Christine,

We have recently installed a full-sized, cast mastodon skeleton in
our lower lobby.   Like yourself, we spent a great deal of time
researching companies, prices, extras, etc.  We narrowed our choices
down to two companies and proceeded to contact the references for
both.  The fabrication company we chose was a company called Research
Casting (www.recast.com) out of Canada.  Throughout the entire
process, this company has been the best!! They provided us with all
the extra information and installation help we needed.   I recommend
the wholeheartedly to anyone considering the purchase of any sort of
cast.

On the other end of the spectrum, we also recently installed a
plesiosaur on our Triangle Green.  It is similar in design to the
balsa wood "dinosaur" puzzles (i.e. all the pieces are slotted and
fit together). To make the project inexpensive and easily
changable we choose plywood for the construction. The entire thing
was created in-house (our staff created the pattern, transferred it
to the wood, cut it out and invited a school group to help assemble
it) for under $400.  I am certain that something similar could be
created for a Mastodon.




Patricia McElyea
Curator of Collections
Arkansas State University Museum
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