Above 1200 Sq/FT The ASYLUM - Happy 40th Birthday to Me! (Est. 2005)

Red Leader · Dec 4, 2012

I haven't visited in a while...and wow things are looking good.

Why have I suddenly felt the urge to build a sliding library ladder and buy another motorcycle?

Now I know why!!!!!!!

J/K

Seriously, great work! It is always fun having projects...I just hope they get done at some point! :lol_hitti

Sunbimmer · Dec 4, 2012

Red Leader said:
Seriously, great work! It is always fun having projects...I just hope they get done at some point!

My thoughts exactly! :beer:

shopnut · Dec 5, 2012

Omphaloskeptic - I really need that ArachnAin’t because the pesky little web-dwellers have moved back in since the last “gassing”.

Despite the manlift maybe reducing the need for the library ladder to some degree, I see the system being useful for several other things, including:
1. Hoisting materials around the shop.
2. Hanging a large shower curtain from it to separate the side bay from the main bay.
3. Hanging my surplus strands of ropelight to create perimeter low-level lighting
4. A suggestion from a coworker who knows I have a large collection of HO scale model railroad rolling stock - attach a track to the LL rail circling the shop that returns to train station in the upstairs office. I kind of liked the idea just for the novelty aspect, but if one of those poor locomotives would derail at that 15’, it would equate to a scale plummet of 1300’ - quite a train wreck by anyone’s standards.

akdiesel/Wingnut65 - Thanks. My theory is “safety in numbers” with all those mounts. The rail system across the front of the loft is really only as strong as that 2x6 fascia board or the screws holding it. But considering the trolley is 48” long, it should be distributing the load over at least 4 of those cantilevered pipes at any given time. I’m adding a 3rd lifting eye in the middle of the trolley when I need maximum lift capacity. At this point, I would feel comfortable lifting maybe 200-300 pounds with it and that should suffice.

akdiesel - That’s funny, I can see the boy yelling “Wheeeeeee” as he whirls down the track. I don’t intend my LL to have wheels at the bottom of the ladder like most do, even though it was suggested earlier that I motorize it and offer “rides”

. Because of the ladder’s height, it sits on the floor about 5’ out from the rail and I figured it would take too much “sweep area” to effectively move it around.

Instead, the extension ladder will normally store in the retracted position with it hovering off the floor when not in use or while being moved around. Once put in location for a job, it will extend out at the angle for safe climbing. I originally thought it would store right between the main doors, but the manlift is now targeted for that spot, so I may have to come up with a alternative spot along the track path to tuck it away. Of course, the manlift is short enough that it could just store over in the side bay. We shall see.

Red Leader/Sunbimmer - Thanks for the visit guys. I’ve saved some vacation days to use in our pleasant time of the year - NOW! I’m not happy if I don’t have about 20 projects going at once. Of course, I’m most unhappy when none of them progress along, so I’m pretty diligent about keeping at least some of them moving forward at any given time.

There’s a bit more wiring work to do, but soon that last ceiling section will be covered up and that will change the looks around here dramatically. I do truthfully see a finish line in sight on this build. I wish you both the same on yours.

HOTFR8 · Dec 5, 2012

That makes for an interesting update. :beer:

shopnut said:
I do truthfully see a finish line in sight on this build. I wish you both the same on yours.

May I remind you it is never finished until you are happy with what you have done.

mdbeck1 · Dec 8, 2012

shopnut said:
Omphaloskeptic - I really need that ArachnAin’t because the pesky little web-dwellers have moved back in since the last “gassing”.

Despite the manlift maybe reducing the need for the library ladder to some degree, I see the system being useful for several other things, including:
1. Hoisting materials around the shop.
2. Hanging a large shower curtain from it to separate the side bay from the main bay.
3. Hanging my surplus strands of ropelight to create perimeter low-level lighting
4. A suggestion from a coworker who knows I have a large collection of HO scale model railroad rolling stock - attach a track to the LL rail circling the shop that returns to train station in the upstairs office. I kind of liked the idea just for the novelty aspect, but if one of those poor locomotives would derail at that 15’, it would equate to a scale plummet of 1300’ - quite a train wreck by anyone’s standards.

akdiesel/Wingnut65 - Thanks. My theory is “safety in numbers” with all those mounts. The rail system across the front of the loft is really only as strong as that 2x6 fascia board or the screws holding it. But considering the trolley is 48” long, it should be distributing the load over at least 4 of those cantilevered pipes at any given time. I’m adding a 3rd lifting eye in the middle of the trolley when I need maximum lift capacity. At this point, I would feel comfortable lifting maybe 200-300 pounds with it and that should suffice.

akdiesel - That’s funny, I can see the boy yelling “Wheeeeeee” as he whirls down the track. I don’t intend my LL to have wheels at the bottom of the ladder like most do, even though it was suggested earlier that I motorize it and offer “rides” . Because of the ladder’s height, it sits on the floor about 5’ out from the rail and I figured it would take too much “sweep area” to effectively move it around.

