My Build: Simply a Mr. Jack Olsen inspired 1930 Auto Bunker House Geobarn Homage

SpeedinLemon · Sep 10, 2012

Hey Shaun -- A big congratulations on the additon to the fan club! Quite a handsome little guy. I guess since Grandpa does all the work around there(pictures dont lie!), you'll get to spend lots of time with him showing him how to run a camera and pops will be a good, hardworking role model :lol_hitti

Kidding of course....he'll have great time out on the farm. Glad to hear all is well with baby and Mrs. FBF and that progress is being made again... Looking forward to more.

Oh and +1 on Ompha's suggestion on the Control Tower Treehouse. Just put it on the list!!

Chris

flybefree · Sep 11, 2012

Jeff,

Thanks for the help on the to do list...it is really starting to fill up with all the things we need to get done in the next 4 months.

Chris,

Thanks, I can't lie, by Dad is a hard working Grandpa...great to have his help on my many projects. The oldest has asked about a treehouse...that will have to go on the list.

Called my heating and air guy to start work on the heat for the shop, want to get that installed in the next few months. Looking at radiant tube heat on the ceiling. I will post the details as they come together.

Shaun

FlyBeFree's Wife · Dec 10, 2012

Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, apparently retiring, harvesting, working on hangar and house projects, and preparing to move to aforementioned house must take up all of my husband's previous GJ time!

There is now air, heat, gas, and plumbing in the hangar. But the most important improvement of all...the house now has a dishwasher!! Next search...a pellet stove for the drafty and relatively uninsulated 130 year old house. Any suggestions out there?

Omphaloskeptic · Dec 10, 2012

FlyBeFree's Wife,

Congratulations on the arrival of the new addition to the family; the dishwasher. May it bring you many, many years of trouble-free service; now, if only you can train whats-his-name to load it properly and empty it when it's done! LOL

As far as a pellet stove recommendation, I can only offer this starting point -
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...CROAPPG&HBX_OU=50&HBX_PK=pellet_stove_reviews

Good Hunting!

By the by, did Hubby fix THE PINK HANGER DOOR yet? :lol_hitti

markviii · Dec 11, 2012

I've been following your thread since the beginning, but haven't posted in (I don't think). Too busy on this end, just like you! With your move to the farm coming up after Christmas, I'm wishing for good weather for you during the transition.

The VCT tiles look great. The ceiling radiant heat in the shop is what we used in both the Restored 1930s Auto Shop and the Morton building. Our propane guy is amazed (and I'm sure disappointed) at how little propane we use (less than 250 gallons in an entire year).

Benjamin is a cutie and I'll bet he's already pulling himself up on the furniture. (He was, coincidentally, born on my husband's birthday.) I hope the rest of the Fan Club is helping out.

I retired June 2009 and find myself to be busier than when I was teaching full-time. The trick is to have a plan before retiring, even if it doesn't go the way you plan. You've got enough to keep you busy for a lifetime! Have fun.

Chris

FlyBeFree's Wife · Dec 11, 2012

Ompha: Thanks for stove ideas. And, no, the pink door is still there. He got the airstrip seeded, but has not really spent a ton of time in the hangar other than to get the floor finished and cleaned and then get the heat and stuff taken care of. Covering the pink door can be done in the winter, when there are fewer farm tasks calling him.
MarkVIII: Thanks! We think we have a pretty good plan, but are glad that we have alot of flexibility if things should change. And completely agree that we have lifetimes of work to keep us busy...and that is just with the 3 boys...not even counting farm, hangar/shop improvements, and the future house renovation!!

J-man67 · Mar 14, 2013

Wow, what a build. You could call it a journey! Cool to see the great progress as well as the "real life" duties. Sad to see no updates, but I know real life well and I know it can be extremely busy at time. Hope all is well and look forward to more in the future!

FlyBeFree's Wife · Mar 15, 2013

We have moved to the farm, and are steadily working our way through the boxes and getting settled. The hanger is currently getting some pallet racks installed...so thankful for that extra temp storage option. Photo will take a while, since we are still operating off iPad and iPhone until computers get set up. All is well...FlyBeFree is kicking some major **** on getting us moved in and getting the farm up and running! Hangar and workshop is surely worth every penny so far.

