Announcement

**Rick_A** · 01-29-2009, 03:50 PM

I have what could also be a wee bit more good news. The Chairwomen of the Clackamas County Commissioners has come out and said regarding this highway "I'm not sure it's enough bang for the buck--it's a lot of bucks". The chairwomen is a former highway engineer. She went on to say "State and federal standards prevent good planning, and encourage big, expensive highway's when smaller roads or other solutions would suffice.

The cost of this 4 1/2 mile highway is now beyond 1.3 billion. If it was at 1.3 billion, it would cost $55,000.00 a foot and $267,000,000.00 a mile.

The current stimulus package if it passes the senate would allocate Oregon 2 Billion dollars, $379 million would be for highway maintenance and projects. And according to one transportation offical, they would be "Small Projects".

Rick

**Oliver_W._Jr.** · 01-29-2009, 05:02 PM

Wow. I was about to make a comment using the terms "bloated," "inefficient," and "out of touch with reality," but it might violate the "no politics" rule, so I'll just say I'm very glad you guys get to keep that incredible train room it took so long to build.

**MarkF** · 01-29-2009, 07:48 PM

Allen, while I am sorry to see 'Topsy Turvy' sealed, it's also good to see this new thread start. As you know, I've been following your club's progress over the past few years and am so amazed at what you guys have accomplished. It will be fun to watch your layout come to life. It's also good to see that this highway project may never materialize! With all of that hopefully behind you, how about some pics of your progress in the club room. Your fans await!!!

**Rick_A** · 01-29-2009, 08:45 PM

Mark:

This Highway could still be a reality, don't know for sure. I'm just trying to look at the glass as half full.

Rick

**anbhurst** · 01-30-2009, 08:53 PM

quote:

Originally posted by MarkF

. . .With all of that hopefully behind you, how about some pics of your progress in the club room. Your fans await!!!

To Mark & Othersid="blue">, . .I apologize for my extended lull-in-action here. I will endeavor to post updates regularly,

but due to several special projects which I must complete during 2009, my time will be somewhat limited until

further notice. So please, please, please be patient! Hopefully & eventually, things should get back to normal.

Also, I understand that one of our club members, Janid="blue"> by name, will be providing some linksid="green"> in the future that

will enable those interested to access CADid="black"> drawings and possibly some other materials related to our building

process. Last night, Rick and I had the opportunity to look at these drawings and to share some observations.

These drawings are much more defined and detailed in content than the drawings posted back in

TOPSY-TURVY?id="blue"> .

So where do we begin?

Thanks to Deanid="blue"> and his electrical crew, the lighting installation has been completed. Compact florescent bulbs

rule along with a smattering of florescent tubes at the higher elevations where lighting valances grow short.

I think you will enjoy seeing how this project unwound. :up: [:-bouncy]

Of course Deanid="blue"> would not have known where to go if it hadn't been for Rickid="blue"> and his mapping crew, and

Allen'sid="blue"> magic laser level. Along the way, Rick'sid="blue"> mapping crew and a few others integrated valance installa-

tion into their duties.

Below, While Rickid="blue"> looks on, Steveid="blue"> installs a plastic anchoring sleeve into the drywall.

Then he mounts a small wooden block to which the lighting valance will be fastened.

While Andyid="blue"> & Steveid="blue"> look on, it appears that Rickid="blue"> is following-through with a little

quality control of his own. [:-magnify]

The last picture of this series shows how the system looks when assembled.

**anbhurst** · 02-05-2009, 08:17 AM

Shortly after installing a number of masonite valances (below), warpage was observed.

This resulted in their removal, and in giving them a generous coat of latex paint, before

continuing.

Next, light deflectors were given a try to reduce side/end glare. I haven't heard whether

these will be left in place or replaced with a more permanent type. Also note in the back-

ground that the installation of visquene to the outer, upper walls has begun. This should

provide us with a good moisture barrier, and eliminate potential drafts.

Yes, . .These are 'L' girders resting vertically, but they are not a part of the bench work.

After installation with a nail-gun, their purpose will be to provide a stand-off foundation

for mounting the backdrops to.

