Skip Hickey's Trip Report
November 29, 2022
Purpose of trip: To review the preliminary model of Have Blue, manufactured by Spradlin Brothers Welding Co.
Attendees:
Committee Members: Denny Jarvi, John Griffin, Jack Wilson, Skip Hickey
Morrison Monuments: Matt Morrison
Spradlin Brothers Welding Co.: Jeff Spradlin
Coordination: The committee members, prime contractor (Morrison Monuments) and the subcontractor (Spradlin Brothers Welding) were present at the meeting. This meant that questions relative to processes and schedule could be discussed among all players and decisions on model and model pylon made without delay.
First impressions: the committee was met by Matt Morrison and Jeff Spradlin The model of Have Blue was indoors on a forklift. It was raised to a height of eight feet and was plainly visible. The stainless steel model was in natural finish. Even though the model was spot welded together the parts fit well and the faceted shape, fuselage and empennage were easily seen. The model was moved outside and it was even more impressive. The model is a valid representation of Have Blue.
Details: The Have Blue model is 31 inches long with a wingspan of 16 inches. The estimated weight of Have Blue model is on the order of 35 pounds. The models will be made of low carbon 304 stainless steel from an American supplier. The upper portion of the model will be shaped from10 gauge stainless steel and the bottom from14 gauge to provide more strength for the attachment to the pylon. Due to the natural finish of stainless steel, the model will be shiny. However the finish of the canopy windows, inlets and details of the exhaust will be dull to provide more detail to the models. This is especially important for the Tacit Blue and B-2 airplane where the cabin windows are flush with the rounded nose.
Welded joints: Though the model was tack welded together it was noted that there were discolorations in the weld. Thus the committee members asked if these discolorations would result in rust spots on the model. Jeff Spradlin responded that the joints of the final model will be welded together with low carbon stainless steel and finished so they are smooth. The welded stainless steel joints will be impervious to rust. In addition he is taking all precautions to ensure the model is sealed so that rain or snow melt will not accumulate in the model.
Pylon shape and mounting: It was agreed that a solid, faceted shaped pylon, 9 inches in height, 6 inches at the base and 1 inch thick will be used to support the models. The pylon can to be pinned to the top of the obelisk at two separated point to resist any twisting. (This is probably overkill but this is also Ohio). The top of the pylon will be ground to accommodate the 10 degree pitch attitude and a 30 degree roll angle. The pylon will have a dull finish and will be the same for all models. A drawing of the pylon was submitted by the committee, approved by Matt Morrison and provided to Jeff Spradlin.
Mounting the model to the top of the obelisk: Morrison is still working out the details as to how the models will be mounted to the top of the obelisk. Current approach is to drill a 5 or 6 inch hole into the top of the obelisk then mount the obelisk to the pad. Then the model plus pylon will be placed on top of the obelisk and fastened in place by a pin(s) and epoxy cement.
It is to be emphasized these were Morrison’s preliminary thoughts and subject to change.
Schedule: The CAD drawings from BasTech on all the models are not yet completed. This was due to a misunderstanding as how the breakdown of the parts of the model is to be shown on the drawing. Jeff Spradlin believes this issue is close to being resolved and that he should have all models completed by end of March.
With this completion date, Matt Morrison believes the obelisks /models should be mounted on the concrete pad by end April.
Thus we have a tentative schedule agreed upon between Morrison and Spradlin.
This alleviates concerns about the completion date for the obelisk/models. It appears there is sufficient slack time between the completion of the obelisk/models and the POS dedication to work any issues that may arise.
Conclusions:
- This was a good meeting because all principals were there. The issues were discussed and decisions were made relative to model size and the pylon.
- The Have Blue model, even in its “tacked together” form was outstanding. Spradlin Brothers are doing their best to provide eye catching models that will withstand the uncertainties of Ohio Weather.
- Morrison has to finalize the method by which the models will be attached to the obelisk.
- Concerns about the schedule for obelisk/model completion in time for the POS dedication were alleviated
Tacit Blue is a totally different shape and another meeting should be scheduled with all principles to review the model.
Morrison should maintain contact between BasTech and Spradlin to ensure any miscommunication issues are resolved to protect schedule.
Respectfully submitted:
Skip Hickey
12/1/2022
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