The emergency/rapid response workshop

scrollF4 · #1 09-03-2010, 10:24 PM

OK,
I desperately need advice. I just checked into Langley AFB for a 2 year tour, and have been assigned to on-base officer housing. The house has an under-house garage/basement that ROCKS for RV-7A building! However, at 6 feet MSL and surrounded by the Little Back River (at the Chesepeake's mouth), the basement is known to flood by NorEasters and hurricanes (a concern this week from Hurricane Earl).
I need a way to SCRAMBLE my workshop and aircraft parts OUT of the basement when Civil Engineering shows up with sand bags. My thoughts:

-- Tools: They return to the tool chest (on wheels) nightly.
-- Work Benches: EAA standard, but on wheels so I can push them out the big door.
-- Compressor: 30+ wheeled version.
-- Shop appliances (grinder, band saw, etc.): Mounted on wheeled work bench.
-- Assembled aircraft portions: Stay on cradles or the aircraft's wheels.

In case of emergency: Roll them all onto trailer and get them onto high ground.

Is anyone out there dealing with a similar contingency? Am I missing anything? Any advice?

Scroll

ronschreck · #2 09-04-2010, 04:29 AM

I was stationed at Langley in the early 80's. The Little Back River flooded the base two or three times while I was there. It can happen quickly or in the middle of the night or when you are out of town. You may have little or no warning. There are a lot of unused buildings at Langley, most from the old NASA test facilities. You might check with the base civil engineer to see if you could use some space in one.

scrollF4 · #3 09-04-2010, 01:27 PM

Thanks, Ron.
So here's the follow-up: Is there any part of a decent RV workshop that *can't* sit on wheels? The weather folks have gotton good enough at forecasting flood-prone wx that I should be able to load it all onto a trailer and boogey it to high ground. Band saw, grinders, etc can mount onto a wheeled work table. Even a small paint booth on wheels. But am I missing anything?

It kills me not to use the space in this house's basement. Tons of room, good lighting, and easy access in/out. Also, I appreciate that working on the aircraft IN the house increases success rates. I'll give the CE CC a call like you suggest, but if I can I want to build it dowstairs.

Thoughts?

TSwezey · #4 09-04-2010, 02:34 PM

How high does it flood? Can't everything just be put up above flood level for minor storms?

scrollF4 · #5 09-04-2010, 02:45 PM

Todd,
Hurricane Isabel completely flooded the basements (ie, to the cealing). NorEasters usually put 1-3 feet of water down there.

ronschreck · #6 09-04-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrollF4

Thanks, Ron.
So here's the follow-up: Is there any part of a decent RV workshop that *can't* sit on wheels? The weather folks have gotton good enough at forecasting flood-prone wx that I should be able to load it all onto a trailer and boogey it to high ground. Band saw, grinders, etc can mount onto a wheeled work table. Even a small paint booth on wheels. But am I missing anything?

It kills me not to use the space in this house's basement. Tons of room, good lighting, and easy access in/out. Also, I appreciate that working on the aircraft IN the house increases success rates. I'll give the CE CC a call like you suggest, but if I can I want to build it dowstairs.

Thoughts?

Sid, I think you can put it all on wheels. All you need is a trailer or something to put it all in to keep it dry. You don't need to go far. The water seldom gets above the street curbing, but it will fill your basement!

islandmonkey · #7 09-05-2010, 03:56 AM

What happens to the wings when they are attached to the jig, or to the fuselage when it is upside down on its jig?

I would not take the risk. Having your pride and joy immersed under several feet of corrosive sea water is definately a show stopper.

scrollF4 · #8 09-05-2010, 04:58 AM

Anthony,
I downloaded plans for a wheeled fuselage cradle. I plan to go QB for both the fuselage and wings. Do QB wings come with a cradle that I can modify with wheels?

As I look into this and focus on everything having wheels, I sense I can simply roll it all onto a UHaul van, strap it down, and drive off to high ground.

Av8torTom · #9 09-05-2010, 07:29 AM

Best Air force in the world and we can't keep water out of the basement...

TSwezey · #10 09-05-2010, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Av8torTom

Best Air force in the world and we can't keep water out of the basement...

I don't think it is a basement but really the first level which is built on the ground. The houses are built on piers and the walls are either break away or have flood vents. My house is built in a similar fashion but not up high enough to have a full first level.