Shoottx · Mar 16, 2013

Sounds like the Army has lost a couple of great pilot's, and society has picked aup a couple of new farmers.

Congrats on the move, and getting settled. I had been wondering about you guys.

Do keep us informed we are a curious lot.

Omphaloskeptic · Mar 16, 2013

Congratulations on the house move! We'll be patiently waiting for new pics of the family once y'all are settled in. It has got to be a great feeling to wake up in the morning there knowing it's your FINAL AND PERMANENT DUTY STATION! Enjoy!

ZRX61 · Mar 16, 2013

Pointbock said:
My BIL told me that there are only two plumbing rules you need to know:

1: **** flows downhill
2: Pay day is Friday

gordyy · Mar 16, 2013

ZRX61 as a used to be plumber (now a disabled part time tractor driver)

there are three rules the matter of importance is up to you
1 **** flows downhill
2 Pay day is Always on friday (and believe it or not most shops still every friday)
3 DON'T CHEW YOUR FINGERNAILS!!!!!!

mwbailey · Mar 17, 2013

4 Take your reading glasses out of your shirt pocket. . . .

Wingnut65 · Mar 17, 2013

FBF and Mrs, FBF, Glad to hear life is continuing on the farm. The hangar will have it's own time coming. For now, get the house set up and enjoy the 40" FC and the 24" FC!

BYW, for current shots, doesn't an iPad take pictures that can be posted?

flybefree · Aug 6, 2013

It has been a while since I updated, only because there has been so much happening around our house it has been hard to find time to write about it. Baby number three is now 1, we changed jobs, moved to our “dream” house in Ohio to be closer to the garage, and have been trying hard to keep an eye on the older two boys who run around the farm like wild men all day long!

We are now farming full time so the shop has become the center of our operation and I have worked on at least one project a month to keep working towards “completion.”

During the move last winter the shop had become the staging ground for all the extra boxes we had (went from modern 2900sqft home to 1860's farm house with 1700 sqft and now a dishwasher, new heat pump, new water softener, etc, etc, etc...sigh).
Fully ½ the floor space was used as storage until we got some pallet racking set up and organized.

View media item 32297
Last fall I had radiant gas heat put in and bought a 1000 gal propane tank. This Spring we removed the little tank by the house and had a gas line ran from the shop tank to the house...Mrs. Fbf was happy to have that rustly little eyesore gone.

View media item 32299
One of my favorite projects was a bit of demo Dad and I did on the silo. A wind storm took the top of my silo off two years ago or so and I had been looking for someone to take down the tangled mess of metal left behind. The lowest quote I got was $10K...I am not a pro but apparently there are some liabilitiy issues out there with hiring someone to just hack a stuck unloader off your silo, go figure. Since I am now a poor farmer I decided to take matters into my own hands (and Dad's too) and we off course used a hacksaw and a tractor and got er done!
View media item 32300
Of course the photo of the tractor down the debris would not upload...

Anyhow, going out this AM to finish sealing the concrete pad in front of the shop...going to put in a basket ball hoop for the boys!

Shaun

shopnut · Aug 6, 2013

Well, that explains why you haven't been around GJ for a while. I was beginning to think you just gave up on us :sad:

. We've been living in the same house for 21 years now so I dread that next "moving day" - we are dug in pretty deep here. But it will come eventually since we don't plan to live in the city house forever.

Glad to see you are getting settled in around the farm. Did the plane get a new home yet?

Don't be a stranger. We even like small updates around here.

tinbender 66 · Aug 6, 2013

Good to see ya Shaun!!

flybefree · Aug 7, 2013

Shopnut, the plane is now in the hangar, the grass strip is doing great. I have a few updates to share, one thing about the farm is there is never a shortage of things to do! I hope and pray that I will never have to move again. Loved to see the progress in the Asylum.

