Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop
- Thread starter BB767
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
Very nice Thomas. If you have any tyvek left over I could use a large square sheet of it. It makes a good sail and I've designed a small boat that I'm hoping to build this year.
Charlie I think we're about done with the Tyvek. It comes in a roll that is 8' wide so to mail it to you I'd have to unroll it and fold it instead. Is it OK to fold it and put creases in it? I'm sure I've still got a mailing address for you but you might drop me a PM to confirm it and about how big a piece you want. 10' X 15' was the last I heard. We've got plenty left over.
Thomas
10 X 15 is perfect Thomas. This is for a cheap sail after all. I'll PM my address again just in case so I can get it. Thank you so much my friend.
With the pressure regulator as well as this thread and knowledge for others you've done more than you know.
Boosted1
Well-known member
The stone / brick work is looking great.
Thanks for sharing the detail of securing the limestone.
That entrance looks really nice and it's not even finished yet. Go Thomas!
Thanks for sharing the detail of securing the limestone.
That entrance looks really nice and it's not even finished yet. Go Thomas!
rixtrix1
Well-known member
Great looking entrance, Thomas! Thanks for all the details and the Bonneville pics.
Garage Door Lintels
This is how the lintel installation over both garage doors was done.
The garage doors are 10' (3m) wide so the overhead lintels were about 10.5' long, 3/8" thick and powder coated just like the window lintels.
4 holes were drilled in each one prior to powder coating...
...and they were lag bolted...
... to the microlam over the doorway using galvanized lag bolts and washers. That will keep the lintel from sagging over time.
Because of spacing, the row of bricks on the lintel were only about 5/8" thick sooooooo...
...the bricks that were under the lintels on the ends...
...had to be cut, but the face...
...needed to be full thickness making the brick in profile "L" shaped.
This is some of the 5/8" thick cut brick on the lintel. Notice they come to the top of a full brick on the left.
Here is one of the garage door opening all completed with brick and a powder coated lintel. The brick still needs to be cleaned.
We did a bunch of stone work which I'll post next time. Very happy with the quality and skill of all work done to date.
Thomas
This is how the lintel installation over both garage doors was done.
The garage doors are 10' (3m) wide so the overhead lintels were about 10.5' long, 3/8" thick and powder coated just like the window lintels.
4 holes were drilled in each one prior to powder coating...
...and they were lag bolted...
... to the microlam over the doorway using galvanized lag bolts and washers. That will keep the lintel from sagging over time.
Because of spacing, the row of bricks on the lintel were only about 5/8" thick sooooooo...
...the bricks that were under the lintels on the ends...
...had to be cut, but the face...
...needed to be full thickness making the brick in profile "L" shaped.
This is some of the 5/8" thick cut brick on the lintel. Notice they come to the top of a full brick on the left.
Here is one of the garage door opening all completed with brick and a powder coated lintel. The brick still needs to be cleaned.
We did a bunch of stone work which I'll post next time. Very happy with the quality and skill of all work done to date.
Thomas
1949 caddyman
Well-known member
The attention to details are amazing on this build!
bluestripe67
Well-known member
I'm sure some contractors could learn a few things from this build.
Chateau Slate 66
Well-known member
Thomas,
This is a bit of a loaded question, but honestly, what do you think it costs EXTRA, above and beyond "builder grade" price per square foot to "do it right"?
I'm not looking for personal info on your home, just the real world percentage increase to build a home to excellent quality standards.
This is a bit of a loaded question, but honestly, what do you think it costs EXTRA, above and beyond "builder grade" price per square foot to "do it right"?
I'm not looking for personal info on your home, just the real world percentage increase to build a home to excellent quality standards.
markviii
Well-known member
Part of that answer, Chateau Slate 66, has to do with the expertise/quality of the contractor and subcontractor's crew members. Another part of the answer is having a knowledgeable contractor who holds the crews to a high standard. We picked ours because he's as meticulous as Tom is in the type of work expected. We've luck out having excellent crews who really care about their work, completing their portion of the daily work when that portion is completed, rather than stopping at an appointed time because they've done their 8 hours. They tend to work fast and to a high standard.