Instead, the extension ladder will normally store in the retracted position with it hovering off the floor when not in use or while being moved around. Once put in location for a job, it will extend out at the angle for safe climbing. I originally thought it would store right between the main doors, but the manlift is now targeted for that spot, so I may have to come up with a alternative spot along the track path to tuck it away. Of course, the manlift is short enough that it could just store over in the side bay. We shall see.

Red Leader/Sunbimmer - Thanks for the visit guys. I’ve saved some vacation days to use in our pleasant time of the year - NOW! I’m not happy if I don’t have about 20 projects going at once. Of course, I’m most unhappy when none of them progress along, so I’m pretty diligent about keeping at least some of them moving forward at any given time.

There’s a bit more wiring work to do, but soon that last ceiling section will be covered up and that will change the looks around here dramatically. I do truthfully see a finish line in sight on this build. I wish you both the same on yours.

I still say that you should put the fire suppression system on the rail. You could use the force of the water to push it around the interior and get full coverage. :evil:

Omphaloskeptic · Dec 8, 2012

"A suggestion from a coworker who knows I have a large collection of HO scale model railroad rolling stock - attach a track to the LL rail circling the shop that returns to train station in the upstairs office."

Shopnut, I think that is a terrifically fun idea to make the Asylum truly unique. I've long held the suspicion that 'model train guys' are a strange lot; kinda like a bunch of Peter Pans in bib coveralls and engineer hats who have a common annoying habit of making 'WOOO-WOOO' train whistle sounds at the most inappropriate moments. lol

Besides being a wacky, wild, and whimsical way to display your trains, suspending the track from the LL rail has a very practical purpose. It will be used by the multitudes of insects, arachnids, and other small critters as their very own MASS TRANSIT! When the F.A.R.T.S. (Florida Asylum Rapid Transit System) comes on-line, these critters will no longer have to creep, crawl, slither, flit, fly, or web-thread-swing their way about the upper reaches of the Asylum. They will simply hop aboard the F.A.R.T.S. for a free ride to their next destination. Hey, Shopnut, you might even train some of the bugs to be engineers, conductors, brakemen, and yard switchers! Now, if you don't necessarily want to become the F.A.R.T.S. Sys. Admin. for a bunch of vermin, you could always use your ingenuity to adapt the H.O. equipment in making 'The ArachnAin’t'. Let's see, what would 'The ArachnAin’t' look like using your toy trains?....

- The locomotive(s) could be rigged to blow smoke from the stacks, only in this case, the 'smoke' would be clouds of RAID spray. The 'cow catcher' could be enhanced to become 'The Fly Catcher'.

- The 'rail-crane flatcar' could be mechanized and altered to become the rolling bug swatter.

- The locomotive's tender could be outfitted with a wireless remote controlled panning-zooming video camera used to locate the victims for the rolling bug swatter. Also, the video camera would give you a live feed 'down the track' so you could 'play engineer' while making those Wooo-Wooo sounds you so like.

- The tank car(s) would carry the cans of Raid.

- The box cars could carry moth traps, roach motels, ant poison dispensers, termite TNT, and other W.M.D. (Weapons of Minute Destruction).

- The caboose (last, but not least) could be extremely useful; mounted in its cupola (remember what a cupola is?) would be 'The Programmer'. What you ask, is 'The Programmer'? Well, as any computer guy can tell you, 'The Programmer' does what all software types spend 99% of their time doing, namely DEBUGGING! 'The Programmer' would be a remotely controlled teeny-tiny argon laser, synced with the live video camera, so that the operator (that would be you Shopnut) could sit in the C.C.C.C. (Combat Command and Control Center) [aka your office, aka 'The Train Station'], and wage war against the critters trying to take over the 'high-ground' of the Asylum. I can foresee you having hours of fun in the 4C. (pun intended) :lol:

Now, if you really want to go crazy, I'm sure you could build an app for your smartphone, so you could simultaneously run your railway and wage war on bugs from just about anywhere on planet earth. What a hoot, you could be at work, and when the boss asks what you're working on, you can lean back in your chair, put a deranged grin on your face, and tell him honestly that "I'm going BUGGY in the Asylum!" :lol_hitti

Vernmotor · Dec 8, 2012

Omphaloskeptic Funny as hell. but sometime I think you might not be right !! LMAO

nkachur · Dec 8, 2012

Omphaloskeptic said:
"A suggestion from a coworker who knows I have a large collection of HO scale model railroad rolling stock - attach a track to the LL rail circling the shop that returns to train station in the upstairs office."

