Cuda1949

Ian, back in the '70s I lived in a studio apartment and had no space for anything. I built a Kentucky percussion cap carbine kit on my lap during that time. It can be done!!! FYI - the kit came out great - I still have that muzzle loader!!
 
Thanks for the comments!!!
 
Hank

Note to self----
 
Stop reading this super thread and getting more bitter and twisted by the day  working on a small table in my dinning room..LOL      

Thanks, Roger - yeah, been long and expensive!!! But, more space than I've had dedicated to a hobby - I feel quite lucky to have gotten this far with all this.
 
Hank

Bravo Zulu,  it’s been a long haul.
 
Roger

I successfully made a run to OfficeMax, Lowe's, etc. in the big city and returned to begin the final assault on finishing the shop; well, sort of....! Anyhow, I'm a bit short of caulking but will remedy that today. Other than that, the access door is completed and in place. Yesterday, I turned on the a/c and while not really needing it, i left it on for about 30 minutes while I taped up some parts on my B-2 bomber model. I noticed that the room temp actually DROPPED 1° during that time which indicated the attic closure was working. The access door was not in place, but I had the a/c pointed to the sitting room, away from the loft area. So, anyhow, the door glue holding the styrofoam blocks is now dry and the door is in place:

So, now I only need to do a small amount of trim filler work along the center ridge, caulk the joints, and paint. The door is lightweight, made of 3/16" thk foamboard with a couple layers of bubble insulation and the 4 styrofoam blocks to hold it in place. I may try to find a long piece of foam to cut for an upper lip on the outside of the angled sides of the door just to seal up that visible crack.
 
For all intents and purposes, the shop is now "in limited operations, pending Commissioning" - Further exterior painting, re-roofing, etc. will occur as time/money permits and I will update as necessary when those activities dictate. Thanks for the participation!!
 
Hank

I noticed in the manual and on some online pictures that a hook is used to attach to eyebolts.
 
Not having any I decided to make my own.
 
I'm using .81mm wire.
Here's the end product..

 
.. and here's how I got there....
Used some wire wrapping pliers to get the initial hook bend.

 
Made as tight a bend as I could.

 
Hammered on the end hook piece till it flatten.

 
Then cut the hook end at a slight angle, making it pointed. Then used the wire twisting tool to form the bottom loop.

 
Trimmed off the excess wire and filed the hook, done
 
Here's a pic of it in use.

 
I try to not just post completed pictures of a build part.
I think adding the "how-to" is beneficial to others, even if it's already been done a 100 times by other modelers.
 
Hope that helps someone
 

Roger,
The roof does have a short, centered ridge vent, I think about either 3 or 4 feet long. Also, I put 2 small metal vents on the back upper wall and one in the front wall, although larger ones would probably have been better (not enough room). Always something to learn and do better, right?
Hank

Craig,
Yep, so it's underway. I just cut out the bead board panels for the front attic opening and tomorrow a.m. (after I prepare spaghetti sauce - don't want to incur the Wrath of The Admiral), I'll be measuring the inside where the insulation will be adhered to it prior to installation. I anticipate that this end will be rather simple compared to the back panels which need an access area in the center. That will be a bit more involved, BUT...I can decide the opening width and then cut side panels to fit and get them insulated and in place (the simple parts first!).
Thanks again for your interest, ideas, and input!!!
Hank

IMBC,
Thanks - you are correct with one exception - I insulated between the loft floor and workshop ceiling (below). The loft area is uninsulated. With Jaager's ideas regarding the unsulation boards, I am going to make insulated panels for both the front attic area (close it off, etc.) and something similar for closing the loft area so that I still have access. Actually, I may be able to glue foam insulation board to a thin hardboard shaped to fit the central part of that opening (for access) with two small insulated side panels permanently framed in on either side. However it turns out, this will get done fairly quickly. I appreciate your comments!!!
Hank

Jaager,
Thanks - did you mean "styrofoam ESKY" insulation?? I'm not finding a "Starfoam E.KY" insulation. I can get a 4x8 sheet of styrofoam insul. at Lowe's really easily and glue it to the back of the beadboard, thus insulating that ceiling partition once it's cut to shape. The hinge you're talking about, etc. - I'm guessing you mean for the access panel to the loft on the other end of the bldg. I think I see what you're getting at - doesn't seem too difficult. That might be the easiest and most efficient material to use. 
 
Hank

Hank,
 
I would give serious thought to using a sheet of 2"  Starfoam (E.KY) insulation.  It probably only comes as 4x8.
One sheet may get you a double layer. 
Hinge it along the top edge.  A long pole can keep it open or a distal hook in the ceiling and a loop with the sheet.
It may require 1/4" ply to hold the hinges.  It is porous enough for PVA to hold it all together.  LiquidNails also works.  Weather stripping along the border and strong magnets at few points to hold it all closed tight.

