Now that the Party is over........ (Mt. Adams Work thread)

[Mavs00]

......... It's time for the real work to begin :D

The Mt. Adams project was always planned as a blood, sweat and cash endeavor, which is unlike other Foundation projects where we just hand a check over.

We are not only funding the restoration project, but we are DOING THE WORK as well. The DEC will provide the logistics (flying stuff to the summit) and providing the specifications for what we need (based of an inspection to take place in the coming weeks). The rest will be up to us.

We know we need a roof....... That must be prefabricated down low before airlifting to the top. This will require a work-weekend for make sure that we get the "valley work" done first and have it all ready prior to the scheduled airlift date (no later then May 15th). After that, we'll set up another work weekend (or 2), to complete the restoration on the summit. We'll then have to pack out the crap from the summit area.

The first work weekend will be scheduled for April 10-11, 2010. During this weekend, we will be prefabricating the roof and whatever else we can. I would imagine that, since a good deal of us will be together, we will conduct a Foundation/Project meeting to plan out the rest of the project in conjunction. I imagine we might have a beer or two at the end of the work day. ;)

Unfortunately, It looks like scoots is "rented" that weekend, which sucks as it would have been a perfect base of operations. Unfortunatly, we need the schedule the weekend no later then this time (based on the difficulty in scheduling airlifts). The stuff MUST be ready by the 11th to give us a solid month window to fly it up. I've already been told, we won't get approval after May 15 until after September 15 of this year.

Here is what else we need.


Craftsmen (or women) - Not necessarily experts but we will be building a structure to withstand the brutal Adirondack weather up high, so being a little "tool savvy" will help. I would think if we can get 8-10 people that reasonable "handy" that would be enough.
An enclosed workspace (like a garage) somewhere in the Adirondacks (preferably the high peaks) in which to complete the fabrications.
1-2 Pick-up trucks to haul the raw materials to the work site and then the fabricated material to the scheduled pick up location (which I assume will be the DEC HQ at Ray Brook).
We don't need a bid process for materials, but I would prefer a reasonable construction outfit to purchase the materials from in the Adirondacks (to put our money into that economy). Make suggestion if you know of any. We'll need to purchase between $1500 and $2000 in materials
A place for the work party to stay (The Ark is always good).
Someone to be in charge :D


That is about it for this first weekend. Please let me know if you want to be a part of it. There is a lot to do.

[Neil]

Tim, if you need anybody to jump into the river Rik's your man.

If the weather's good we could do the assembly on the lawn at the Ark.

Perhaps if Randomscoots is rented we could still do the assembly in the garage. Lotsa tools in there (not that I know how to operate any of them).

Mastergrasshopper is a perfect resource person since he does stuff like this for a living.

Hi Glen! :D

How the heck do we go about safely getting the current roof and other crap OFF of the tower? I have a pretty good Swiss Army Knife but have only used the corkscrew. I would imagine 50 mph winds would be helpful in having it blow down into Lake Henderson.

[Mavs00]

Hi Glen :D

How the heck do we go about safely getting the current roof and other crap OFF of the tower? I have a pretty good Swiss Army Knife but have only used the corkscrew. I would imagine 50 mph winds would be helpful in having it blow down into Lake Henderson.

Yes, Hi Glen indeed :D

As for the other stuff. I think that we will need part of the weekend set aside for "logistics" planning and scheduling..... I think, with the right tools and a good 8-10 (or more) work crew, we would make short order of the actual fabrication. Prolly get it done in about 6-7 hours.

The rest will be for planning, prepping and ferrying the material to the launch pad.

[pete_hickey]

[We don't need a bid process for materials, but I would prefer a reasonable construction outfit to purchase the materials from in the Adirondacks (to put our money into that economy). Make suggestion if you know of any. We'll need to purchase between $1500 and $2000 in materialsTalk to the DEC about where they get their local material...

[masshysteria]

Craftsmen (or women) - Not necessarily experts but we will be building a structure to withstand the brutal Adirondack weather up high, so being a little "tool savvy" will help. I would think if we can get 8-10 people that reasonable "handy" that would be enough.
That is about it for this first weekend. Please let me know if you want to be a part of it. There is a lot to do.