We're very happy with the progress with 5 months into the build. (I doubt we'll be able to calculate a figure of how much more it's costing than our original estimates until the building is completed. At this point, we just want it completed ASAP.)
Chris
We're very happy with the progress with 5 months into the build. (I doubt we'll be able to calculate a figure of how much more it's costing than our original estimates until the building is completed. At this point, we just want it completed ASAP.)
Chris
It might be a loaded question, but it's an excellent question none-the-less. Let me give it some proper thought (another long day and I'm dog tired still....excellent results) and I'll get back to you. Just a quick thought would be not as much as you might think. It does take the right mindset by all involved which might just be the hardest part. Let me rattle it around a bit.
Meanwhile, here's today's latest stone work. Look mainly at the exterior corners, they'll be all stone shortly. With luck we'll largely finish all the exterior stone installation tomorrow.
You can see the mortar in the limestone joints is drying down and getting lighter in color. When done it'll be almost invisible. The concrete driveway when poured, will be almost level with the door threshold, no step.
I set stone out on several pallets to help in choosing the right stone. That way we didn't have to dig through several layers of stone on a single pallet.
I have to admit I like what I see. It's been very gratifying work and I've truly enjoyed working with this masonry crew. The lead mason is the son of boyhood friend whom I've know since I was 5 years old. We went to school together and use to ride go karts out at Johnson's when there was a dirt track located not far from where the new house is being built. Less than 100 feet away. His son should be very proud of what they've accomplished out there. Top notch craftsmanship.
Work has been going on inside but I'll save all that for another post.
Thanks everyone once again for your interest and positive input. Greatly appreciated.
Thomas
djones1a
Well-known member
Looking forward to see the COTU and meeting you guys, Road trip with Rian should be fun.
SiGmA_X
Well-known member
Thomas, thank you for the detailed install front door stone install info. That was very impressive. Much like the rest of the build. The brick & stonework is coming along beautifully! Keep it up!!
stillp
Well-known member
Thomas and Chris, looking good, how about a closeup of the stonework?
Pete
Pete
I'm sure this isn't quite what you had in mind Pete...
...but these are the best closeups I've got at present. We did get one corner of stone washed today, but it started raining before I could get any pictures of it all cleaned up. It looks pretty good I'd say.
This is the fireplace from a week ago. It's much further along now but it does show some of our stonework. Of course it needs to be washed and cleaned to show it properly.
This is jumping ahead a little ( I'll do a proper post on the fireplace construction) but I sorted out about 1 1/2 tons of the best looking stone for the fireplace. Then when we started to install it I hand carried all that stone into the great room and sorted it by size and color to help with it's selection. That made it much easier to find just the perfect stone as we installed it. Laying stone is all a jigsaw puzzle.
More to come.
Thomas
Fireplace Stone Work
It rained most of the day today so we worked inside on the fireplace.
Here's a close up of some of the stonework. You can see on the upper stone it hadn't been struck when the picture was taken. It will change appearance dramatically once it's cleaned. The colors will be much more vibrant.
We can get one more flue tile installed before we have to cut open the temporary roofing material. Then we'll move quickly to get the chimney built tall enough to get it flashed to seal the roof up once more. The permanent flashing will be copper and it'll be flashed and counter flashed. That can't be installed until after the mortar has dried for a day or so.
Thomas
It rained most of the day today so we worked inside on the fireplace.
Here's a close up of some of the stonework. You can see on the upper stone it hadn't been struck when the picture was taken. It will change appearance dramatically once it's cleaned. The colors will be much more vibrant.
We can get one more flue tile installed before we have to cut open the temporary roofing material. Then we'll move quickly to get the chimney built tall enough to get it flashed to seal the roof up once more. The permanent flashing will be copper and it'll be flashed and counter flashed. That can't be installed until after the mortar has dried for a day or so.
