14.04.2024 Observatory dismantling Pt.1.

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 Sunday 14th. 52F/11C. Sunny, dry and breezy. First I leveled the new gravel area beside the observatory. This was so I could safely set up the stepladders on firm ground. 

 Then I started to dismantle the observatory. Removing the cladding plywood was simple enough. The original building had retained its cladding. Until I was ready to carry out the internal changes to suit the big, green dome. [Now sold and gone.]

 The enlarged building, floor plan, was offset and larger in nominal diameter than the original octagon. By 1.3meters towards the west.  

 Once I clear all of the external skeleton I will make a decision on keeping the 3m/10' observatory building. It doesn't loom nearly so large as the expanded building.

 Now I must do a lot of tidying of the timber which I had stored in the green dome. Though a rest is required first to recover from this morning's exertions.

 The timber was tidied up and a couple more panels were safely dropped. I invested in the tall stepladders for safety reasons. After having several falls as normal ladders slid sideways. Or sank into the ground with the same effect. I suppose I am lucky to be alive. 

 These tripod stepladders are incredibly strong, stiff and stable. With double rungs for long term comfort and safety while working from them. They have large metal feet, yards apart. Which don't sink or slide.

  16.45 A new image added. I have removed a lot of cross braces. They were skew screwed with 100mm Torx. It is a great advantage to a have a proper rechargeable screwdriver with torque settings. Electric drills don't have the power. Unless set to Drill mode. Then they tear your wrists and hands as the drill body rotates. As it finally drives the screw home.

 I have had enough for one day. The next step is to unscrew the lower cross braces from the projecting floor joists. Then the large, coach bolts can be undone at the top and each frame separated from the skeleton. This was the only way I could erect the building safely while working alone.  

25.04.2024 Update: All work came to a complete halt due to a severe cold.   

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13.04.2024 Ever onwards?

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  Saturday 13th. I have had several trailer loads of free demolition rubble delivered. To make up the sunken ground level beside my 2-storey observatory. 

 I still have to spread the self compacting gravel over the top. To make the surface firm and level. Then I can safely erect ladders to start dismantling the observatory. 

 To be replaced by a self-built car port. Probably using much of the observatory timbers and grooved cladding plywood for materials. 

 My health is under serious review. With numerous scans to examine my heart and its plumbing. I become very breathless with any physical exertion. Which is certainly not conducive to my projects!

 I still have no clue what to do with my collection of optics. My self-built telescopes will not support the used price structure of well known makers. Though the 6" and 7" iStar objectives and larger FT focusers do have some value. My massive equatorial mounting would be viewed as scrap. By all but the most knowledgeable amateur astronomer.

 I am still tempted to build a simple, compact, roll off roof observatory in the front garden. To give me some rather limited, southerly views of the sun. There would be no need for a raised building to see over the hedges and trees. As was vitally necessary for my back garden viewing. 

 An earlier view before the rubble was spread in the sunken area beyond. I had used up half the gravel heap at this point. To make up the lower ground.

 Solar H-alpha imaging still holds some interest. If only I can re-motivate myself to start all over again. The new, southerly arc would be much narrower than I enjoyed from my former eyrie. Early and late seeing conditions were usually best. At least I wouldn't be viewing the sun over the hot house roof. There is only a modest field in front of my southern boundary.

 Some sort of secure, weatherproof covering would be necessary. To avoid repeatedly lifting instruments into place. I no longer have that capacity. My plywood dome allowed me to use a block and tackle to lift my OTAs as necessary. Mounting my 6" F/10 H-alpha scope would have to be strictly a one-off effort. I couldn't do it every time I wanted to do any solar imaging. I am only interested in solar close-ups.

Two more meters of backward progress spreading the gravel. It is very hard work! The gravel is hard to penetrate in the heap and heavy to throw over three  meters with a shovel. So I resorted to using a wheelbarrow. Even more tiring but much quicker.

 I used opposed ladders. To form a sturdy A-frame for a chain hoist. When I needed to lift my foolishly heavy mounting onto its 14' pyramidal pier. I don't know of any budget, commercial, equatorial mountings with remotely the capacity to support a heavy, 6" refractor. 

 There is always the option of a Dobsonian fork mounting placed on top of an equatorial platform. That would give me the tracking I need. Without image rotation. I don't need whole sky coverage for solar. 

Last picture for today. I have now covered an area 8m x 4m with gravel beyond the steel post. 26'x13'.

 If my health deteriorates further I shall just have to give up all of my foolish plans. 77 isn't a bad innings I suppose.. Though I had no plans to retire from continuing with my projects. And then, my wife died suddenly and all my hobbies became completely meaningless.

 

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