Valencroft

It can also be found on Google Drive here and on Bluesky here.

I got the idea from cowcatchers old locomotives used to have.

Anyways, yesterday I uploaded the model to Thingiverse, and just hours after uploading it, the Community Relationship Manager of the whole website left a comment suggesting I enter the model into a competition that's currently being held on the site.

So I did... and now it's in third place not even a day later. First place is $500, but the competition still has a month to go.

Then the Community Manager contacted me again, telling me they want to feature my model in an upcoming design promotion.

Just, what is happening? I mostly made this thing for myself in, like, an hour, and now it's suddenly super popular? This is all a little bit overwhelming 😵‍💫

Other models I worked on for weeks didn't get nearly as popular. I swear, it's impossible to predict what people will like.

Anyways, if you want to print the wheel guards yourself, you can get the model here or here.

I also made a quiet version you can stick furniture felt pads on.

A racoon with a spinal deformity is capturing the hearts of Seattlites and now the rest of the internet. People have been sharing their own sightings and stories going back months or years, connecting people who thought they were the only ones who had seen this guy.

Wildlife experts believe that he's thriving, and some have pointed to older footage of him with parents that show adult racoon waiting for him, helping him, and carrying him when he couldn't continue.

In neighborly fashion, the people of Seattle are also perhaps responsible for his success, clearing obstacles in their yards, opening passes for him, leaving food for the family, and keeping respectful distances from the animals.

"Jimothy" is perhaps not a story of "remarkable resilience" but about the life that can be had when community care takes center stage. Jimothy makes me think of the stories of prehistoric humans being cared for through sickness, disability, and hardship. Compassion, concern, and comradery is what allows all of us to make it through.

The peepaws are ready for the road😎🔥

(My emotional support piece of plastic <3)