Shopnut, I think that is a terrifically fun idea to make the Asylum truly unique. I've long held the suspicion that 'model train guys' are a strange lot; kinda like a bunch of Peter Pans in bib coveralls and engineer hats who have a common annoying habit of making 'WOOO-WOOO' train whistle sounds at the most inappropriate moments. lol

Besides being a wacky, wild, and whimsical way to display your trains, suspending the track from the LL rail has a very practical purpose. It will be used by the multitudes of insects, arachnids, and other small critters as their very own MASS TRANSIT! When the F.A.R.T.S. (Florida Asylum Rapid Transit System) comes on-line, these critters will no longer have to creep, crawl, slither, flit, fly, or web-thread-swing their way about the upper reaches of the Asylum. They will simply hop aboard the F.A.R.T.S. for a free ride to their next destination. Hey, Shopnut, you might even train some of the bugs to be engineers, conductors, brakemen, and yard switchers! Now, if you don't necessarily want to become the F.A.R.T.S. Sys. Admin. for a bunch of vermin, you could always use your ingenuity to adapt the H.O. equipment in making 'The ArachnAin’t'. Let's see, what would 'The ArachnAin’t' look like using your toy trains?....

- The locomotive(s) could be rigged to blow smoke from the stacks, only in this case, the 'smoke' would be clouds of RAID spray. The 'cow catcher' could be enhanced to become 'The Fly Catcher'.

- The 'rail-crane flatcar' could be mechanized and altered to become the rolling bug swatter.

- The locomotive's tender could be outfitted with a wireless remote controlled panning-zooming video camera used to locate the victims for the rolling bug swatter. Also, the video camera would give you a live feed 'down the track' so you could 'play engineer' while making those Wooo-Wooo sounds you so like.

- The tank car(s) would carry the cans of Raid.

- The box cars could carry moth traps, roach motels, ant poison dispensers, termite TNT, and other W.M.D. (Weapons of Minute Destruction).

- The caboose (last, but not least) could be extremely useful; mounted in its cupola (remember what a cupola is?) would be 'The Programmer'. What you ask, is 'The Programmer'? Well, as any computer guy can tell you, 'The Programmer' does what all software types spend 99% of their time doing, namely DEBUGGING! 'The Programmer' would be a remotely controlled teeny-tiny argon laser, synced with the live video camera, so that the operator (that would be you Shopnut) could sit in the C.C.C.C. (Combat Command and Control Center) [aka your office, aka 'The Train Station'], and wage war against the critters trying to take over the 'high-ground' of the Asylum. I can foresee you having hours of fun in the 4C. (pun intended)

Now, if you really want to go crazy, I'm sure you could build an app for your smartphone, so you could simultaneously run your railway and wage war on bugs from just about anywhere on planet earth. What a hoot, you could be at work, and when the boss asks what you're working on, you can lean back in your chair, put a deranged grin on your face, and tell him honestly that "I'm going BUGGY in the Asylum!"

Omphaloskeptic, I must say that is the funniest thing I have read in a long time. Every time I see your avitar on shopnuts thread; curiosity gets the better of me and I am always guaranteed to get a laugh.

Shop nut you really should set up a train track around the asylum, it would be cool. (Just pushing that light a little further away here

)

The place is really coming together and I can't wait to see the finished product. I can tell this whole thing has really been a labour of love for you. Keep the posts coming.

akdiesel · Dec 8, 2012

omphaloskeptic

Very funny and creative.

shopnut

Looks like you may have a new inmate for asylum...lol

shopnut · Dec 9, 2012

HOTFR8 - It's a vicious cycle - it's not finished until you are happy, and you are not happy until it's finished. I'm just aiming for Phase I to be finished (all the walls covered) at this point and I will be happy for a few moments at least

.

mdbeck1 - Seeing as how I used exterior siding on the upper portion of the interior, a little water up there shouldn't hurt one bit! That's still a cool concept :thumbup:

.

Omphaloskeptic - OMG - too funny!!! Looks like I have another project to add to the list

. I need to look at some of the construction pictures to see where some holes could be punched through the office walls. It has bothered me that there's not enough room in the office for a decent sized layout, but if it was just a place for the trains to pass through - well maybe I'm still in business.

One practical idea that does jump out from the fantasy F.A.R.T.S. is a wireless video camera "riding the rail". It could be easily mounted on the LL trolley right now and create some cool footage of the place from a bird's eye view.

