Weapon of mass destruction

Admiring Oamaru's steampunk robot are (from left) Toby Irwin, Graeme Paton, Lisa Storhannus,...
Admiring Oamaru's steampunk robot are (from left) Toby Irwin, Graeme Paton, Lisa Storhannus, Geoff Omnet and Iain Clark. Photo by Sally Rae.
"Not every small rural town has their own giant robot," steampunk enthusiast Iain Clark mused as he admired Oamaru's latest acquisition.

The towering robot has been fashioned from automotive "bits" from automotive dismantlers Smash Palace.

It was created by Mr Clark, Lisa Storhannus and Graeme Paton. Mr Clark came up with the robot plan to get the community involved with the steampunk phenomenon.

It was inspired by Dunedin sculptor the late Chris Meder, who created eye-catching scrap metal art and embraced steampunk, Mr Clark said.

Smash Palace owner Geoff Omnet provided several tonnes of "bits".

"Although it's a weapon of mass destruction, it does have a drinks tray and safety devices like a handbrake and indicators," Mr Clark said.

The robot's shoulder used to be a Mitsubishi Galant rear-wheel steering unit while a Holden Rodeo's chassis formed its sides.

The robot's creators are now looking for a home for it.

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