Tinbender, thanks friend, good to be seen.

v/r

Shaun

flybefree · Aug 10, 2013

I few little things we have been working on sort of, kind of garage related. Aside from the shop we have about a half dozen older barns on the property..the main barn is over 100 years old and has sat untouched since we moved here. The boys love to play in my Dad's old barn, particularly on the rope swing so my Dad and I put an old style rope swing up this week.

First we cut down a tree sized to span the 18 foot span across the bay. Then we hauled said beam into position the old fashioned way...log chains and a ***-a-long. The red rope in the picture was not used to lift, but to help steady the load. Once we got the log into position we used 3/8' steel cable and cleats to secure the log to the cross beams. Add ¾” manila rope, cut scrapwood seat to fit, add boys, push and repeat as necessary! Due to the length of the rope it is a very parent friendly swing, one push goes a LONG way.
View media item 32443
View media item 32442I also stained and sealed the apron in front of the overhead door this week as well.

View media item 32444
Going to the lake for some fun with the family today, have a great weekend all.

V/r
Shaun

markviii · Aug 10, 2013

Isn't retirement fun?! Farming, moving, projects, in between periods of play... Good to see you're both still at it.

Chris

DynoDave · Aug 11, 2013

flybefree said:
I also stained and sealed the apron in front of the overhead door this week as well.
View media item 32444

That looks nice. And it's a task I need to complete myself before winter. What products did you use?

R.Anderson · Aug 12, 2013

Nice building looking forward to seeing it progress. Love the Allis Chalmers fridge, just seen some this weekend going against Internationals and Deeres.

flybefree · Aug 12, 2013

Thanks! We have four Allis Chalmers tractors around right now, for many years Allis Chalmers equipment ran this farm. I really enjoy working on the old tractors...just so simple a guy like me can figure out what is going on. I moved the fridge out into the shop and Mrs. FBF now has her very own big girl fridge with ice and water in the door!

View media item 32510
In the picture you can also see my sad, sad, SAD welding table. Yes, the last thing I welded I had sitting on a welding blanket on top a folding table...which also doubles as a tool cart and rope swing assembly table.

v/r

Shaun

flybefree · Aug 12, 2013

Dave,
I used Sherwin Williams solvent based stain, tinted "bombay". Went on great, easiest surface treatment I have used...used big box epoxy x 2 and Legacy Industrial products on the shop floor. Got it on sale for about $35/gal...used 5 gallons on about 1000sqft. The truth will be in how long it last...will report.

v/r

Shaun

flybefree · Aug 12, 2013

Chris,

Retirement is not a word I use...I have been working too darn hard! Farming has been really rewarding...especially working with my Dad almost every day. We do take Sundays off and now that it is August there is some time to have some fun.

Shaun

R.Anderson · Aug 12, 2013

flybefree said:
Thanks! We have four Allis Chalmers tractors around right now, for many years Allis Chalmers equipment ran this farm. I really enjoy working on the old tractors...just so simple a guy like me can figure out what is going on. I moved the fridge out into the shop and Mrs. FBF now has her very own big girl fridge with ice and water in the door!

In the picture you can also see my sad, sad, SAD welding table. Yes, the last thing I welded I had sitting on a welding blanket on top a folding table...which also doubles as a tool cart and rope swing assembly table.

v/r

Shaun

I do say that fridge looks good where it sits. I think that folding table looks good in your shop and be quite handy as is, fold it up when you need it out of the way. For a welding table meh, I have welded on wood tables before. You plan on making a welding table?

one80auto · Oct 22, 2013

Shaun,

This is my first post (even put up a special avatar for you) but I just read through this entire thread of chaos and wanted to say congratulations to you and your wife on the great family and the new chapter in life. I was a Dustoff guy my whole time with the 82nd and RIP'ed out with a 101 unit in Afcrackistan.....twice I think. I got out about a year ago myself. Looks like we were flying the "Unarmed Charity Work" about the same time. If you get the chance in between building that runway drop me a PM, I'm sure we know some of the same people. Keep us updated on the progress of the shop/hangar when you can. I can't wait to see a video of the Navion rolling out of the hangar and taking off on your private grass strip. It is a dream I have myself but I think mine will be a pad for a S300C. I use to teach in starch-wings years ago but I'd be downright scary in one now.

