The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences discussion

The back garden is off-limits. Odds are this also includes the shed. So where shall we build the giant robots?

Doc

The Ministry recommends underground lairs...though make sure they are sturdy!

And not prone to earthquakes or flooding.

I suppose the correct answer would be dependant on one's definition of the word 'giant.' But yes, there appears to be a dearth of proper giant robot building facilities available on the market these days. Must be the state of the economy.

So fault lines are right out...

Doc

Oh its got to be in a secret part of the sewers under London. cut off from the rest of the system by a........ deranged, love smitten suitor for Eliza.

A zeppelin shed is an ideal location. Make it double-sized, call it storage, and use the zeppelins to ferry in parts.

After all, who would notice one extra zeppelin shed at an airfield?

Erik wrote: "After all, who would notice one extra zeppelin shed at an airfield?"

Especially if one were to post a sign that clearly stated in large friendly letters: "This is not a giant robot shed"

Jenn wrote: "Erik wrote: "After all, who would notice one extra zeppelin shed at an airfield?"

Especially if one were to post a sign that clearly stated in large friendly letters: "This is not a giant robot shed""

Exactly! And no one will notice that the zeppelins fly in and don't come out because I'm using the metal parts to make the robots and the cloth parts to make their pants.

Seriously, who wants their robots running around without pants? It is most ungentlemanly!

Indeed, the sartorial requirements of giant robots are often overlooked. This is quite possibly the reason so many otherwise worthy plans for world domination involving such automatons fail.

Well, for me it's old factory. Or a new one, with a section hidden within. A foundry would work.

Biscuit wrote: "Well, for me it's old factory. Or a new one, with a section hidden within. A foundry would work."

"Welcome to Giant Robot Foundry Works! What do we make here? Um... ah... teacups. Yes. Um. Brass teacups. The latest thing."

Doc

Biscuit makes a good point, old factories might be just the thing.

I rather favor railway yards, large buildings are ubiquitous and tis much easier to bring in bulk shipments.

A shipyard might be a fine choice, too. Easy to transport goods in and out and lots of opportunities for secret staging areas. "Beware of sharks" and the like.

Haven't you heard Doc? Brass teacups are all the rage in high societal Austrian circles. China is so.... plebeian....

Oooo! Clockwork guard sharks! With the ubiquitous cranial mounted coherent light beam emitter!

No, not sharks, but Killer Clockwork Budgies of Doom! (doom! doom!)

Doc

Can they have cranial mounted coherent light beam emitters? I mean, toss me a frickin bone here Doc.

Charlie wrote: "A shipyard might be a fine choice, too. Easy to transport goods in and out and lots of opportunities for secret staging areas. "Beware of sharks" and the like."

Yes, and shipyard also solves the transport issue. Why waste space with flight mechanisms or subject your creation to disaster with an airship that can be shot down? A rusty innocuous cargo hauler is all you need.

Biscuit wrote: "Can they have cranial mounted coherent light beam emitters? I mean, toss me a frickin bone here Doc."

Certainly. It's a standard bolt-on accessory.

Doc

Doc wrote: "Certainly. It's a standard bolt-on accessory."

Yes, but do be careful as it often voids the factory warranty.

Perhaps clockwork mechanical octopi as guards? They can double for 'fetch & carry' work. Check the catalogue but I imagine that there's a laser option.

Crap. Now I have to come up with a story to go with the title "The Clockwork Menagerie".

Doc

You could build the prototype in the front yard in an area known for its “artistic” types. A simple sign stating “sculpture in progress” would deter all but the art critics. If you were lucky you might attract a patron who would provide suitable studio space and funding for future endeavors.

I had another idea. It's the only place you could build a giant robot. You build out in plain sight in the giant robot building factory of course.........

Jenn wrote: "Doc wrote: "Certainly. It's a standard bolt-on accessory."

Yes, but do be careful as it often voids the factory warranty."

Voiding a warranty is the first thing you learn in mad scientist school. If you haven't voided it, you haven't done villainy.

Karen wrote: "You could build the prototype in the front yard in an area known for its “artistic” types. A simple sign stating “sculpture in progress” would deter all but the art critics. If you were lucky you..."

Unfortunately those Do Gooder types can sniff that scam a mile away and you'd spend all of your time shooing them away. However the "build a giant robot at the giant robot factory" ploy, well, it's like a cloaking device to Dudley Do-Right. He won't think a thing of it until one of his sidekicks get wise. Then there's the obligatory kidnapping of the Penelope Pureheart, the Rescue and the subsequent destruction of your work. So kill the sidekick first!

Biscuit wrote: "Jenn wrote: "Doc wrote: "Certainly. It's a standard bolt-on accessory."

Yes, but do be careful as it often voids the factory warranty."

Voiding a warranty is the first thing you learn in mad scie..."

Voiding for Villainy?

Doc

Eureka! A club is formed!