August 23, 2008 - Meeting Summary

Mike Forys hosted our first module construction work session on Saturday, August 23rd from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at his home in San Diego. Six members attended and good progress was made. We finalized the corner module dimensions and form factor based on some CAD work that Mike and Peter Gagnon collaborated on prior to the meeting.

The six attendees managed to build the benchwork for the first corner module and to cut the 1x4s for the remaining three. It took a bit of time to build the first one because we were also figuring out how best to cut the lumber, particularly the plywood sheets, in order to get a strong, accurately laid-out and dimentionally stable module together with most efficient use of materials. We did very well on both scores, and have enough plywood left over from the four corners to complete four straight modules from the leftovers. We also came away with enough surplus 1x4 lumber to do the framing on about two of the straight modules. As this first buy was only expected to be enough to complete the four corners, this is a good result.

Everyone brought along their favorite power and handtools to help the construction, the temperature was comfortable, and the view of Mission Valley and the hills beyond from Mike's backyard remains very pleasant. Mike served up burgers, cokes and potato salad for lunch and we all kicked into the kitty to share the costs.

On the financial front, Bob Graves informed everyone that sale of the sectional track donated by Ralph Powell netted the club $103 and change. The SHS ATSF way car (caboose) is still for sale. Also, later in the week, Jim Stockfisch sent a $40 donation to help with costs. Thanks Jim. Taken together with track and roadbed donations from Ralph and Peter, these monies will cover much of the material costs of the first eight modules.

Additional Worksessions: We set up a loose schedule of follow up work sessions as well, and so far two have been held on successive Wednesdays. Mike and Peter, both being retired, got together and completed the benchwork for the remaining three corner modules. Also, legs were added to the first corner to see how well the simple latching design would work. It does work, but results in more than a bit of wobblyness, so we've gone back to the drawing board on this. Anyone with good ideas, or what you believe are good ideas, should share them with Mike who continues to lead our module building effort. Bob and Mike have tentatively planned a work session for this Friday, Sept. 5th. It's tentative depending on leg redesign progress. Also, we'll be starting to add the electrical subsytem to the modules. Mike's been surfing the web looking for good prices.

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