Sam

Wingnut65 · Oct 22, 2013

Glad to have you back on the farm, enjoying what you love!

So what will it take to get a few pix of the Navion in the hangar or coming down the runway?

flybefree · Oct 25, 2013

Sam,

Thank you for your service...you know what they say "always be yourself, unless you are DUSTOFF, then always be DUSTOFF!" All my flying pictures are on my wife's phone, will get one someday. Since SEP I have been busy harvesting...things will slow down soon. I love my shop and use it all the time to service our fleet. This winter I will start phase 3 of my dream, building a biplane...more to flow. It is a dream come true, I am very grateful I am here to enjoy it!

Jeff, I will make the wife send me some pics...kit ordered plane build to start soon!

Respectfully,

Shaun

bazzateer · Oct 25, 2013

flybefree said:
TI'm not funny

Having read the first couple of posts I will disagree with this statement. :beer:

bazzateer · Oct 25, 2013

flybefree said:
Yes...It's a two holer...WITH a baffel.

Shaun

To stop surge when cornering hard? :lol_hitti

Wingnut65 · Oct 25, 2013

flybefree said:
Sam,

Jeff, I will make the wife send me some pics...kit ordered plane build to start soon!

Awesome!

I'd love to have a project like that. Let me know if you are heading down to SNF to pick up supplies!

tinbender 66 · Oct 26, 2013

Shaun, you had me re-hooked at biplane. It's great to see your dreams become reality. By that I mean your growing family, the farm, the airplane(s), working with your Dad etc.

Looking forward to more!

flybefree · Oct 26, 2013

Don't Vote me off the island for this...

Tinbender et al, we are still working hard to complete the harvest, Dad hurt his back a month ago so it has been a little busier than if we were both firing on all cylinders. If the weather cooperates we should be done more or less next week. I did say biplane...I hope that doesn't get me kicked off the forum or something! More to come, my Dad and I are planning on picking the kit up and doing a week of builders assist the first week of DEC. Should be an adventure since I have no idea what I am doing...but that has never stopped me before! Pictures, and this time there is an actual car not just boring shots of tractors and stuff.

The oldest two got to pick out some decor for their room, Sopwith Camel, Fokker DR1 (crimson of course), and a SPAD VII. One small step in my efforts to make this old house our home.

View media item 34625
We went to several fly-ins this Summer, my oldest two helpers and I camped under the wing at the MERFI EAA Fly-in in Urbana, OH. Camping with two boys under 5 apparently means staying up to 11PM playing with flashlights, fighting and giggling until Dad goes a little bonkers.

View media item 34624
Yes the hangar door is still Pink, but there is some dirt on the grips! MRSFLYBFREE does have a video somewhere of the first takeoff. Landings are actually more fun for me.

View media item 34623
As promised for any long suffering Motorheads who have had to suffer through all this airplane stuff...Dad bought an M151 Jeep like he had when he was in Vietnam. Dollar per dollar the best vehicle ever, we use it every day on the farm. I am now a born again Army Jeep guy. HMMVs are OK, but that thing is FUN. Dad loves it and for some reason it has been kept in my barn all Summer/Fall...hmmm.

View media item 34621
One of the highlights of my life...both my older boys got their first helicopter rides at the Oshkosh fly-in this Summer. It was a beautiful day, they had fun and I have never felt richer...

View media item 34622
And ANOTHER Airplane picture, sorry guys, the boys and I flew out to breakfast together and Mom got a snapshot when we came home.

So that's what has been going on

View media item 34620
Oh...Mrs. Flybefree, may she live long and prosper, got me the best birthday present ever...a milling machine! Of course then I had to buy a metal cutting band saw to make the stand for the milling machine...then I had to buy end mills, and calipers, and stuff, and stuff...you know how it goes right? I am a toolaholic, I am sick and I know I can stop whenever I want...