Thomas
Fantastic work as always. I'm curious, why the cinderblock is so wide when the flue is so narrow? Is that just for aesthetics? Are you bringing in combustion air from outside to enhance efficiency? Everything else about every one of your builds is state of the art, I figure this is also, we just have to ask the right questions!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sweet Old Bill
Well-known member
I am waiting for the reveal of the walnut mantle!!
stillp
Well-known member
Great work, as always.
Pete
Pete
oldironfarmer
Well-known member
This is a two part question, which I think a lot of us are interested in. The first part is materials of construction, and the second part is craftsmanship and attention to detail.
No one questions Thomas' dedication to quality, skill, and attention to detail. And no question it is appropriate for each individual to spend to the level they are comfortable.
I enjoy seeing what Thomas and Chris are building, and am very impressed. However, I know I would never commit the funds to build to that level of materials, we are each different. The attention to detail and craftsmanship are something I aspire to however I know that I tend to build to "good enough" and "serviceable", which is far below Thomas' standards.
So I have the same question, but in two parts:
Compared to a common general contractor-built speculation home, it would be interesting to know both an estimate of percentage of cost escalation for materials and labor to construct the "Payne Way".
My guess is that the materials are significant, in the 30-50% range while the labor is probably quite modest for the results, maybe 10-15%.
Speculation may be the best answer.
Not trying to pry, Thomas, but intensely interested!!
Thomas' attention to detail, such as in sorting the fireplace stone personally, inside, makes the job much easier for the masons and motivates them by his leadership.
markviii
Well-known member
Definitely a complex question, Andy.
Since it's the last house we'll ever build and where we'll spend the rest of our life, Tom's attention to detail (which is legendary in its own right) is especially acute. He's lived this house in his head for many years and it seems to be coming to life exactly as he envisioned. If he sees something that needs changing, it can get done right away (like when he decided his office wasn't big enough - after the framing was done - they moved the bathroom back 6 ft, reorienting the tub/shower). Also, he changed the type of plywood sub-floor which is guaranteed not to de-laminate when wet (a bit more expensive on the front end). This eliminated the worry about rain before the roof was on - no additional prep needed before laying the flooring material (wood, porcelain, carpet).
Tom's an integral part of the building team - actually he's the lead General Contractor, having hired most of the subs including our general contractor, Ray, who works to as high a standard as Tom does and keeps things going while Tom is vintage or drag racing. Ray suggested the roofers who were the best I've ever seen. Tom works a longer day than any of the subs, cleaning up at the end and setting up at the beginning of each day. He can operate all the heavy equipment on the site and "talk the talk" with all the subs (electricians, plumbers, masons,concrete guys, etc.). For several subs, this will be their last job (electrician, fireplace mason), staying active just so they could do this last job for Tom before retiring.
Tom drove to NY to pick the vein of stone and inspects each stone before it's placed (deciding which ones will be inside or outside the house). And he is the one striking the stone at the end of the day. In the grand scheme of the house design, the brick/stone/fireplace/chimney are very important, but are less than the projected cost of a conventional installation (which was the original bid).
We won't know the actual cost until it's completed and computing his and my time is an impossible/pointless task. "Sweat equity" has lots of intangibles associated with it, including leadership and motivation for the other crew members, as Andy pointed out.
To put it into perspective, normally a laborer making $15/hour working 8 hours per day for 5 days over 52 weeks would make $31200. We've been at it 64 work days (I'm not counting weekends here), so that comes to $7,680. Even double that would be insignificant in the total cost of the project. So, obviously, materials constitute the majority of the cost of this project. Comparing with a spec home...well, that would also be pointless, I think. No one bricks an entire house any more or constructs a real fireplace. This is a home that will last into the next century for someone else to take care of.
Chris
Since it's the last house we'll ever build and where we'll spend the rest of our life, Tom's attention to detail (which is legendary in its own right) is especially acute. He's lived this house in his head for many years and it seems to be coming to life exactly as he envisioned. If he sees something that needs changing, it can get done right away (like when he decided his office wasn't big enough - after the framing was done - they moved the bathroom back 6 ft, reorienting the tub/shower). Also, he changed the type of plywood sub-floor which is guaranteed not to de-laminate when wet (a bit more expensive on the front end). This eliminated the worry about rain before the roof was on - no additional prep needed before laying the flooring material (wood, porcelain, carpet).
