The first step in building the west staging peninsula is to layout the location with my laser level to establish the correct height in relationship to the east peninsula and the helix bases and make sure it is in the right location in relationship to spacing from the east peninsula. Then it's a simple matter of building several boxes that are 4 foot wide and join them together, working out to the end of the peninsula.
Since there is no pipe in the center of the end of the peninsula, I had to figure a way to make a post that I would be able to attach the radial arms to. I decided to use a 4x4 post, however, it would not be possible to attach the five arms to 3 sides of the post. A solution was needed so I put on my Tom Terrific hat and thought about it for a bit. I finally decided to fabricate a hub that would fit over the 4 sided post but yet give me 8 sides to attach the radial arms (only 5 would actually be used). As you can see by the photos, using pieces of 2x4, I built an octagon that would fit over the corners of the 4x4 post. I then used pieces of 1x4 to fill in the gap between the post and the inside of the octagon. Once this hub was completed, I was able to slip it over the post and slide it down so the top of the hub was even with the top of the framework. I anchored it in place with 4" lag screws. I then made a second one for the top level of the layout. You can see it resting in position on the top of a clamp secured to the post. Since the exact height of the main level is not known at this time, the post was cut a little longer than necessary and will be trimmed to the right length during construction of the main level.
After I had the hub in place and the radial arms attached, I then added additional supports for the purpose of supporting the fascia. I cut a piece of 1/2" rigid insulation with an outside radius of 36" to use as a template for the edge of the layout. After completing the framework, I installed the OSB, the asphalt board, and then painted both peninsulas brown, again using a $35 can of bad color mix from Lowes purchased for $9. Lastly, I added the fascia using hardboard strips cut to a 5" width. Next project - helix construction.
