Miniature replicas of Nelson’s Tower can now be purchased as a memento, thanks to the engineering skills of a volunteer.
People visiting Nelson’s Tower will now be able to take home a 110mm high souvenir of the monument after Bill Graham, a trustee of the Forres Heritage Trust which looks after the Tower, started 3D printing them.
Bill who has been involved with the Trust since it was founded in 2010 said: “It’s a very accurate replica of Nelson’s Tower. I just thought I would give it a go, and it’s come out pretty well, so we thought we would see if there was a market for them.”
Bill uses a programme which produces a code to drive the 3D printer to create the mini models in Polylactic Acid (PLA) which is a biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane.
But it’s not the first-time the retired chartered engineer has used his manufacturing background to make items for the Trust.
Bill has played a significant role in making props which can be seen as part of the Tolbooth Tours.
The Tolbooth is owned by the Forres Heritage Trust and every Tuesday and Friday, people can enjoy tours which take guests on a journey from the old police office, through the cells into the courtroom and out onto the recently renovated clocktower.
Bill said: “I had fun making items for the police office and cells. These included 3D printed handcuffs, rats with red glow up eyes and I also created a mechanical arm on a dummy set up to look like a prisoner. The arm automatically moves when people enter the cells. The dummy is also programmed to speak and tells a wee story from the ‘prisoner’s’ point of view.”
He has also made four replica panels for two street lights outside the Tolbooth which bear the town coat of arms. These are due to be installed in the coming weeks.
Erected by public subscription, the Tower was built as a memorial to Admiral Lord Nelson. From the start of April until the end of September, it is open every day from 2-4pm.
The souvenir tower models will be on sale at the Tolbooth.