Tom's an integral part of the building team - actually he's the lead General Contractor, having hired most of the subs including our general contractor, Ray, who works to as high a standard as Tom does and keeps things going while Tom is vintage or drag racing. Ray suggested the roofers who were the best I've ever seen. Tom works a longer day than any of the subs, cleaning up at the end and setting up at the beginning of each day. He can operate all the heavy equipment on the site and "talk the talk" with all the subs (electricians, plumbers, masons,concrete guys, etc.). For several subs, this will be their last job (electrician, fireplace mason), staying active just so they could do this last job for Tom before retiring.
Tom drove to NY to pick the vein of stone and inspects each stone before it's placed (deciding which ones will be inside or outside the house). And he is the one striking the stone at the end of the day. In the grand scheme of the house design, the brick/stone/fireplace/chimney are very important, but are less than the projected cost of a conventional installation (which was the original bid).
We won't know the actual cost until it's completed and computing his and my time is an impossible/pointless task. "Sweat equity" has lots of intangibles associated with it, including leadership and motivation for the other crew members, as Andy pointed out.
To put it into perspective, normally a laborer making $15/hour working 8 hours per day for 5 days over 52 weeks would make $31200. We've been at it 64 work days (I'm not counting weekends here), so that comes to $7,680. Even double that would be insignificant in the total cost of the project. So, obviously, materials constitute the majority of the cost of this project. Comparing with a spec home...well, that would also be pointless, I think. No one bricks an entire house any more or constructs a real fireplace. This is a home that will last into the next century for someone else to take care of.
Chris
Grizz1963
Well-known member
And THIS ^^^^........ Is why I am addicted to this thread, the people and the place.
Your description and what you said, considering Thomas was "Just an airplane flyer" puts into perspective just what an amazing team the two of you have made for clearly a long time.
Your and Thomas' skills and multi talented abilities just leave me grinning like an idiot every time I check in, which is nearly daily, some days more than once a day.
Fireplace Stone Work.....Done!
Chris, looks like we've got at least one of the gang fooled. Rian hope you aren't too disappointed so after your visit next month.
After working long hours this weekend...
...this is me setting the last...
...stone on the fireplace!
That's all the stonework completed on the fireplace now.
It still needs to be cleaned with acid wash and rinsed and I'm planning on using some kind of sealer to bring out the stone color. The walnut mantel will be installed later as will the slate hearth stone.
This is what the driveway looked like after all today's work. We had to do a bunch of cutting to get that top row and sides to fit the angle of the ceiling.
We started with the great room looking like...
...this and ended with...
...the room looking like this. Pretty good guess on how much stone we'd use.
It adds a warm, inviting presence to the room and even more so once it's all cleaned up and finished. The inside fireplace masonry work is done so next up is finishing the chimney outside.
I still plan on doing a proper post showing all the fireplace construction details so no worries.
Thomas
Chris, looks like we've got at least one of the gang fooled. Rian hope you aren't too disappointed so after your visit next month.
After working long hours this weekend...
...this is me setting the last...
...stone on the fireplace!
That's all the stonework completed on the fireplace now.
It still needs to be cleaned with acid wash and rinsed and I'm planning on using some kind of sealer to bring out the stone color. The walnut mantel will be installed later as will the slate hearth stone.
This is what the driveway looked like after all today's work. We had to do a bunch of cutting to get that top row and sides to fit the angle of the ceiling.
We started with the great room looking like...
...this and ended with...
...the room looking like this. Pretty good guess on how much stone we'd use.
It adds a warm, inviting presence to the room and even more so once it's all cleaned up and finished. The inside fireplace masonry work is done so next up is finishing the chimney outside.
I still plan on doing a proper post showing all the fireplace construction details so no worries.
