Suggestions needed for large prefab habitat

[RobertH]

I have been contracted to do a new trophy room with a habitat scene about 4 ft wide around three sides of the room. All of the habitat has to be on casters with separate pieces that fit together. I would like to prefab the pieces in my shop then transport to the location and finish with grasses and other things on site. The client wants to be able to move them to clean or add mounts to the walls. What would be the easiest way to hide the seams? Also, what would be the easiest way to attach the mounts "on site". This project is about an hours drive from my shop. I initially thought about using wire and burlap, as the base needs to be about five inches thick. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Robert

[Studio106]

Robert- I can help you out, but typing isn't my strong point. If you would like to talk over the phone, I would be more than happy to help you out. PM me for my phone number and then give me a call- Scott

[PWS]

I would build the framework on casters, including locations for the animals to be attached.  Build the habitat with wire & burlap & water putty (rock hard when dry, and fairly lightweight).

For the mounts, I would have a finished mount or altered form (to get proper level & positioning), insert the rods from the feet into electrical conduit that is attached to the framwork.  You don't need to bolt 'em down or anything.....  Worst case, just have the back of the habitat open or an access door to reach in and put the nuts on the bolts.

Hide the seams as spaces between rocks or put grasses/trees in front of it..... 

[Habitat Specialist]

Leaves and other ground cover works wonders for the seams.

[RobertH]

Thanks for the suggestions. Scott helped greatly with an idea on hiding seams by foaming two parts together then cutting a part with a thin saw. Works great. I'm building them with double stacked plywood frames (access holes on the bottom) some wire and burlap and some foam. This is turning out to be a huge job. I still have to build trees for bobcats and squirrels and come up with an idea for a 1/2 LS bison and a pedestal WT and pedestal zebra. It will be a while before I can get back to it, but I'll try to get some pictures on here when I can.

Thanks,
Robert