From the get-go, I knew I was going to need to modify the support structures on the Airstream to provide it the stability we were going to need to have multiple children and families inside conducting science experiments. We bought and installed a new foot for the front tongue jack and a pair of additional scissor-style support jacks for the rear of the Airstream. These added supports and improvements has added just the right amount of stability we needed. We did find some new leaks after moving the trailer so we have been working on installing more patches and repairs.
0 Comments
I started today by using blue painters tape to mark out where the furniture will be to make choices about the amount of electrical switches and the size and type of converter to invest in to support the electrical needs for the Airstream. I had no idea how energizing it would be to start to actually get a clearer picture of where we are headed. Here you can see the front of the Airstream and the wrap around bench we'll install. The 4'x4' table will be removable to open up the space for more activities. Most of the electrical systems will be managed under the bench storage. Here is the center and back of the Airstream. We are planning on cabinets over the wheel wells to use for storage but also high counter tops we can use to set up technology or hands on investigations. We're also planning on mounting at least one TV on the wall with a swivel to allow it to reorient towards the front, middle or back of the Airstream. You can also see a similar wraparound bench and removable table in the back of the Airstream to have two groups working at one time. One thing that makes the back unique is that we have plans on transforming the back window area into a rear hatch to allow patrons to move through the Airstream when we have experiences or exhibits that allow. To make this possible, the center rear portion of the wraparound bench will be a removable insert. Our goal is to be able to stage experiences both inside and outside the Airstream where ever it might be on a given day. Investing in a Route 104 Science shirt or donating to the project can help us continue to move forward. Each shirt is $15 and comes in grey or green.
Just got back from visiting the farm and it is time to get back to work on the Airstream's electrical system. I've gotten the trailer's running lights connected and am working on the brake and reverse lights. Excited to start working on the internal lights and USB charging ports next.
We are starting a fundraising campaign to help offset the renovation expenses on the Airstream. We've created a shirt design that showcases our new branding for the Airstream science project. As the name Airstream is already a registered trademark, we prayerfully considered other name options that would be fun, memorable, and stick with the idea of taking science on the road to the Glory of God. We settled on Route 104 Science--the 104 comes from psalm 104 which recounts God's creative work among the natural world and all its inhabitants. We are working with C.C. Creations here in Bryan/College Station to produce the shirts and we will be taking orders on our website's landing page. We are currently offering two colors (lime green and heather grey) and can take orders for sizes beginning with youth small and going up to adult XL in either color. We are looking at closing the fundraiser by Jan 21st to have the shirts ready for pickup (or delivery) in early February.
Merry Christmas. We got a less-than-friendly neighborhood virus this holiday season but we're coming out of it and getting to work on finishing the subfloor and belly pan replacement. Next step is working on the electrical systems and insulation.
So we were overly optimistic about the subfloor. We ended up needing to remove the entire subfloor and give it a good clean. Once we got the inside to a good point, we used the pressure washer on the inside and outside to clean it and to look for leaks. Some leaks were easy enough to fix, others had us bring out the drill and rivet gun again.
One of the fun opportunities of working on Airstream trailers is the skills you develop in using a rivet gun. We had lots of opportunities for installing small and large patches on the sides and roof of our Airstream trailer. We also installed the new vent fans and Coleman Mach 15 AC unit.
It was nice to have the children working on a couple different parts of cleaning up the Airstream while I removed the rotted parts of the subfloor. Hope helped with vacuuming out the c-channel along the base of the walls. Emma helped with scraping carpet glue off the subfloor, Jonathan helped with sanding off rust, shoveling out leaves, dirt, and acorns from under the subfloor, and using aircraft remover with Faith on the outside shell.
With all of the interior skins finally removed, we are that much closer to transitioning to the rebuilding process. Faith and Samantha even helped me scrub the outside of the airstream with our carwash mitts and a bucket of soapy water.
|
authorKenneth Fleming Archives
August 2022
Categories |