Thomas
oldironfarmer
Well-known member
Beautiful fireplace! Looks as nice as a Walker floor jack
Looks as nice as a Walker floor jackGood questions and thanks for the compliment inkedfireman.
While aesthetics does play a part, the cinder block performs 3 primary functions.
It provides a place and a way to back up the stone and anchor wall ties to sizeable the stone.
The front of the stone is about 12' (4 m) tall and it's vital to provide stability for it.
The block also will support the chimney masonry when it extends through the roof. The stone in the room is roughly 8' (2.4 m) wide by 3' (1 m) deep.The exterior size of the chimney will not be that large so the block is what the chimney will primarily be sitting on.
Lastly the block, next to the flue, was core filled to add masonry mass to aid in the fireplace efficiency. That mass will absorb radiant heat from the firebox and then, as the fire dies down release that heat back into the room. Note that the entire fireplace is contained within the heated interior space of the home. The back of the fireplace does not touch the exterior wall, only the stone does. There will be more on this in a later fireplace construction post.
The interior size of the fireplace was my choice. It's a large, tall room and I wanted something that fit the room.
Now about external combustion air. When Steve and I built my first fireplace 36 years ago...
...we incorporated external combustion air intake vents (circled) way back then. 36 years later, Steve and I are now building my current fireplace and...
...indeed it has...
...external combustion air intake vents too!
You can see them here, but...
...but not here because I have cardboard covering them up to keep debris out of them during construction.
Here's an outside view of the back wall area of where the fireplace is located. You can see the combustion air intakes below. Note the exterior wall is not part of the fireplace, it's completely isolated from the fireplace...
...just exactly like we did 36 years ago.The fireplace is completely inside the heated area of the home. Keep the heat in the home, don't radiate it to the outside.
There will be much more on the fireplace construction, stand by. I hope that answered your questions inkedfireman. Thanks for the inquiry and your interest. Very much appreciated.
Thomas
rixtrix1
Well-known member
Does the Rumsford design reflect a significant amount of heat back into the room to allow using it without sealed glass doors, as I see your external outside combustion air vents are located outside the firebox. My cast-iron stove back in Nebraska had a connection directly into the unit from outside and that's the only firsthand knowledge I have. The rock is beautiful and will create an imposing focal point in that room! Thanks.
Lyndon
Well-known member
Thomas
That fireplace is beautiful! 
And the fact that you not only know all about this science, but can put it into practice to build the thing is amazing. Your work ethic is astounding, and the whole thing, once completed will undoubtedly make you massively proud.
I am in awe of your motivation and energy levels.
More power to you.
Lyndon
Amazed, just amazed!!!
That fireplace is beautiful!
And the fact that you not only know all about this science, but can put it into practice to build the thing is amazing. Your work ethic is astounding, and the whole thing, once completed will undoubtedly make you massively proud.
I am in awe of your motivation and energy levels.
More power to you.
Lyndon
Amazed, just amazed!!!
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Thomas
That fireplace is beautiful!
And the fact that you not only know all about this science, but can put it into practice to build the thing is amazing. Your work ethic is astounding, and the whole thing, once completed will undoubtedly make you massively proud.
I am in awe of your motivation and energy levels.
More power to you.
Lyndon
Amazed, just amazed!!!
What this bloke said..
C_F
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Add one more to the list!What this bloke said..
Every time I read an update in this thread, I feel I've just learned something new for the day. Now if only I could retain all that...
^^^^^^
Me too!
I was doing something out on the patio today and I made sure I clocked the screws properly when I was buttoning things up, because I saw the way he built the fireplace and I asked myself "How would Thomas finish these off?"
Me too!
I was doing something out on the patio today and I made sure I clocked the screws properly when I was buttoning things up, because I saw the way he built the fireplace and I asked myself "How would Thomas finish these off?"
BBChevro
Well-known member
Me three (or is it 4 now, I've lost count ).
Very nice work Thomas.
Do the vents in the floor remain open all the time or only when the fire is lit?
I presume that they are to create a draught to aid combustion.
Please excuse the novice question - I have absolutely no experience with anything to do with fireplaces.