Below, the last picture of this sequence is of Steveid="blue"> as he calks the valance cracks and

openings.

More to follow!

**anbhurst** · 02-06-2009, 01:56 PM

Below, as the valances are completed, the 'ebb'. . .

and 'flow' of the room is beginning to come together.

Below, to the left and standing on a chair, Rickid="blue"> assists Steveid="blue"> in caulking the cracks

in the valances as Normid="blue"> (in the foreground) and Keithid="blue"> rip boards for 'L' girders.

At the same time, Frankid="blue"> (left) and Allen #2id="blue"> (not me) install wooden strips to which

the visquene barrier will be affixed in our old adjacent layout room.

Across the way in the clubhouse workroom, Deanid="blue"> improvises from the Fast Tracks system

to build a crossing of his design.

That's about it for this go-round.

Each time I visit the club, I marvel at how well things are coming together. The 'benchwork boys'

are about to shift gears and move at a much more rapid pace. Hopefully, before long, Dean'sid="blue"> cross-

ing will be laid.

**tankertoad70** · 03-10-2009, 08:18 AM

Nice update Allen. How did the swap meet pan out for you guys?[:-cowboy]id="green">id="size3">id="Comic Sans MS">

**anbhurst** · 03-10-2009, 08:51 AM

quote:

Originally posted by tankertoad70

. . .How did the swap meet pan out for you guys? . .

Don, Thanks for the compliment. Preliminary figures (around $2500) indicate that we were more successful

than last year's swapmeet. That's good news as we need the funding to maintain a vigorous building program.
I hope to see ya on Saturday.

**MarkF** · 03-10-2009, 04:56 PM

Somehow I missed your previous updates. Great shots. I'm impressed that you've completed the lighting and valences BEFORE any benchwork! Now that's planning!!! Looks great.

**anbhurst** · 03-10-2009, 11:58 PM

quote:

Originally posted by MarkF

. . .I'm impressed that you've completed the lighting and valences BEFORE any benchwork! Now that's planning!!! Looks great.

Mark, . .Thanks for your response. The appearance of the layout rooms will change in the near future

as we are planning a work-day on the 28th to paint both the lit and unlit sides of the valences. I will

try to take and to post some pictures of that event.

**Rick_A** · 03-18-2009, 07:06 AM

A quick up-date, we are inching ever closer to starting the benchwork. A wall has been erected to enclose the Mole (Staging) area.

I need to talk to our member that did the CAD drawing of the plan to post a link to that drawing so those that have not been following along since the beginning can get an idea of where we are in the project.

Rick

**Jerry_M** · 03-27-2009, 05:24 AM

Having had the pleasure of visiting during the NNGC back in Sept. I can now fully appreciate the progress you guys have made. This is going to be IMO one of the premier clubs and I can't wait to visit again. Wish I was closer. Looking good! Jerry

**anbhurst** · 03-29-2009, 01:14 PM

quote:

Originally posted by Jerry M

. . .Wish I was closer. Looking good! Jerry

Thanks for the compliments, Jerry, and you're always welcome to come and see us.

Here's a pictorial update on what's happening.

Our first set of photos has to do with the mole/staging room.

Below, looking through the main entrance door, a wall has been added to separate the mole/

staging area from the rest of the layout:

Below, the new wall (right), and the end and side walls (to the left), wrap themselves

around the heating and hot-water plants:

Below, major staging will take place along this South wall. Notice a small tunnel at the end!

Above and below, as Maxid="blue">id="size4"> (Agent 86id="blue">)id="size4"> used to say in the Get Smartid="blue">id="size4"> series,

. . . . . . . . . .'Missed it by that much!'id="size6">id="size4">

After drilling the perfect hole a few months back, we recently discovered

that our future roadbed was significantly higher. :erm:

Have no fear though; the backdrops will save our bacon![:-piggy]

Below, far right, at the other end of the staging room, and in the corner surrounded

by sewage pipes, our new helix will find its home:

Across from the helix and close to the opening in the new wall (below, far left),

the planned Eastbound main will find its way (tunnel) out of the staging room.

Announcement

SANTIAM PASS LITE!

SANTIAM PASS LITE!

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