Believe it or not, I've been seriously thinking about adapting the LL trolley to hold some cans of fogging insect spray that could be remotely triggered from below. Then I would pull the trolley around the perimeter while sequentially triggering the next can when the previous runs out. The last time I did it, I ran around the shop as a I set off 6 small strategically placed cans (and then got the heck out of there). The problem was, it didn't spray very high up. With it being sprayed at LL rail level, I think I could make the full loop and get out of there before the "fallout" makes it to ground level. This will probably become reality soon.

Vernmotor - Ompha must have been hitting the hard stuff yesterday. I think that's when he does his best work though!

nkachur - Ompha has added some much needed humor to this thread, and for that I thank him. But in all honesty, quite a few good ideas have been generated as well. I'm sure I will be pondering the whole train thing in my spare time - it is an interesting idea.

akdiesel - Yep, I do believe there is one forum member that deserves to be an Asylum resident more than I do!

HOTFR8 · Dec 9, 2012

akdiesel · Dec 10, 2012

shopnut

Would it be possible to get a video of your ladder system in action or a large picture of it through out the shop.

Omphaloskeptic · Dec 10, 2012

Aw shucks guys, twern't nothin', I'm just funin' with ya'! :tard:

Shopnut, thanks for the invite to take up residence there; that offer was directed to me, wasn't it? lol I'd really enjoy the opportunity, but I just can't figure out how to undo the straps on my straightjacket, and then I'd have to figure out how to unlock the door to the 'Rubber Room' they keep me in. I'll tell y'all one thing though, its really tough to type out my J.A.W.I.F.O.'s using a crayon held in my mouth! :Help:

The elevated H.O. track layout would be an interesting engineering challenge to pursue. Many, many track hangers would be needed to prevent track sag, unless a thickish plexiglass 'roadbed' were employed for track mounting. Also the LL rail snug radius turns would probably mandate that the roadbed be canted to the inside. Now, to make it really difficult to implement, consider designing the hangers to allow a few switching spurs, and a section switch to allow trains to negotiate a long grade to a separate lower/higher rail loop suspended from those same hangers.

Many years ago, I visited the Seattle Science Center prior to Christmas when the Boeing Train Club had their club's layout (!) on display for all to see. One thing that impressed me (besides the immense amount of detail) was the use of digital signal technology to provide both drive power and signaling/switching cues through the entire layout using multiplexed code to address multiple trains, signals, accessories, lights, etc., etc., etc.. I'm not sure of the standard protocol they used, but it sure was impressive to see a bunch of Boeing Project (wannabe - lol) Engineers controlling the entire complex digitally. It almost made me want to yell :bubbrubb:

Since it's almost Christmas, you should at least set up a simple oval track up in the office; just for grins and giggles and maybe to inspire you to commence F.A.R.T.S.!

JakeKohl · Dec 10, 2012

shopnut said:
Omphaloskeptic - I’ve never tied the soapy water trick, but a friend told me it works. In fact, he originally purchased this fancy bottle of “decal installation spray”. Turns out it was just a mild solution of water and dish soap for $7. I'm going to try that trick on the next big decal I apply.

For anyone searching on the reflective decal material being discussed, the raw sheet I have states the following on the back "3M Scotchlite Brand Reflective Sheeting Series 580". It is extraordinary stuff. As Ompha mentions, it can make a bike come alive at night. Here are day and night pictures of the decals I stuck on my FJR1300 from the website:

The ones I bought for my bike have a red color for the Yamaha tuning fork logo instead of the silver, so they can do multi-colors as well.

Use rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol (the diluted drug store variety) and a smidge (10 drops to a quart) of liquid laundry detergent for an application fluid. Straight water and soap takes forever to dry. The liquid laundry detergent doesn't bubble and foam like dish soap and makes for a nice slippery temporary barrier.

shopnut · Dec 10, 2012

akdiesel - A new LL video is now on the wish list. All I can offer right is the one in the list at the beginning of this thread (which is pretty pathetic with a partial rail and no ladder). The extension ladder is still being used on the scaffold rig and will remain there for a few more months as I finish this place up. I’ll try to update the current video with it going around the entire perimeter in a little while. I’ll need to wait until a helper is around to walk the trolley in the loop while I film it.

Omphaloskeptic - Yes, it was you. And I know you already have the straight jacket! BTW, I’ll PM you the secret to getting out of jackets with the long arms

- I need to go out and get building supplies occasionally. No telling what cool ideas may pop out using proper writing utensils as opposed to those crayons.

