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| Interpretive Wayside Exhibits |
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Interpretive Wayside Exhibits are one of the most economical and effective ways to interpret the places and events that make your park special. Because they are located outdoors, close to the features they explain, these exhibits answer the questions visitors may have, when and where they have them. By providing immediate information, exhibits make visitors' experiences more meaningful and much more rewarding.
Exhibits always come with two major elements, a base and a panel. There are several options to consider with each element, depending on the location, terrain and local climate where the exhibit will be placed.
Bases are available in a variety of formats including reverse angle assemblies, low profile reverse angle assemblies, sled bases, masonry mount bases, and reverse angle deck mount assemblies. Custom mounting bases are available as an option. |
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Download the Interpretive Exhibit Overview PDF
(2.8 MB) |
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| Exhibit Bases |
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Exhibit Panels |
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| Reverse Angle |
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T Base |
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| Sled Base |
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Wall Cap |
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| There are four major types of bases for Interpretive Wayside Exhibits. Base hardware comes in several styles designed to suit various site conditions. |
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Wayside Exhibit panels are available in several materials, each with strengths and weaknesses depending on their intended use. |
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Exhibit Base Mounting Guide
An Exhibit Base Mounting Guide is available and shows all the specifications for mounting the bases to the ground as well as other standard attributes. Get the PDF here or click on the image at right. |
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| slideshow |
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Base Mounting Guide
(900 K) |
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| Exhibit Base Materials |
| Structural posts are available in two types of metal and three standard finishes. The material and finish appropriate for a specific sign depends primarily on the sign's purpose and location. A painted post may be a good choice for an urban site; weathering steel is suitable for many forested or desert environments; galvanized steel is very durable in coastal areas. |
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| Painted Steel or Aluminum |
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Weathering Steel |
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Galvanized Steel |
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| Exhibit Panel Materials |
Panels may be fabricated in several materials, each with their own inherent strengths and weaknesses. Porcelain Enamel, which is made by fusing ground glass to steel sheets at very high temperatures, is quite beautiful and durable but requires a high initial investment.
Two other options, Embedded Fiberglass and High Pressure Laminate, involve embedding digital prints either in fiberglass or phenolic resin, respectively. Although comparable in appearance and durability to fiberglass, HPL panels are a bit more expensive. Both are considerably less expensive but also less durable than porcelain enamel.
The final option that is the least expensive, but has durability approaching either of the laminated panel options, is a Digital Print mounted to aluminum sheet and covered with a clear protective laminate.
Below is a chart that reviews the various features and benefits of each panel type. |
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Material
Comparison Chart |
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Embedded
Fiberglass |
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Porcelain
Enamel |
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High Pressure
Laminate |
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Inkjet on
Aluminum |
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Weathering |
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Good |
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Excellent |
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Good |
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Fair |
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Vandal Resistance |
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Very Good |
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Very Good |
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Very Good |
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Poor |
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Warranty |
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10 years, pro-rated |
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20 years, limited |
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10 years |
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1-3 years |
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Relative Initial Cost |
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Moderate |
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High |
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Moderate |
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Low |
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Replacement Cost |
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Moderate |
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High |
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Moderate |
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Low |
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Fade Resistance |
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Good |
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Excellent |
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Good |
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Fair |
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Maintenance |
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Minimal |
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Moderate |
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Moderate |
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High |
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Order Lead Time |
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8-10 weeks |
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12 weeks |
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12 weeks |
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5-6 weeks |
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| Wayside Panels: Old or New Style Panels? |
There are two layout variations; one for ‘Old Style’ bases, which utilize a 1/2” frame around the perimeter of the panel, securing it on all four sides, and another for the ‘New Style’ bases, which only require a capture area of 3/8” on the top and bottom of the panel. Before designing your panel, please determine in which style of base the panel will be installed. See diagram below.
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| Exhibit Planning and Design |
| Planning and design of Interpretive Exhibits is an option with our contract, and we have had several success stories in this arena. Our services range from coordinating copy, layout, cartography services, illustrations, programming and planning. |
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