Dr. Per or Nirvana (which do YOU prefer?) -
 
That's good news!!! It shows that your Admiral has a high degree of trust in you - be careful not to abuse that or take advantage of the positive gesture on her part. Remember, when dealing with Admiralty, The Cat is never, NEVER far from reach - almost like a DEWLINE of RADAR stations tuned in to take you down!!!
 
However, on the prospects of a dedicated shop - 23'x10' is a nice size to be sure. That's 230 sq. ft. and should be fairly moderate in cost to cool/heat, etc. One thing that I've read in the operating manual about the unit I bought is that their ratings of output are not exactly as described in product advertising/data sheets due to newer calculation formulas used by the gov't. & industry - but, you don't find out about this until you've already read the online/printed comparisons and decided on a particular model. Those information columns don't always show the TRUE figures. This admission of sorts is included in the manual that came with my unit - so, I'm not sure that buying an oversized a/c unit in order to compensate for the attic situation will prove positive or negative at this point. What I based my decision on was the figures published online in their product data columns - as this is the only stuff you have to go on. Time, I guess will tell!! As you say, you've got to mess around with these things before it all becomes murky! I do have enough new beadboard on hand to fashion a permanent upper end to the front attic area. I hope to get that made this weekend. The loft area will still take some thinking on how to close it off, yet leave it accessible.
 
I hope once you begin your shop construction you will inundate us all with pix, blarney, and coupons for free "adult" refreshments, etc. !!!
 
Hank

Well, my a/c was delivered yesterday so I let it sit for a day (per directions) and then trucked it out to the shop and got it installed this morning. I had to alter the exhaust opening in the wall (did so with a metal 5"x4" reducer somewhat modified):
 and
Then, modified the provided window panel slide piece to be used on the wall instead. This hose is 5 1/4" dia. which is somewhat larger than the original B & D exhaust hose. Anyway, once the panel was mounted on the wall, I inserted the hose into both the wall opening and the unit, moved the unit into place (sort of), and plugged it in. Started right up. The ambient temp. inside was 74°F and outside somewhere around 77 or 78. I messed around a bit with the remote and left it set on Cool with the fan on high, setting the temp. for 71. Well, as the day progressed, it got quite hotter outside and inside. When I shut it off and came inside late in the afternoon, the outside temp was around 89-90 and inside 84-86 depending on where you were. So, while everything seems to work ok, I'm not seeing any cooling of the space. NOTE: I do still need to close off the attic area over the sitting area in front as there is no need to leave it open. This will obviously affect the a/c ability of the unit. The same area in the back of the bldg. (over the workshop area) needs to remain accessible as it is a storage loft. So, this may present a problem not easily solved. I'm thinking about some type of curtain that could at least be closed (snaps?) when the loft is not being accessed. At least then those two areas would be closed off from the rest of the cooled interior space. Probably sleep on that for a while....! Anyhow, here is the modified exhaust hose wall mount and the a/c unit itself:

I did manage to get in a few hours on my Williams Bros. WASP engine kit that I started 2 years ago. I need to get it finished and clear the decks for a full time STODDARD build. One other note - the unit is on castors and can easily be moved around (which I did) about 5' from either wall. I am planning on adding a permanent angled drain line thru the wall for connection to the provide drain tube. Just a matter of getting to it, etc.
 
Hank
 

Grant,
Well, The Admiral has placed restrictions on the use of all elec. devices during all this, however - she did allow for a sketch artist to capture the event just before it began:

 

Well, that may be a bit hard....after the initial onslaught (I like that word - it connotates terror, mayhem, outright brutality!!!),  in a few days I might be able to rotate my good shoulder around to take a selfie of my upper back....or not - we'll have to see if The Cat makes a 2nd or (hopefully not!) 3rd appearance before the a/c unit is scheduled to arrive next weekend. Anything is possible on The Admiral's Quarterdeck between now & then. 

Ken,
Well, not surprising - everything that we had planned to go to or attend is now dead for 2020. IMPO, I think the press has wrung the country out and thru the wringer on the virus issue. Common sense and practicality in how you conduct yourself have flown out the window in the midst of the power struggles going on on all sides.
 
On the shop - I did it...pulled the trigger! It's currently 86 in the shop today and really won't get better w/o an a/c in place. So, end of next week we'll see what happens!
 
Hank

Grant, Ken, Jack - Thanks for the Positive responses!!! Yes - I hear you loud and clear, just a matter of "pulling the trigger". Today is supposed to be back up in the 90s, and that might do it for me.
 
Ken - I went to Mars Hill College back in the mid-60s and came back to finish after my Navy duty (70-72), so I'm well aware of the types of weather one encounters up in WNC!!! Hendersonville, BTW, is one of our favorite towns to visit - the Apple Festival is one of the better fall attractions in that area.
 
