HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 13 - Glockenspiel Clock Tower MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
MEETING DATE: JULY 21, 2026
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY REFURBISHMENT OF THE GRAPEVINE
GLOCKENSPIEL CLOCK TOWER "WOULD-BE TRAIN ROBBERS"
ANIMATRONIC ATTRACTION
RECOMMENDATION: City Council consider approval of a sole source purchase for Phase 1
emergency refurbishment of the Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower
animatronic system with LF Studios.
FUNDING SOURCE: Funds are available in the Convention & Visitors Bureau Fund in an
estimated amount of$28,250.
BACKGROUND: The Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower, located at the Grapevine
Convention & Visitors Bureau Headquarters and Museum Complex, has
served as one of Historic Downtown Grapevine's signature attractions
since opening in May 2012. Standing approximately 127 feet tall, the clock
tower features two nine-foot-tall animatronic characters, Nat Barrett and
Willy Majors, performing the "Would-Be Train Robbers" show multiple
times daily approximately 75 feet above Main Street.
The attraction is an important tourism asset that enhances the visitor
experience in Historic Downtown Grapevine and supports the City's
tourism and economic development efforts.
The animatronic figures, control systems, programming, and show
sequencing have experienced operational failures requiring specialized
refurbishment to restore the attraction to reliable operating condition.
The CVB staff have exhausted the capabilities of local technicians and
must go back to the original designer and builders to get fully operational
again.
LF Studios, the original designer, manufacturer, programmer, and installer
of the proprietary animatronic system, has submitted a proposal to
perform the required refurbishment.
Scope of Work includes:
• Replacement of the proprietary Weigl animatronic control system
hardware.
• Inspection and replacement of position, limit, and safety sensors as
necessary.
• Updated show control programming and sequencing.
• Comprehensive inspection and assessment of all mechanical, electrical,
and pneumatic systems.
• Testing, commissioning, and verification through multiple complete show
cycles.
• Documentation of system condition and recommendations for future
maintenance.
The work will be completed within 5 days by two LF Studios technicians.
This procurement is exempt from competitive bidding pursuant to Texas
Local Government Code Chapter 252, Section 252.022(a)(7)(A) because
the services, proprietary control hardware, programming, replacement
components, and technical expertise required for the refurbishment are
available from only one source.
LF Studios designed, engineered, manufactured, programmed, and
installed the original proprietary animatronic figures and show control
systems. The company maintains exclusive knowledge of the proprietary
hardware architecture, software logic, programming, calibration methods,
and specialized replacement components necessary to restore and
maintain the system without compromising its operation or warranty of
workmanship. No other vendor possesses the proprietary software,
programming, intellectual property, engineering documentation, or factory-
level technical expertise necessary to perform these services without
reverse engineering or replacement of the existing system.
STUDIOS
P R O P O S A L F O R
ANIMATRONIC REFURBISHMENT
& PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower— Would-Be Train Robbers
Grapevine Convention &Visitors Bureau
636 S. Main Street, Grapevine, Texas 76051
June 2026
Executive Summary
LF Studios is pleased to present this proposal to the Grapevine Convention &Visitors Bureau (GCVB)
for the refurbishment and ongoing preventative maintenance of the iconic Grapevine Glockenspiel
Clock Tower Would-Be Train Robbers animatronic figures.
The Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower stands 127 feet tall at the corner of Main and Hudgins
Streets, housing two 9-foot-tall animatronic characters— Nat Barrett and Willy Majors—positioned 75
feet above ground. Since its debut in May 2012 as the centerpiece of the Grapevine Convention &
Visitors Bureau Headquarters and Museum Complex, the attraction has become one of downtown
Grapevine's most beloved landmarks, drawing visitors several times daily for a free, family-friendly
Western show.
This proposal covers two scopes of work:
• Phase 1 —Emergency Refurbishment: A July 2026 on-site visit to restore show operation,
replace the animatronic control system, inspect/replace sensors, and implement updated logic
programming.
• Phase 2—Semi-Annual Preventative Maintenance Program: Ongoing seasonal visits at the
start and end of each operating season to maximize uptime and protect the City's investment.
Phase 1 — Emergency Refurbishment
Overview
Phase 1 is a targeted refurbishment visit scheduled for July 2026. The objective is to restore the Would-
Be Train Robbers show to full operational status as quickly as possible, while conducting a thorough
assessment of all animatronic systems to identify any additional repairs required.
Scope of Work
• Weigl System Replacement—Full upgrade of the existing Weigl animatronic control system
(hardware only; existing PC will be retained and evaluated for compatibility). The Weigl system
is the core show control platform managing all figure movements,timing, and sequencing.
• Sensor Inspection & Replacement—Complete audit of all sensors integral to the show
operation, including positional, limit, and safety sensors. Any sensors found to be faulty,
degraded, or at end-of-life will be replaced.