Tim, although fine cabinetry is my forte :rolleyes:, I do wield a pretty mean framing hammer, and an even more impressive crow bar. I also have framing and finish pneumatic guns, and a good size compressor on wheels. Chop saws, power saws, drills, etc. I do own a truck, but my guess is you need something along the lines of a flatbed?

Are we talking a corrugated tin / fiberglass panel roof? Trusses or stick framed? Still to be determined? In any event, count me in. That weekend would work for me.

[Mavs00]

Tim, although fine cabinetry is my forte :rolleyes:, I do wield a pretty mean framing hammer, and an even more impressive crow bar. I also have framing and finish pneumatic guns, and a good size compressor on wheels. Chop saws, power saws, drills, etc. I do own a truck, but my guess is you need something along the lines of a flatbed?

Are we talking a corrugated tin / fiberglass panel roof? Trusses or stick framed? Still to be determined? In any event, count me in. That weekend would work for me.

Your hired......... :tup:

[kwc]

Will we have a work weekend at the tower to prepare it for the roof? I'm assuming (is that bad?) that we'd be attaching the roof to the tower when the roof is airlifted to the mountain ...

I have no construction skills whatsoever ... but I am more than willing to do whatever to help out.

[Mavs00]

Will we have a work weekend at the tower to prepare it for the roof? I'm assuming (is that bad?) that we'd be attaching the roof to the tower when the roof is airlifted to the mountain ...

I have no construction skills whatsoever ... but I am more than willing to do whatever to help out.

Probably, that's part of what we'll be planning that weekend. Much will depend on what the DEC inspectors find. It might need all new floor planking, framing, etc.... They'll let us know.

The only thing we know for a fact is we need a new roof (it doesn't have one now). So we'll start there. We'll take all the help we can get.

[Dick]

I'm in kwc's boat, with zero construction skills...but of course I'll be there to help, if there's something I can do. Ditto for the mountain trips, assuming the dates work out.

Dick

[mastergrasshopper]

Tim, if you need anybody to jump into the river Rik's your man.

If the weather's good we could do the assembly on the lawn at the Ark.

Perhaps if Randomscoots is rented we could still do the assembly in the garage. Lotsa tools in there (not that I know how to operate any of them).

Mastergrasshopper is a perfect resource person since he does stuff like this for a living.

Hi Glen! :D

How the heck do we go about safely getting the current roof and other crap OFF of the tower? I have a pretty good Swiss Army Knife but have only used the corkscrew. I would imagine 50 mph winds would be helpful in having it blow down into Lake Henderson.


I'm in :D
one of my strong points over the years has been doing projects with unskilled volunteers and motivaiting slackers !!!!
does anyone have drawings, and measurments as to what is existing and what we are going to do ?
Do we need a recon trip to get photos and measurments ?
MG

[Tmax]

I'm more than happy to open up the Jackrabbit hostel beds for this weekend. I'll charge everyone coming in to help out on this project a reduced fee and donate a percentage back to the foundation. But wherever we wind up I'm more than happy to contribute my bull-in-a-china-shop approach to putting something together:D.

[Gmac39]

Thanks for the update. This first work party is not good for me, but i should be able to make future dates.

[alistair]

I manage construction projects for a living, but have been known to swing a mean sledge hammer.
I have a contractor contacts from NYC/ NJ area I would be willing to ask for professional help if you want.
Like Mastergrasshopper asked, are there any drawings, specifications, or architectural details? When job is done does it need to be inspected by a State building Inspector?
I would be willing to join a recon group to verify/ field measure the building.

[Mavs00]

I'm in :D
one of my strong points over the years has been doing projects with unskilled volunteers and motivaiting slackers !!!!
does anyone have drawings, and measurments as to what is existing and what we are going to do ?
Do we need a recon trip to get photos and measurments ?
MG

Glen, Yes.... My understanding is that the DEC does have the specs we'll need and I will get and forward them to those with the appropriate knowledge in advance (we'll have to purchase al the supplies in advance).