).Very nice work Thomas.
Do the vents in the floor remain open all the time or only when the fire is lit?
I presume that they are to create a draught to aid combustion.
Please excuse the novice question - I have absolutely no experience with anything to do with fireplaces.
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Nuts
Well-known member
Spent the last three evenings catching up on 2016's happenings at the Center of the Universe..... Epic
Shops, cars, houses, trees, helicopters, rocks, lintels... the list goes on.
Thomas and the lovely Chris, thank you for continuing this thread all these years, it's a gift to the community.
Doug
p.s. Have a desire to travel from Oregon to Bonneville some year, hope to meet Thomas and the San Diego crew there.
Shops, cars, houses, trees, helicopters, rocks, lintels... the list goes on.
Thomas and the lovely Chris, thank you for continuing this thread all these years, it's a gift to the community.
Doug
p.s. Have a desire to travel from Oregon to Bonneville some year, hope to meet Thomas and the San Diego crew there.
Rumford fireplaces produce significantly more heat due to a number of factors. Here's a link for additional information about the designer, Count Rumford and his fireplace design: http://www.rumford.com/articleRumford.html
Once I do a proper post on the fireplace design and construction I'll go into more detail about them.
Thomas
That fireplace is beautiful!
And the fact that you not only know all about this science, but can put it into practice to build the thing is amazing. Your work ethic is astounding, and the whole thing, once completed will undoubtedly make you massively proud.
I am in awe of your motivation and energy levels.
More power to you.
Lyndon
Amazed, just amazed!!!
Below is the man who taught me everything I know about Rumford fireplaces, my good friend Steve Halfar.
Steve has built several Rumfords over the last 40 years. This picture is Steve building the firebox in my new home.
Together just the two of us built this, my first one back in 1980. All that I know about Rumford fireplaces comes right from that gentleman. He's retiring at the end of the year and the one we're building now will likely the last one he'll ever build.
Mike you are much too kind!
Me three (or is it 4 now, I've lost count
Very nice work Thomas.
Do the vents in the floor remain open all the time or only when the fire is lit?
I presume that they are to create a draught to aid combustion.
Please excuse the novice question - I have absolutely no experience with anything to do with fireplaces.
No worries, those are good questions. The external combustion air vents are only open when a fire is burning. There is a door assembly that opens and closes which we'll install once the hearth slate is installed. Fire needs oxygen to burn so rather than burn nice warm room air, we bring in raw, untreated air to burn via those vents.
I wondered what happened to you Doug, welcome back. Lou and I would be happy to show you around Bonneville should you ever find yourself out that way during Speed Week. You'll see some...
...truly amazing creations that can only be found at Bonneville. Well worth the trip.
Thomas
Lyndon
Well-known member
Thomas
I posted this over on my thread today....
The B.S. 1.0 was a fantastic read, and I really related to Cary in that town and that era, even if I'm 12 years younger and 25,000 kilometres away.
All
I've had to take a sickie today (yesterday didn't end well, and I'm exhausted).....
So I've finished the Beltsville Shell this morning, sitting in the sun in my study. And a great read it is too. More power to Cary Thomas for writing it, and remembering all the details from his youth (with a little help from his friends).
Now I'll be posting it today, repackaged in Thomas' original packaging, to VMX42. Steve, I would send a pm to him with you mailing details if I were you.
Lyndon
Post Office bound and Down! 
I posted this over on my thread today....
The B.S. 1.0 was a fantastic read, and I really related to Cary in that town and that era, even if I'm 12 years younger and 25,000 kilometres away.
OK . . . . .
- Lyndon - Sydney, NSW
- VMX42 - Sydney, NSW
- 1/2 Cup - Shepparton, Victoria
- Nursepeter1973 - Western Australia
- BBChevro - Brisbane, Qld
- Panthersteve - Brisbane, Qld
- Gatsby - Canberra, ACT
- Terrickdownunder - near Canberra ACT
- Grumblebum - Wollongong, NSW
And Rod will bring it back up to me.