If creating the train track system, I need to seek out a commercially available bracket that mounts directly to the many holes in that rail. Maybe like a rain gutter bracket or something like that sold for pennies. The clear “roadbed” is perfect for people viewing below (with their hardhats and catcher’s mitts on). Two loops should probably be in the plan to avoid the “Addam’s Family Train Wreck”

All that cool DCC (Digital Command Control) technology came about after I dropped out of the hobby years ago, but I look forward to learning about it if I ever seriously get back into it. As for the sample oval track - I actually need to set up something to test a few new locos I bought a couple months back.

To anyone that finds Model Railroading interesting, here’s a link to a layout I find completely fascinating: miniatur-wunderland

JakeKohl - Thanks so much for stopping in to pass along the Kohl family decal application recipe

. I’m definitely writing that one down for safe keeping. :thumbup:

.
.
With some vacation being used up before the end of the year, I have lots to update on, so stay tuned!
.

shopnut · Dec 10, 2012

TRIMMING OUT THE FRONT LOFT EDGE…

I first started by replacing the bottom lag bolts on those brackets with bolt/nut combinations, just for a little bit of added security. I would have done it initially, but I didn’t have the proper fasteners on hand, and I wasn’t about to run out just for those.

Then it was on to trimming out the front edge of the loft behind the rail. Holes were drilled with progressively larger step bits and the vinyl J-channel was notched out to clear the tubes.

Here it is finished and with another run of J-channel installed below to accept the vinyl siding that eventually will hide the door drums.

I decided the tubes needed internal spacers to match the bolt diameter and keep them from shifting down if an overload is applied to LL trolley (not that that would ever happen

).

And a shot from below showing the finished edge with the LL rail mounted back up permanently (I hope

).

Omphaloskeptic · Dec 10, 2012

Damn Fine Finish!

akdiesel · Dec 11, 2012

Omphaloskeptic said:
Damn Fine Finish!

Agreed.

shopnut said:
akdiesel - A new LL video is now on the wish list. All I can offer right is the one in the list at the beginning of this thread (which is pretty pathetic with a partial rail and no ladder). The extension ladder is still being used on the scaffold rig and will remain there for a few more months as I finish this place up. I’ll try to update the current video with it going around the entire perimeter in a little while. I’ll need to wait until a helper is around to walk the trolley in the loop while I film it.

Ill wait. I am a picture / video person. I learn alot form them instead of reading. It really has top get my attention for me to read it.
I respect alot of those that take pictures of their projects while doing to the work for information purpose. Its hard to snap pics and run tools, plus the camera is not always with you when you start the work. Mostly after the fact.

Omphaloskeptic · Dec 11, 2012

Okay, I got curious and did a YouTube search for 'suspended model train'; Jeez, you'se M.R.R. guys have a serious 'Jones' for the hobby! :pimpflash

Shopnut, got 7 minutes to be inspired and impressed?

Hey, thanks for the links above; interesting stuff.

shopnut · Dec 11, 2012

Omphaloskeptic - Thanks. I tried that link you provided but it went to the Addams family. No worries though, I did the youtube search you recommended and found some fascinating stuff - I can’t imagine how much cash was spent on that “Executive” aluminum and acrylic one. I realized, however, that a suspended layout really won’t lend itself to adding scenery and that was one aspect I always enjoyed for the realism.

akdiesel - Thanks to you as well. I would imagine most members enjoy thread pictures more than the commentary. Trying to take pictures while working on something is troublesome at times. I find it a bit easier to do while working on this construction stuff as opposed to wrenching on the vehicles since the hands don’t have to be cleaned of the greasy stuff every time you want to take a picture. A little sawdust never hurt my old camera!

I find the vehicle forums I post on need more detail shots to really explain things. Try explaining what you did to a carburetor with one or two pictures! Construction like this here on GJ tends to be more straightforward or self explanatory, in my opinion.

shopnut · Dec 11, 2012

THE START OF A FRONT LOFT RAILING…

As you may recall, I purchased some telescopic ladders to try as adjustable railings up on the front loft to follow an idea prompted by Wingnut65 and here was the concept: Reply #1671

Well, a little harassment from the GJ community got me thinking it’s time to give them a try

...

luvit said:
hurryup on the railings, man.. the railings

.

For convenience, I always try to mock up what I can down on the ground - it beats wear and tear on the legs or the manlift. To avoid crushing the ladder tubes, I bought matching pipe clamps (STAUFF p/n SM776, 1PPDPASUW3K, STNA10609) and they will be mounted with full length screws passing through the clamps and outer wood framing.

Here it is mounted up in the loft. Note that a 2x4 was installed on the ceiling and on the floor for it all to mount to.

