Well, it has been a cold winter, rainy and windy, but despite this the LOOOOOOOONG overdue 70 inch telescope build has begun. The first part to be constructed is the "tube assembly". It is only about 1/2 way together at this point but I thought you all would like to see a few pictures of the construction process. At this point there are still several diagonal brace sections to be added to the "mirror box" . The front ring and truss section on the floor are just in place for mock up. Hopefully the mirror box section will be "finished" by the middle of April so it can go to a shop for the needed "machining applied where necessary". After that the front truss assemblies and ring will be added. So here are a few picts. Please keep in mind this is a work in progress. I can tell you all that at times this project scares the *@#& out of me. My wife Debra (this is her fault) keeps saying just one weld at a time, just one weld at a time, breath!!
We are estimating this build to be a two year process. Updates will come when they come. (every few months? hopefully). So I hope you all will walk with us and enjoy the journey.
Regards
Kevin