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As we got older lifting the roof panels off became more problematic so we decided on a dome.
Detailed plans were drawn up.....
Ok a few rough sketches on the back of a beer mat in the pub one nigt.
The plan was to replace te lift off panels with a proper rotating dome.
Work commenced in the summer of 1999.
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3/4"ply was used to create a new roof. 2 circles were constructed out of 2" wide ply segments, overlapped for strength and then glued and screwed to the roof. A router was used to cut the inside circle.
The dome was constructed from arcs of 3/4" ply and covered with hardboard.
Upper and lower shutters were also constructed in the same way.
Wheels were used to support the dome, one can just be seen in this picture. Wheels were also used horizontally to stop the dome binding when rotating.
The outer surface was then covered in fibreglass.
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The walls of the observatory were cut down level to the required height.
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All finished except for the decorating.
The door was eventually replaced with something more in keeping with the design.
Fresh coat of preservative required all round
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Shutter rolled back for use.
The lower shutter can be lifted off or left in place as required.
The Meade now mounted on a purpose made adapter.
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