Here’s a shot with it extended out to the center. Note the blocks of wood supporting the fourth rung (as opposed to the first in the concept - thanks O) - this will eventually become a roller mounted permanently on the ladder (check that - I mean “railing”

).

Then I did a little trim work to hide the base. I also added the J-channel for the main bay ceiling panels that will be installed shortly.

These next pictures show the railing opened and closed. Due to the nature of the ladder, each railing can be opened and locked at any point between the two positions shown.

For added safety, I also plan to install a full width grab rail hanging from the ceiling directly above the loft edge. It will use that 2x4 mentioned earlier as its base. It will also have a swing-down tube (shown as a temporary PVC pipe in this picture) that will form the vertical stanchion, giving added support to the somewhat flexible ladder/railing. This stanchion will pin into the floor somehow (probably with a spring-loaded pin or something), and also have something to hold it in the up position when I need large unobstructed access to the loft.

At this point, I deem the whole railing concept feasible and it is full steam ahead for me!

shopnut · Dec 12, 2012

THE LAST OF THE FRONT LOFT DECKING…

The loft flooring job wasn’t exactly complete. Three full sheets got me 24’ of width, but there was one last foot to cover up over at each side. These will serve as access panels for any future wiring to the front face of the building (think large yard flood lights).

Okay, NOW the floor is complete. (Well, unless I decide to paint it

)

WIRING FOR THE CENTER LIGHT FIXTURE…

There is still a lot of finish wiring to do in the front of the main bay, but all the rough circuit wiring is now in place. Earlier, I ran three new circuits from the main panel to the front of the shop. Last week, I ran two separate MC 12/2 cables to the center rafter, one for the center light fixture and another as a spare (maybe for the Asylum sign spotlights ???). It’s always good to have some spares available for whatever might come up later - and wire is relatively inexpensive.

One of these weeks, I need to put on my electricians hat and knock out all these circuits. It’s always fun to have a new place to plug into or a new light to switch on

.

Omphaloskeptic · Dec 13, 2012

Those ladders do look slick up there as the railings! Were they very spendy?

I understand your hesitancy to commence F.A.R.T.S. concerning the landscaping/scenery situation. I also understand your frustration that the limited office space doesn't lend itself to being home to a train layout, HOWEVER, in looking wa-a-a-y back on page 1, I noticed that just outside your bay window of the office there seems to be a generous amount of airspace to suspend a train layout platform large enough to make a M.R.R. enthusiast as yourself go :bubbrubb:

! LOL

Correct me if I'm wrong (most people do!), but from the pictures on page one it appears that the L.L. rail track is just about a foot above the sill of the bay window; ideal for a smooth transition from platform layout (at sill height) to the F.A.R.T.S. rail bed. Just imagine it Shopnut, there you are perched on a stool behind the bay window, wearing your engineers hat and bib coveralls, making the :bubbrubb:

sounds and getting to play yard station manager of your extensive floating platform train layout which transits the entire shop via F.A.R.T.S.!

You could make the Asylum even more spectacularly special with the addition of a 'floating city' on a Plexiglass cloud; something beyond J.A.W.I.F.O. :eyecrazy:

! Hey you know what they say at the Asylum - 'Dream BIG, act out, jump about, rant and shout, scream and yell, what the hell!' :willy_nil

Here's your chance to step up from comments like 'nice shop' and 'neat garage' to superlatives like 'Man, Shopnut's Asylum is one really crazy place!' and 'Wow, that Shopnut's Asylum is really out there, he ought to sell tickets to get in!' GO FOR IT!

shopnut · Dec 13, 2012

Omphaloskeptic - Yes, I believe the height of the LL Rail would lend itself well to the F.A.R.T.S. spur over to a M.R.R. layout.

You may be on to something here. I had considered a triple stacker car lift as discussed in this thread because there is just enough height in the Asylum to do it - Triple High Auto Lift ???
If that second lifting platform on a triple stacker is used for a train layout instead, it would be at the perfect height for view out the bay window. One benefit is it could be lowered down anytime I wanted to work on it (after moving two cars, of course).

Since the layout would be fairly light weight (compared to a car), I could probably save some money by just starting with a conventional 4-post lift (single lifting platform) and build that third tier myself. Of course, there would be some actuators to bring it down to proper (and safe) working level when desired

.

The wheels are turning! (darn you!)

akdiesel · Dec 13, 2012

shopnut

Great build on the "railer". Nice additional features with locking in any position and light weight.
The F.A.R.T.S. project sounds like a great way to relieve some tension from all the other projects building up.

shopnut · Dec 16, 2012

akdiesel - Thanks. And yeah, a distraction is good every now and then to blow off some steam.