I manage construction projects for a living, but have been known to swing a mean sledge hammer.
I have a contractor contacts from NYC/ NJ area I would be willing to ask for professional help if you want.
Like Mastergrasshopper asked, are there any drawings, specifications, or architectural details? When job is done does it need to be inspected by a State building Inspector?
I would be willing to join a recon group to verify/ field measure the building.

Alistar, I can forward your name to the DEC folks. I am in the email loop with the inspectors and can let you know when they are headed up. Can we plan on you for the April weekend? We need people like you. Sounds like we have about 5-7 tentative folks now.

I'm working on logistics now, but it looks like we'll have communal lodging for 10-11. I'll plan on being the official Photo-documentor for the website, since I am allergic to real "work".

Thanks all.

[NumNum]

I have tools, a truck, and capable hands, and connections in a lumber yard in Plattsburgh, that I will be more than willing to lend. :)

[Snickers]

Brian and I can't make the work detail as we should be busy cleaning, painting, and remodeling our new home, but we would like to help out.

With the generosity of Tmax and the Jackrabbit Hostel, I will recruite the Yourdon clan and we will make a spaghetti dinner for all on Sat evening. Dinner will be served in the Jackrabbit dining room. :)

Brian Sr makes and awesome home made spaghetti sauce with meatballs and sasuage and Ruth (Brian's mom), and I have been known to make a mean home made pie or two. There will also be a vegetarian version of sauce too.

Tim, please give us a head count prior to April 10th, so that we make enough for all.

Now to let the Yourdon's know I have volunteered them all. :eek: :D

[alistair]

Glen, Yes.... My understanding is that the DEC does have the specs we'll need and I will get and forward them to those with the appropriate knowledge in advance (we'll have to purchase al the supplies in advance).



Alistar, I can forward your name to the DEC folks. I am in the email loop with the inspectors and can let you know when they are headed up. Can we plan on you for the April weekend? We need people like you. Sounds like we have about 5-7 tentative folks now.

I'm working on logistics now, but it looks like we'll have communal lodging for 10-11. I'll plan on being the official Photo-documentor for the website, since I am allergic to real "work".

Thanks all.

Yes I will be available for the work weekend.

[Mavs00]

Yes I will be available for the work weekend.

Awesome.......... Your marked in (got your PM)

Everyone else, please send me a message and let me know if you want to be involved with this weekend. There is a lot to do and once we know WHO, and what expertise we have (and tools), then we can start planning the materials list and assigning pre-weekend tasks so that we have everything we need that day.

I'm waiting on plans from the DEC and results of the inspection. We know we need a roof (Completely). For those with good "acquiring skills", We are trying get a hold of the technical design plans for a Aermotor LS40 Fire Tower. It has a 7x7 cab base that is 6 ft high.

Thanks.

[Laurie Rankin]

I'm waiting on plans from the DEC and results of the inspection. We know we need a roof (Completely). For those with good "acquiring skills", We are trying get a hold of the technical design plans for a Aermotor LS40 Fire Tower. It has a 7x7 cab base that is 6 ft high.

Thanks.

I bet the Fire Tower Lookout Association has just what you need here.

Would love to join you guys on that weekend, but there is some AMC presentation going on in NH that involves patches for completing 115 of something or other.........count us in on other dates for sure!

[1ADAM12]

Tim, I'm in for the site work, ferrying stuff, carrying out stuff, but not the roof building in Keene.

Count me in as well :tup:

[Sn.Forester]

I would also be interested in helping out, and I have some experience with the Mt. Arab fire tower. Please keep me informed as to the specifics. I'm not sure at this time if that weekend will work for me.

[Mavs00]

I would also be interested in helping out, and I have some experience with the Mt. Arab fire tower. Please keep me informed as to the specifics. I'm not sure at this time if that weekend will work for me.

Sounds perfect. Send me a PM and I'll keep you in the loop. Sound's like you'd be a valuable resource.