Ozzy The Bull

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After the incredible Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, our raging bull was given a new lease of life by Network Rail, to be rebuilt and placed in the heart of Birmingham New Street Station as a permanent installation.

Project Breakdown

After the announcement that Birmingham New Street station would be Ozzy's new home, the task of redesigning and rebuilding the bull began.

The Build

Approximately 50% of the bull was remade, having previously been supported by a telehandler, the bulls legs were made static, with the underside of the bull being built so it could be viewed in full 360 degrees, as well as the exterior shell of the bull being recast in a fire-resistant resin, to meet indoor fire regulations.

Animation and Effects

The animation of the original bull was a mixture of puppeteering and animatronics, and for the new build the legs were made to be static, and the head, eyes, and tail, were all made automated with the use of electric linear actuators. Speakers were also installed to make it roar, a feature that was used over the first few days of its installation.

Installation

The bull was taken apart and transported into the station section at a time overnight to be reconstructed on the concourse of Birmingham New Street, where Ozzy will call home for years to come.

Moulding the new feet

Making the new internal frame

New fire resistant parts

New casts of the leg parts

Moulding the new leg parts

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It took over 7,000 hours of work and a crew of 50 skilled people to bring Ozzy back to life, and what an honour an delight it is to have such an iconic Artem creation now permanently residing in the heart of Birmingham.

images ©Network Rail