Building the Bridge 3

Created: April 21, 2010
Updated: April 23, 2010

Construction has begun in earnest on our primary set.

Our first concern has been the completion of the helm-nav-astrogator. As you can see, we're going for a synthesis between the look of the original series and the later motion picture era. We've still got some work to go on this piece, but it's coming along nicely. We basically spent this past week painting, sanding, and even preparing to wire the astrogator.

Once we finished painting the center console, we flipped it over, drilled some holes for lights, installed some Christmas lights, and then glued the appliques into place. The result is quite astounding to us.   Maybe we're easily pleased, but we really like the way it came out. :)

In addition to our astrogator, we've begun work on the elevated platform around the bridge.

Using our revised measurements for the diagram below, our construction manager, Van Buchanan, created the first frame for our bridge using 2"x12"x144" lumber. (Please note that the dimensions changed quite a bit, but not by a great deal. Our initial diagram fails to take the width of the wood into account, so your mileage...or measurements...will vary.)

After running a chalk line around the carport, we knew for a fact that we had it right, and set about to construct three more sections of the twelve we need for our elevated bridge platform. In a few hours, we had one-third of our bridge platform complete, and in fact, we completed the port side of the bridge.

On Saturday evening, we began adding the flooring using 3/4" Oriented Strand Board (OSB).

But that's not all, in addition to all this work on the bridge, we've actually cast three actors in roles for our upcoming first episode. We should be updating the website in a few days with their information and photos.

All in all, another productive week!

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