Lyndon
Waiting, waiting.
All
I've had to take a sickie today (yesterday didn't end well, and I'm exhausted).....
So I've finished the Beltsville Shell this morning, sitting in the sun in my study. And a great read it is too. More power to Cary Thomas for writing it, and remembering all the details from his youth (with a little help from his friends).
Now I'll be posting it today, repackaged in Thomas' original packaging, to VMX42. Steve, I would send a pm to him with you mailing details if I were you.
Lyndon
Post Office bound and Down!
Captain Slog
New member
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2016
- Messages
- 2
Hello Thomas, Chris and all the avid fans - I skipped forward from page 70 to add South Africa (again), Zimbabwe, and Abu Dhabi to your fan base list if they are not already there, originally from Zimbabwe, now live in South Africa but spend most of my time working in Abu Dhabi.
I WILL resist reading anything modern until I have caught up naturally, see y'all in six months. Loving the read up to page 70, only 434 pages to go.
Off back to complete my lurk on page 71.
I WILL resist reading anything modern until I have caught up naturally, see y'all in six months. Loving the read up to page 70, only 434 pages to go.
Off back to complete my lurk on page 71.
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Teemore
New member
Hello and thank you!
A sincere thank you, directed primarily at Thomas and Chris, but also to all the others who have posted and contributed to this thread.
I have dipped in and out of the Garage journal for some time but a few weeks ago I "discovered" this thread/addiction.
I was probably halfway through the thread before I decided that I had better register with the forum to get the full enjoyment of the thread! I caught up with postings just the other day and felt that I was ready to transmute from lurker to poster. Seeing pictures of Thomas at work on the stone breastwork of the fireplace lit the fuse at it were - I'll elaborate on that another time.
As I reflected on all that I had read and viewed and learned in this thread, from American metal lurking in bushes when the property was first being cleared up, lunch being cooked on the rotary lift, name tags being found, powder coating, more powder coating, right through to Thomas piloting the various teleporters during the current house build, I realised that I could contribute (yet another) acronym to this thread. TARDIS.
For those of you unfamiliar with the term it stands for Time And Relative Dimensions in Space and is derived from a cult British TV series: “Doctor Who”.
The TARDIS is “Doctor Who’s” mode of transport, conveying him (and obligatory sidekicks) across time and space. This thread is a TARDIS. In reading it over the past three weeks, I have been transported across time and space. Back to the very start of the thread in 2009, jumping back time again and again to glimpses of when the shop was a commercial operation and then back to the present day. I have been transported from Northern Ireland to Philo, I have witnessed changes in the shop and projects prompted and inspired by Thomas’ care, attention to detail and pride in his work. I have seen cars on drag strips lifting their noses as the torque kicks in and I have been been inspired by salt flat racers and visitors. From a photograph showing the cover of Thomas' house build notebook, I have even been able to use GoogleMaps to view the whole property. (Please note I am not a stalker!) In reading the contributions made by other members of this forum on this thread, it really reinforces the idea that your thread brings people together across time and space: just consider Chris’ list of countries where the thread is followed and pictures of the signatures and countries in Beltsville Shell #1. This thread, the Auto Shop and more importantly, the people, have created friendships and even prompted pilgrimages.
On the subject of pilgrimages, I really smiled when I first realised that Grizz was posting on this thread as I have been lurking on his thread on RetroRides for a long time. Grizz – enjoy your forthcoming trip stateside! You have earned it.
Thanks also to the moderators etc. for allowing the thread to stand in its entirety. You folk, alongside Thomas and Chris, have made this thread a TARDIS.
A non-antipodean Lyndon
A sincere thank you, directed primarily at Thomas and Chris, but also to all the others who have posted and contributed to this thread.
I have dipped in and out of the Garage journal for some time but a few weeks ago I "discovered" this thread/addiction.
I was probably halfway through the thread before I decided that I had better register with the forum to get the full enjoyment of the thread! I caught up with postings just the other day and felt that I was ready to transmute from lurker to poster. Seeing pictures of Thomas at work on the stone breastwork of the fireplace lit the fuse at it were - I'll elaborate on that another time.
