size, and
rough frames were prepared and lathed
over to conform somewhat to the shape of
the section. Upon these the sculptor pre-
pared his plastered models.
This was done in a specially constructed
workshop of Messrs. Gaget, Gauthier &
Co., in Paris, the enlargement being carried
out with geometrical precision by means OF
number of wires and leads attached to
the pieces, from which measurements were
taken off with compasses, each section re-
quiring some 5000 separate measurements.
As the models were completed, carpen-
ters were employed to make wooden models
from them by means Of planks crossed or
laid close together and cut out in silhouettes.
Upon these the copper was moulded by
blows from mallets, assisted BY levers; the
fine finishing touches being given wft'aa-
small hammers and hammers. Sheets of
lead pressed upon the model were employed
to assist in the moulding of the copper.
Iron braces, to be used in uniting the
plates of copper with the main supporting
truss, were next forged and fitted to the
form of copper, and the sections were then
carried to the yard and fixed in their places
on the frame,
The supporting frame consists of four
massive angle iron corner posts, united by
horizontal angle pieces, dividing it into
panels, which are strengthened by steel
struts and braces, arranged diagonally, and
side extensions are provided to approach
more closely to the contour of the figure.
The smaller frames supporting the head
and the extended arm of the figure are of
lighter construction than the main frame,
but are arranged on the same plan. The
whole of this trusswork was designed and
executed by the consulting engineer, NJ.
Eifel. On completion of the figure it was
taken to pieces and shipped to America.
THE PEDESTAL.
The pedestal, as erected from the designs
of Mr.. Richard NJ. Hunt, the architect, is
very successful in point of size and general
appearance.
The foundation is a solid concrete base,
50 feet 10 inches high, 80 feet square at
the bottom and 65 feet at the top, and
is built upon soil composed of stiff clay,
gravel and powders, to the terrace level,
where the pedestal proper begins. This is
probably the largest solid block of concrete
in the world. Through the centre is a
we'll hole or shaft 10 feet square, with four
arched spaces at the bottom leading there
from.
Surrounding the concrete base is turned
concrete arch about 3 feet 6 inches thick,
and having a chord span of 40 feet. This
supports the grass mould covered over it
to form slope around the base, and it
also supports the four flights of steps lead
ing to the terrace
Upon the concrete base is erected the
pedestal proper, which is constructed of
granite, with a concrete backing.
ERECTING THE STATUE.
The work of connecting and holding the
statue by its framework to the pedestal
was accomplished in the following manner,
from the designs of General Charles P
Stone, Chief Engineer, under whose super
intendence the work was carried out
Across the top of the pedestal are placed
six plate girders, arranged in two sets Of
three each, and Immediately beneath these
are TWO Sllnlldr SetS CrOSSluS9 dG ElSu0 duSite
at points exactly under the vertical corner
posts of the supporting frame: to which
they are united by three bolts 81 inches in
diameter The plate girders are 81 feet
feet long, and extending across the WEI
hole or shaft, which is 26 feet 6 ind
square, having bearing at each END eted
feet inches The girders are 4 black
and are built of 8 inch webN arrang
inches bv ) inches by { incl hes white;
Ata denth of a little MHof a windoy
is arranged second p feet deep, red;
yirders Al feet loMNate and 4 with ri
Of the same i HES angle iron. Con
above, but a1 over 60 feet below Mr.. I
are arranS nd similar system of vestiDl
TENS Of hg. These girders are into
eye thickness of iron as those From
q only three feet deep, and pass IL
Ia two in set. The two sys- numer
are joined by four sets of used,
rs consisting each of four bars four lamps
wide and one and one-eighth inches the as
,Iaced close to the side of the walls each'
shaft, and are prolonged to join the las sa
rame at the top of the first or second CO. pr
gladly
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