• Updated Logic Programming —Reprogramming of the show control logic to current standards,
ensuring reliable and repeatable show performance, correcting any timing drift or sequencing
issues.
• System Assessment—A comprehensive condition assessment of all animatronic mechanical,
electrical, and pneumatic systems. Findings will be documented and provided to GCVB as a
baseline for future maintenance planning.
• Show Commissioning—Full test and commissioning of the restored system, including multiple
complete show cycles, to confirm reliable operation prior to technician departure.
Timeline
Phase 1 work is planned for July 2026, with two LF Studios technicians on-site for three (3)working
days.
Phase 1 Investment
Description
LF Studios Technician Labor—2 Technicians X 3 Days $12,500
Travel& Expenses (Airfare, Hotel, Ground Transport, Per $5,000
Diem)
Weigl System Replacement(Hardware, Programming & $10,750
Commissioning)
TOTAL—Phase 1 Refurbishment $28.250
Note:Any additional parts or repairs identified during the assessment visit that fall outside the scope
above will be quoted separately for GCVB approval prior to proceeding.
Phase 2 — Semi-Annual Preventative Maintenance Program
Program Overview
LF Studios proposes a twice-yearly Preventative Maintenance (PM) Program designed to protect the
long-term reliability and visitor experience of the Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower. Preventative
maintenance is the single most effective strategy for minimizing costly emergency repairs and
maximizing show uptime—particularly for outdoor animatronic figures operating in the Texas climate.
PM visits will be scheduled to coincide with the start and end of each operating season, ensuring the
figures are in peak condition for high-attendance periods and properly inspected before seasonal
shutdown.
Scope of Each PM Visit
• Full mechanical inspection of all figure joints, armatures, actuators, and drive components—
lubrication, adjustment, and replacement of wear items as needed.
• Electrical systems check—inspection of all wiring, connectors, control boards, and power
supplies for corrosion, wear, or degradation.
• Sensor verification—testing all positional and safety sensors; replacement of any that show
degraded performance.
• Show control system audit—review of programming, timing, and sequencing; minor
adjustments as required to maintain optimal performance.
• Pneumatic systems check—inspection of all lines, fittings, cylinders, and valves.
• Weather and environmental assessment—inspection of all seals, enclosures, and
weatherproofing to protect electronics and mechanisms from the Texas heat, humidity, and wind
exposure at 75 feet elevation.
• Post-service show run—full show cycles completed to verify all systems are functioning
correctly before technician departure.
• Written service report—a detailed maintenance report provided to GCVB after each visit
documenting all work performed, parts replaced, and any observations or recommendations for
the upcoming season.
PM Visit Schedule
Two visits per year, aligned with seasonal operations:
PurposeVisit Timing
Start-of-Season PM Spring(Prior to Peak Prepare figures for full
Season) operation;address any off-
season findings
End-of-Season PM Fall (Following Peak Season) Post-season inspection and
condition report; address
wear items before winter
Specific visit dates will be coordinated with GCVB in advance to align with the City's event calendar and
operational schedule.
Phase 2 Annual Investment
Description
LF Studios Technician Labor—2 Technicians x Up to 2
Days (per visit)
Start-of-Season Visit $9,750
End-of-Season Visit $9,750
TOTAL—Annual PM Program(2 visits) $23,000
Note: Parts replaced during PM visits are billed separately at cost plus a standard handling fee. Exact
timing of visits will be mutually agreed upon with GCVB.
Investment Summary
Phase 1 —Emergency Refurbishment(July 2026) $28,250
Phase 2—Bi-Yearly PM Program (Annual, starting 2027) $19,500/yr
Terms & Conditions
• This proposal is valid for 15 days from the date of issue.
• A signed agreement and 50% deposit are required to secure the Phase 1 July 2026 scheduling.
• Parts identified during the assessment visit that require replacement beyond the Weigl system
will be quoted separately and require written authorization from GCVB before procurement.
• The PM Program agreement may be structured as an annual service agreement invoiced at the
beginning of each year, or on a per-visit basis as mutually agreed.
Next Steps
LF Studios is ready to move forward and return the Would-Be Train Robbers to their rightful place as
one of downtown Grapevine's most entertaining attractions. To proceed:
• Review and approve this proposal.
• Execute a service agreement(provided upon request).
• Remit 50% deposit to secure the July 2026 scheduling.
• Coordinate with your LF account contact to confirm exact site visit dates.
We look forward to partnering with the Grapevine Convention &Visitors Bureau to bring Nat Barrett and
Willy Majors back to life.
LF Studios I Animatronic Specialists
Confidential—Prepared for the Grapevine Convention&Visitors Bureau I June 2026
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