As I reflected on all that I had read and viewed and learned in this thread, from American metal lurking in bushes when the property was first being cleared up, lunch being cooked on the rotary lift, name tags being found, powder coating, more powder coating, right through to Thomas piloting the various teleporters during the current house build, I realised that I could contribute (yet another) acronym to this thread. TARDIS.
For those of you unfamiliar with the term it stands for Time And Relative Dimensions in Space and is derived from a cult British TV series: “Doctor Who”.
The TARDIS is “Doctor Who’s” mode of transport, conveying him (and obligatory sidekicks) across time and space. This thread is a TARDIS. In reading it over the past three weeks, I have been transported across time and space. Back to the very start of the thread in 2009, jumping back time again and again to glimpses of when the shop was a commercial operation and then back to the present day. I have been transported from Northern Ireland to Philo, I have witnessed changes in the shop and projects prompted and inspired by Thomas’ care, attention to detail and pride in his work. I have seen cars on drag strips lifting their noses as the torque kicks in and I have been been inspired by salt flat racers and visitors. From a photograph showing the cover of Thomas' house build notebook, I have even been able to use GoogleMaps to view the whole property. (Please note I am not a stalker!) In reading the contributions made by other members of this forum on this thread, it really reinforces the idea that your thread brings people together across time and space: just consider Chris’ list of countries where the thread is followed and pictures of the signatures and countries in Beltsville Shell #1. This thread, the Auto Shop and more importantly, the people, have created friendships and even prompted pilgrimages.
On the subject of pilgrimages, I really smiled when I first realised that Grizz was posting on this thread as I have been lurking on his thread on RetroRides for a long time. Grizz – enjoy your forthcoming trip stateside! You have earned it.
Thanks also to the moderators etc. for allowing the thread to stand in its entirety. You folk, alongside Thomas and Chris, have made this thread a TARDIS.
A non-antipodean Lyndon
C_F
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Well said, Teemore! You are right with your acronym, this thread IS a TARDIS.
Thanks for joining & sharing your thoughts.
You are right with your acronym, this thread IS a TARDIS. Thanks for joining & sharing your thoughts.
VMX42
Well-known member
Thanks Lyndon,Thomas
I posted this over on my thread today....
The B.S. 1.0 was a fantastic read, and I really related to Cary in that town and that era, even if I'm 12 years younger and 25,000 kilometres away.
All
I've had to take a sickie today (yesterday didn't end well, and I'm exhausted).....
So I've finished the Beltsville Shell this morning, sitting in the sun in my study. And a great read it is too. More power to Cary Thomas for writing it, and remembering all the details from his youth (with a little help from his friends).
Now I'll be posting it today, repackaged in Thomas' original packaging, to VMX42. Steve, I would send a pm to him with you mailing details if I were you.
Lyndon
Post Office bound and Down!
I will keep an eye on the post box... Looking forward to the read...
Cheers,
Jeff
Grizz1963
Well-known member
User name: Captain Slog
Could it be the same Captain from Wilddogs.za.net
Welcome to the most incredible thread on the Internet.
Hallo Lyndon,
Welcome, despite you being here a while.
Your observations are spot on regarding Chris, Thomas and this community.
It is a whole lot more than just words and photographs.
Certainly a history lesson, tutorial and learning place all in one, with deeply meaningful friendships thrown in for good measure.
I do look forward to my trip this yes, less than 3 weeks to go.
Meeting up with the "Masters of the Universe" that is Philo, and sharing it with firstly my buddy Dennis and then the rest of my trip to be shared with the rest of the gang on here, is going to be a pleasure and honour.
Thank you for the comments on my other thread on RetroRides.proboards.com it is where I always do my write up before custom editing for the other 8 forums I contribute to.
Lyndon
Well-known member
Rian
This ain't me - it's another Lyndon..... !!!!
And he's from Ireland, so he probably speaks with a really funny accent....
And that was his first post.
Lyndon
The real one . . .