Stay tuned for further advisories, etc.

Noting Roger’s comment above Hank, you could justify the A/C as “necessary preventative maintenance” rather than creature comfort. I’m sure the Admiral will understand.........😉
 
The shop is looking superb BTW.

With the refund of the Black & Decker taken care of from Amazon, I'm now dithering about purchasing another portable a/c - I have the make/model picked up, just somehow have a hard time hitting the "place order" button!!! Same goes for a part that the manufacturer says I need to repair my Frigidaire Mini-Fridge. The part is $95.00 & change and I'm hesitant to order it. If it was $25.00 I wouldn't feel so bad, but with tax, etc. it will come in over $100.00. Yes, cheaper (if it works) than replacing the fridge, but .....!!! I don't think the Freon needs charging as it does get cool, but doesn't freeze (upper box) or get cold (lower box). The a/c unit will run over $500.00 so these two expenses are worrisome to say the least.
 
Repairs to NEW JERSEY during her Pier side Availability have been made and she's now been relocated to her new homeport:

So, after doing a bit of preventive maintenance on my drill press (and ordering a missing part), I'm getting the workspace (Laydown Area #1) ready to begin on my USS STODDARD project. Once I have all the plans/photos/info sheets, etc. on hand for beginning super detailing the bottom of the hull, I will be able to start. I need to build a shallow cradle to hold the hull upside down so I can work on it - that will come next. Maybe by then I will have made a decision or two on the above discussion...

Dr. Per,
Thanks for the nice comments. Re. the stand that PEACOCK resides on - This will answer both of your questions: There WAS a mini-fridge under the far end of the stand. However, it was not working properly, has been moved to the Surplus Yard for replacement. As such, the stand is self-standing without the fridge under it. Once I've replaced the fridge, I will brace that end with a small block of wood (already waiting deployment) that will further support that end of the model's display case.
Hank 

Looks fantastic, Hank.  All you'll need is the A/C now.  

This afternoon, well actually 10 minutes ago, in spite of the heat, I went out and did a bit more arranging while searching thru books for some schooner info a fellow modeler called me about. Arranging successful! Schooner info NOT!!! I may go back out this evening when things are cooler and tackle the workbench again. Here's the sitting area as of this afternoon:

After a good vacuuming, the rugs should look nicer and work until I can afford nautical themed décor for this area. The squiggly crap doesn't do anything for me!!! I think interior-wise things are getting close to being usable. I doubt there will be a commissioning gala with COVID lurking around the corner, so I may just begin using the shop without further fanfare. Although, that doesn't seem fitting.............

Ken,
Wish I'd been that smart!!!
 
OK, yesterday and this a.m. I did the floor painting and the heat is back!!! So, I finished the front area a little bit ago and have taken up residence in the cool of our sun room. I'll probably check on the shop after lunch, close the door and pick up tomorrow morning. In any event, the floor is finished with the exception of a small amount of touch up here & there on the baseboards, etc. Here is the shop area as of last evening:

I'll be back sorting, etc. and cleaning off the work surface. Still quite a few things to get arranged.

Dr. Per,
No saw dust yet!!! I have NOT begun USS STODDARD yet - only in CAD drawings which I've been working on over the last couple years or so. The model itself won't get underway until possibly next month. Once I have a functioning a/c unit in place and have completed a small amount of repairs to NEW JERSEY, then STODDARD gets the green light.
 
My workbench height is 35" (+/-) a good height to use my drafting chair - in fact, I'm thinking about looking around for a 2nd (possibly used) drafting chair for exclusive use at the workbench. I fabricated a couple tool caddys today to hold knives, long rigging tools, & files, etc.

Well, still waiting on the Amazon refund to process, so only working in short sessions during more agreeable temps, etc. With a light off/on rain going on, I got out and did some more stowing of things. This idea of actually stowing away modeling tools, etc. is foreign to me - at the old location down east for 18 years I simply piled everything on a table behind me and dove in when necessary to find something.  Now, with an actual shop to set up and arrange, I'm finding this an effort and actually sort of tiring. So, I thinks to meself….why not hire a professional, an arranger to do the task???? Well, I had forgotten that according to the Watch, Quarters, & Station Bill, The Admiral is in charge of these personnel decisions and the young Swiss Hottie I had picked out (from various and sundry European bridal listings) was rejected out of hand and now after a severe Admiral's Mast involving The Cat, I'm back to square one on stowing my own gear - AND....have had my internet privileges severely reduced as far as what overseas sites I can visit.🥵 So, while nursing my hurt ego (not to mention my hands, arms, back, legs, etc.) I went back out there and did a bit more stowing of gear today. Here's what things look like in the back of the shop:

I'm actually making some progress in spite of what you might think!