Of course I was inspired by fellow GJs on my design, used 1/4" walled 4 inch tube stock for the legs...darn thing weighs a ton and is actually level. Took me longer to grind down my crappy welds to look acceptable than anything else.
View media item 34626
Whew...sorry for the long post and lack of garage related content.

v/r

Shaun

flybefree · Oct 26, 2013

Bazz...made me go back and look through the thread to find the "two holer" reference...can't believe how long it has gotten! Hope it does/did not offend your garage sensibilities.

v/r

Shaun

one80auto · Oct 26, 2013

Haha.....it has been a while since I heard that Dustoff quote! I never got to involved in the great "whose airframe is better" debate but that one always got the other guys fired up.

Do you mind letting out which biplane kit you are picking up? Perfect way to spend the winter.

flybefree said:
Sam,

Thank you for your service...you know what they say "always be yourself, unless you are DUSTOFF, then always be DUSTOFF!" All my flying pictures are on my wife's phone, will get one someday. Since SEP I have been busy harvesting...things will slow down soon. I love my shop and use it all the time to service our fleet. This winter I will start phase 3 of my dream, building a biplane...more to flow. It is a dream come true, I am very grateful I am here to enjoy it!

Jeff, I will make the wife send me some pics...kit ordered plane build to start soon!

Respectfully,

Shaun

flybefree · Oct 28, 2013

Sam,

I am building an Aidrome Aeroplanes replica Sopwith Baby http://www.airdromeaeroplanes.com/

I chose this kit because:

1. Robert Basle has been in the kit business successfully since the early 1990s and having seen first hand how these things are built I think it is something I can do to a high enough standard to satisfy my personal ideals of good craftsmanship and safety.
2. Cost: the basic biplane with a VW powerplant is a good value per flight hour. I fly my Navion less than I would like because the hourly costs are quite high...simple is more affordable.
3. Speed of construction: there are several gents around here who have flying planes in a reasonable number of hours...I don't have 10 years and 5,000 hours to build...I want something flying within 2 years and 700 hours. I want my boys to fly with me while they are still young n
4. WWI replica? Yes, I like it, I am going to build what I like. I have grown more and more interested in the "Great War" the more I have read. I would gladly add a P-51 to my collection but more modern stuff is just beyond my means. It is sort of sad that our mount from our DUSTOFF Days will some day be gone as nobody will ever be able to fly an "Iraq War" MEDEVAC UH-60 outside the privlidged ranks of the "Warbird Elite"...so, I will make a little tribute to some other guys who flew is a war that made even less sense than ours and are almost as forgotten as our friends who were lost one the sand so recently.
4. Three got a little serious at the end so I will say I wanted an LSA eligible bird so I can fly as I get older...
5. It is a little crazy.

There you have the basic ideas...

V/R
Shaun

Foxxtrot · Oct 28, 2013

I don't know how I missed reading this thread the last couple of years, but I read through the whole thing off and on this weekend. I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats! :lol_hitti

In all seriousness, thank you for sharing your project and I look forward to reading more! :thumbup:

one80auto · Oct 28, 2013

Shaun,

That all makes perfect sense to me. It looks like a great project. I fell in love with the Pitts Model 12 when it was on the cover of Sport Aviation back in July '99. Something about a round engine biplane coupled with a little more modern lines really appealed to me and I would like to dabble in aerobatics again someday. Time nor money is around for it right now but plans are in the works.

My first job in aviation was working for a kit company building a demonstrator and since then I have always wanted to build something myself.

I have to admit the first time I see a UH-60A at an airshow as a "warbird" it is going to be a bit weird.

Looking forward to seeing it all come together for you, keep us updated.

Sam

flybefree · Oct 29, 2013

Foxtrot: I have not posted much since #3 was born, new baby, new job, new (actually old) house...now that I am almost done combining corn things might slow down a bit.

Sam: Love the round engine Pitts! I have done a tiny bit of aerobatics...as an old helicopter guy I found it took some getting used to.

What kit company did you work for? My first (of two) aviation jobs I ever had was working as the flight dispatcher at the Ohio State Flight School.

It has taken me a long, long time to get the point where I was ready to start building...and even now I am not 100% sure I am ready.

v/r

Shaun

My Build: Simply a Mr. Jack Olsen inspired 1930 Auto Bunker House Geobarn Homage

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