Out of this world

As the popular sci-fi festival, Wyntercon 5, approaches, East Sussex College unveils its very own nod to the sci-fi universe with a replica of one of its most iconic creations

The East Sussex College (formerly Sussex Downs College) Dalek project is taking shape, thanks to input from students and local businesses. The Project, devised by Motor Vehicle teacher, Mick Poil, at the College, has been a labour of love for all involved. Wyntercon 5 (www.wyntercon.org), the South Coast’s largest community sci-fi event, returns to Eastbourne, this weekend (22^nd-23^rd September). Wyntercon co-founder Andy Kybett visited the College to see the progress the Dalek project has made.

“I’ve seen plenty of Daleks but with this one the scaling is right – it’s so accurate.”

Mick breaks down some of the components that make up the impressive replica from the hit TV show. “The rings around the domes were 3D printed by a Level 3 Engineering student and was designed by Tech Resort here at College,” Mick explains. “The actual domes are painted Christmas tree ornaments. The aluminium tubes and gun parts were created by Engineering lecturer Mohsen Haghighat.” The fully movable Dalek is built on a wheelchair model, donated by the Used Mobility Scooter Shop in East Dean.

The project caught the eye of Eastbourne based company, Tech Resort, who quickly became involved. Liz Crew, from Tech Resort, explains: “We saw the SDC Dalek Project on Facebook and approached Mick and said ‘how can we help?’ It’s a fantastic project because so many small groups have worked on different elements to bring the Dalek to life.

“This Dalek shows how many things make up a complete mechanical product,” Liz continues. “It’s so good for students, as it takes curriculum learning as a basis, but they also learn to work in a different way, when there’s tasks to create. We want young people to be creative; it’s equipping them with vital skills and it’s what employers need. “

Sean Firth, 17, studies Computer Science, Engineering and History at the College and works with Tech Resort four evenings a week, contributing to the Dalek Project. “I find this work complements my courses well and it’s been easy to fit in in,” he says.

The next step in the project is to animate the dome and make it even more lifelike with an electronic voice changer.

“We’re excited to welcome new students this term to develop the Dalek even further,” says Mick. “And who knows, maybe it will make its debut appearance at Wyntercon 6 in 2019.”

Businesses who can help with the project are urged to get in touch via the Facebook page - www.facebook.com/DALEKproject