Horn tooting

I am excited to say that I did indeed win the Grand Prize from Instructables and Popular Mechanics in the woodworking contest for my vardo/wagon.  I have to admit that it is not the finest woodworking I’ve ever done, but is possibly the most complex and required the most consideration of layout, weight, and durability.  Anyway, thanks to the committee and voters who made this happen.  There may be some photos in an upcoming magazine issue.

(I eagerly await the tools that come as part of the prize.  There are more plans afoot.)

Some new vardo pictures

I put up a few pictures of the nearly finished vardo.  Of course, there are many little things I still plan to do and add, the basic wagon is livable now.  I hope to eventually find a smaller stove to fit as this one could easily get too hot for the space it’s in.

Also, I published my first Instructable and received some excellent feedback.  I tried to put the Vardo build in a sensible order and post it where it can be easily found for a long time.  Here’s the link to the “How to Build the Gyspy Wagon”. If you have an Instructable account, you can vote for the best woodworking project.  I would appreciate a good vote as I could use the tools being given away.

N55 Walkinghouse

N55 is a group of artists and designers who have some interesting ideas.  I have been interested in the Walkinghouse since I first saw it.  Here is a link to its “manual” and here is a video of it walking in Copenhagen.  I selfishly wish they were doing this somewhere closer to me.  While on this website, its worth checking out some of their other ideas.  They are broken up into “manuals” and they also have a book you can download.

I like much of their design and hope to continue to see more as they progress.

My only real problem with this design is the lack of an easy-entry door.  I couldn’t imagine climbing in while holding anything (like a sack of groceries).  I do find the combination of solar-electric, hydraulic drive, and wood heat to be intriguing.

On the Road

This was our trial run of the nearly finished vardo.  I had to stop tinkering long enough to pack it up and get ready to head out.

Packed for camping and ready to leave.

I should find a way to better secure the steps as the steep mountain grades caused some movement.

Taller tires have now made the wagon sit a little tilted.  I shall need to fix this with a drop down hitch.

First RV style campground… ever.  I was actually very impressed with the facility.

The little vardo drew quite a bit of attention here amidst the $100,000+ RVs.

Vardo Table

Third try is the best.  After trying two other solutions for the table front, this is what I decided upon.  Oak with a simple brass sash pull.  Not very exciting I know, but still an important detail.

The two visible screw heads will be plugged to hide them better.  I just haven’t made it that far yet.

There are more small fixes and additions that have been made, just waiting to be posted here.

Some Vardo and Sheepherder Links

After several requests for information, here is a short list of inspirational sites found on the web.

Romany Style

Wagons – Romany Road

Gypsy caravan

Gypsy Vans by Roth

Photos

Tinker’s Wagon pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots

Two New Gypsy Waggons pictures from horses photos on webshots

Gypsy Caravans from The Gypsy Caravan Company

Gypsy Caravans

Windy Smithy

Ingham and Fallon – Caravan Restoration and painting

Vardo Page

French Style

RouléRêve : vente et fabrication de roulottes artisanales en bois

Roulotte de cirque, roulottes à vendre, plan de roulotte gitane

roulottes-de-flandre.site.voila.fr

Graine de Roulotte: Artisan créateur et restaurateur de Roulottes

les Verdines, Roulottes Gitanes en Provence – Jeanne Bayol – Saint Remy de Provence

Acheter une roulotte Réalisation de roulotte en bois, vente et location de roulotte pour vos vacances.

Sheep Herder Wagons

Sheep Wagons

Custom Sheepwagons and Chuckwagons from Livingston, Montana

Custom built, Restored Sheepwagons, Sheep herder camps

sheepwagons,woolywagons,campwagons

idahosheepcamp.com – Home

OLD WESTERN WAGONS

ENGEL’S COACH SHOP

Moore Ranch – Richter Wagons

Dorset Shepherd’s Hut

Housetruck: Housetruck [Polymecca]

Ranch Willow Wagons – Sheepwagons and custom wagon design and restoration

Interesting mix of Traveler vehicles

Traveller Vehicles – Trucks, Buses and Wagons :: Traveller Homes