BTW, I noticed a difference in the new telescopic ladders I bought and the old one I've owned for a while. The old one had alumimun wraps around the tubes at each rung, while the new ones are all black plastic. (I guess it figures since they were $20 cheaper.) Just something to watch out for if you are still in the market, especialy if using it in cold weather.

Vernmotor · Dec 16, 2012

I love Trains !

Omphaloskeptic · Dec 16, 2012

"The wheels are turning! (darn you!) "

Shopnut, you're very welcome! lol

I began to imagine the 'floating city on a plexi-glass cloud' as being supported/stabilized by a system of vertical aluminum tubes fastened to the overhead rafters. The platform would actually be hung by cables within the tubes, and of course, the cables would be part of a pulley system to allow ground level enhancement/maintenance. The cables would mount to the platform via a metal tapered 'escutcheon' plates, which would mate with the bottom of the suspended tubes to provide a level, secure, and stable platform at 'operating elevation'.

All that mental menstruation went right out the window after I read your thought of a Triple High Auto Lift; GENIUS!

All that would be needed/desired would be a couple of these swing-trestle bridges to tie into F.A.R.T.S.. You could say they would be 'A Bridge Too F.A.R.T.S.'! LOL

shopnut · Dec 16, 2012

Vernmotor - I'm sure I'll get back into the hobby someday, so it doesn't hurt to do a little dreaming now.

Omphaloskeptic - I remember them having to "open up" one of those swing bridges when we where cruising down a river on the sailboat - first and only one I had ever seen. I thought we were going to have to turn around because I didn't see any means of lifting it up for the mast to go through. Surprise-surprise!

And it's nice to have a backup plan if the triple stacker idea falls through

shopnut · Dec 16, 2012

AN OVERHEAD GRAB RAIL FOR THE FRONT LOFT…

First, I added some white vinyl to hide the wood framing shown earlier, followed by all the grab rail mount and pipe. BTW, those pipes hanging down would actually reach all the way down to the floor - I just happened to have some scraps left over so I clamped them in there so I could get a feel for how they looked. Brackets will be painted black and pipe will remain silver, somewhat matching the railing (telescopic ladder) below.

Again, I like to mock things up down on the ground to avoid unnecessary trips upstairs. Once the ceiling is finished off, I won't have access to the backside of the framing so tee nuts where used. Here are all the parts.

This shot shows one tee nut pulled all the way in, with the other partially pulled into the wood with a ratchet.

And here is - trial fit-up complete. Doing it this way lets me gather all the tools so it will be one trip up the ladder (or manift).

shopnut · Dec 17, 2012

MORE INSULATION FOR THE MAIN BAY CEILING…

With the last of the wiring for the center light fixture roughed in, there was nothing stopping me from finishing the ceiling. I was really looking forward to this job since I had been watching the previously installed installation slowly droop for over a year now.

One side complete.

And then the other. Also note the space between the loft ceiling and the grab rail is also insulated - might as well do it while I'm all geared up for the job (even though it was about midnight).

WHY STOP THERE - ON GOES THE VINYL TO BUTTON IT UP…

I was on a roll and all material was on hand, so there was no reason to stop after the insulation.

After installing some J-channel trim, it was on to the vinyl planks.

And then the other side. I used the scaffold and manlift for this ceiling job due to the material 12' length.

And finally the main bay ceiling is finished. Another big milestone reached!

There are just a few more panels to install on the loft side of the new grab rail. And some trim will cover up the hoist track framing at the peak. The only problem now is - how am I going to tell if it's raining outside?

(Rain is loud on a bare tin roof, in case you don't know)

Omphaloskeptic · Dec 17, 2012

Oh that's an easy one Shopnut - just leave the insulation off 'The C.U.P.O.L.A.' and you'll be able to hear the rain very well! lol

The finished ceiling looks great by the way; like you said - "Another big milestone reached!"

Glad you made it back down to 'Mother Earth' intact and via a slow descent rate!

shopnut · Dec 18, 2012

Omphaloskeptic said:
Those ladders do look slick up there as the railings! Were they very spendy?

Sorry O, must have missed this question earlier.

Thanks. The ladders cost $100/ea delivered. And the green pipe clamps were $8/each to mount them.

Omphaloskeptic said:
Oh that's an easy one Shopnut - just leave the insulation off 'The C.U.P.O.L.A.' and you'll be able to hear the rain very well! lol

The finished ceiling looks great by the way; like you said - "Another big milestone reached!"

Glad you made it back down to 'Mother Earth' intact and via a slow descent rate!

