Pulpit Ramp Construction (Fall, 1997)

[Ward Odenwald]

Made possible by:
Kelvin Pierce, Dave Proctor, Marc Fink, Marvin Presley, Pete Lehmann, Geoff Mumford, Tom McGowan, Brian Vant-Hull, Bacil Dickerson, Bill Robertson, Matt Graham, Karen Carra, Steve Kinsley, Bob Gillisse, Chuck Pyle, Tad Eareckson, Mike Chevalier, Mark Cavanaugh, George Price, Judy McCarty, John Middleton, Sheila Boyle, Mark Gardner, Doug Wakefield, Christy Huddle and Jim Strube.

http://www.chgpa.org/PhotoGallery/photo ... p.wp5.html

An Amazing Team Success, by those who love what we do.

Thank You!

Their efforts have helped most of us safe passage into the air, but after 19 years of punishing Tuscarora ridge conditions – the ramp needs help. Let’s honor the efforts of those who built it by maintaining it.

I’m clueless when it comes to carpentry/construction or a clear idea of what’s best to maintain the ramp. However, age-related problems are showing (issues that most likely could be corrected with minor repairs). If we act now, I’m guessing that major issues, if any, will be considerably diminished than if we wait.

Who wants to help?

Let’s do this!

[Blaine]

Im in.

[dbodner]

Do you think it's just a matter of replacing several boards, or is it a complete re-decking?

Once we get an estimate, I can put it to the Pulpit board of directors and get authorization to cut a check.

BTW, there's a hardware store/lumber yard right in town we can buy our supplies at.

David Bodner
Pulpit Treasurer

[krryerson]

I'll be happy to help too.
Knut

[A.Lloyd]

I'm not a carpenter but can swing a hammer and own a pick up truck.

[markc]

Although preventive maint would clearly be a good idea for the new ramp.... The older more N facing ramp is in pretty sad shape, might be better to focus on that one first?

It would be great if a redeck of the old ramp could also accomplish a wider ramp....

[Joe Schad]

I am willing to help with tools and limited skill set. Do we have a date planned for the work?

joe

[wmelo]

I will be glad to help

[Ward Odenwald]

I’ll photograph both ramps on Saturday and post images that focus on what’s good and what needs fixing. Once we get advice from those who have the expertise, we’ll come up with a plan for the repairs.

Ward

[Ward Odenwald]

Spent the morning taking a close look at both ramps checking for foundation/structural joint issues and wood fatigue problems. The photos are ordered showing the newer, more northerly ramp, first followed by images of the older ramp. Here are my impressions.

North Ramp: Considering its 19th birthday was 3 days ago, its in remarkable shape. The foundation is solid with no detectable significant issues. While under the ramp, the wind was howling at times (at least 50 plus mph) and there was no detectable vibrations or swaying. Although some of the supports and beams had minor splits or cracks, there are no signs of dry rot and the metal plates that secure its joints are in good shape albeit rusted. The stairs are weathered but also in good structural condition. However, some of the stair planks need refastening with nails or screws. “Nail pops” on the stairs and on the upper surface planks of the launch platform are the only issues that I could find and just one launch plank needs a new set of screws or nails (the board closest to the stairs).

My only (inexperienced) suggested repair would be to reattach the stair and launch platform boards using screws.

South Ramp: Its steel supports and cross beams are solid with no swaying detected during the gale force winds but its wood beams and surface planks have suffered significant amounts of decay with may of its boards broken or showing advanced stages of dry rot. Most of the boards appear to be original (circa late 70’s). It’s my opinion that in its current state, the ramp not safe given that may of its boards may not be able to support weight. In addition to its approach ramp, the launch platform has many “soft” boards that could collapse when experiencing significant weight (a pilot with a glider under negative load).

As shown in the photos, its frame is solid and replacing its wood may not be that difficult as both the walk up ramp and the launch platform are supported by interconnected steel supports with attached/replaceable wood beams. On solution to consider, would be to replace the old planks with a Trex-like composite.

Please post suggestions! Any advice from those with construction experience will be greatly appreciated.

Ward

[Ward Odenwald]

Next set of North Ramp images

[Ward Odenwald]

last two images of the north ramp stair

[Ward Odenwald]

Old Ramp images

[Ward Odenwald]

two additional old ramp pics

[silverwings]

Ward, thanks for checking it out. I remembered a few years ago that Dan Tuckwiller had secured some left over composite boards that we were considering using to build a new High Rock ramp and I thought maybe we could use those at the Pulpit. I texted him a few days ago about the materials and he indicated they were no longer available.

[dbodner]

We had re-decked the old ramp (aft portion only) maybe 10 years ago, so I would expect the forward (launch) section would be in worse shape. It's been maybe a year since I've been there, but I thought both structures were in good basic shape. Maybe we re-deck the forward section of the old ramp (perhaps with longer boards to widen it) and put some screws in the new ramp as Ward suggests.

[silverwings]

While there last weekend (10/30/16), I took some measurements of the old ramp surface. Launch area is 15' 10" wide and 26' 2" long with 41 2x6 planks with 1 inch in between each plank. The walk up ramp is 27' long and 14' 3" wide with 44 planks. All planks are 2 x 6 and separated by 1" with a shorter 1" board toward the center portion. With the existing support structure the launch ramp could be slightly wider by 6" on each side in my estimate. Also, there is a 2 x 4 on each side under the planks on the launch portion.