Oh yes, how could I forget about the CUPOLA! Thanks for the comment on the ceiling. I kind of miss the monster checkered flag up there, but this has a nice clean look that I prefer.

And yes, it's always good to be reunited with Mother Nature after a "controlled" descent! Mrs. Shopnut was getting a blow-by-blow as the ceiling job continued. Text messages like "6 of 9 panels up" - she was worried because I told her it was one of the more dangerous jobs I do in this place (due to it being out in the middle of the room with nothing nearby to grab onto.)

akdiesel · Dec 18, 2012

shopnut

The ladder and handrail all look great. Nice design and ingenuity of items other than what they are for.
One thing though. The rails on the ladders are wider than 4", so no kids up there...oh wait we are all kids in these areas soooo don't let the inspectors in there.

Omphaloskeptic · Dec 18, 2012

"she was worried because I told her it was one of the more dangerous jobs I do in this place...." :scared:

Shopnut, what on/off earth were you thinking? Never, ever communicate to your wife that a STUNT is in progress! The correct procedure for guys is to perform a questionably insane, certainly stupid , possibly dangerous, or potentially lethal task FIRST! Then, if said activity is completed successfully, actuate the ODB2M launcher which sits atop the ICBM, and enjoy the accomplishment quietly!. Only if you do not achieve 'MISSION ACCOMPLISHED' status with all body parts intact do you contact the wife and issue the infamous WEEPS request by uttering the preparatory exclamation to her "Honey, you're not going to believe the weird thing that just happened......!"
If you're sending text messages of progress (or lack thereof) to the wife, you are risking not only the loss of concentration on said dangerous task, but you are leaving yourself open to the dreaded WAM-BAM!

If you ever are about to perform some activity that, if your buddies were present, you would utter the phrase 'Hey guys, watch this!', then that is certainly an action you don't want to share with the MRS.!

Shopnut, this was just a friendly reminder of the 'Guy's Code - Rules of Engagement' stipulation that states - "Hey, what she doesn't know can't hurt ME!" :thumbup:

ODB2M - On-Demand-Beer-2-Me (#785)
ICBM - Ice Cold Beer Machine (#785)
STUNT - Stumble Towards Unplanned New Trauma (#1073)
WEEPs - Wounded Emergency Extraction Procedures (#1073)
WAM-BAM - Wives And Mothers Berating All Men (#1246)

Vernmotor · Dec 18, 2012

Well Your on roll !! Looks good

shopnut · Dec 19, 2012

akdiesel - Thanks. You know, I originally was thinking about railings like the following which are also commonly used on balconies in industrial settings, so I didn't really give the spacing on the verticals much thought. I guess I better get that key switch on the manlift fixed so I can limit who actually goes up there - big kids and small

Omphaloskeptic - I suppose I'm treading very close to actions that could force relinquishing of my man card - I need to be careful

.

Honestly, she was awful good to me while I was laid up with the injury and I should be eternally grateful. Your statements actually strike pretty close to home, however, in some regards. I fear I'm falling back into my "take her for granted" ways again and she deserves much better than that. A message every so often is probably the least I can do to set her mind at ease. She tells me sleeps better after she gets that "I'm down off the ladder for the evening" message from me.

BTW, great use of those acronyms :thumbup:

Vernmotor - Thanks. Let's hope I can keep this pace up. It's really wearing me out lately, but I'm hoping to re-coupe a bit over the holidays.

tinbender 66 · Dec 19, 2012

Careful! You're gonna run out of stuff to do. The place is lookin' great as you tidy up the 'loose ends'.

shopnut · Dec 20, 2012

tinbender 66 - Right, I have no idea WHAT I will do after this place is finished! (said in a very sarcastic voice

).

Thanks. Your reply serves as a good reminder to update the Task List and determine exactly what all those "loose ends" are. I fear there are still many despite it starting to look finished. Its all fun though.

shopnut · Dec 20, 2012

ROLLERS FOR THE COLLAPSIBLE LOFT RAILING…

In between big projects, I tinkered with adding some wheels to the collapsible loft railings to keep them from sagging. The new brackets that are being added to mount the wheels will also serve in attaching the railing to the vertical stanchion. Actually, I was forced to rough out this first one since it determined where the ceiling-mounted handrail was positioned above.

For the wheels, I used some of that FasTube conveyer track, just because I have plenty of it. FasTube Parts (Reply #1502)

It really makes a big difference in the effort required to slide the handrails in and out since the tubes are not binding anymore. More to come on this subject as a method is developed to attach the railing onto the stanchion. The current direction involves some shoulder bolts and keyhole slots for a DIY quick-disconnect system.

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