"The PIT" - The GI Joe Command Center by HobbyHobbs

[HobbyHobbs]

Updated pics at the bottom of this post, more in my updated posts.


Greetings all!

My latest is to build a Marvel Comic inspired "The PIT", as it was famously drawn in its first incarnation.

While I do not plan to accurately build this thing in its depiction, I do plan to represent everything incorporated in the drawing. From the motor pool above, down to the Top Secret areas of the bottom level.

My plan is to go three sub-levels (instead of five) with the initial plan now to incorporate multiple levels together as it makes sense.

My next task it to design and build a working elevator for personnel and for vehicle. That's going to be the centerpiece of the thing.

http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/6663/dscf2215p.jpg

Dimensions:

Roughly 2' x 2' for what's imaged, by 50" tall. Each floor is 16" between the 1/2" plywood floors.

I will build another 2' x 2' x 50" tall section to adjoin to what's been build now. So when these vehicles are coming on or off the elevetor, there will be a 2' section for them to aim towards.

The personnel elevator is 4" x 4"
The vehicle elevator is big enough for the '83 APC to utilize it.

16" tall floors is WAAAY out of scale for this, but I want display/playability with this thing. And why I chose these dimensions.

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/3156/dscf2213u.jpg

I plan to get the structural stuff done fairly fast, it will be decorating it, I am not looking forward to.

Since I started this today, I figure I would document its growth in this WIP thread.

Hope you all enjoy!



Added Updates:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbgxIXpLfas

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/9259/dscf2216zv.jpg http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/2883/day3a.jpg http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1756/day3c.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7044/dscf2233c.jpg http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7884/dscf2235i.jpg http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/2821/dscf2238c.jpg

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/659/13203907.jpg http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/2379/94729055.jpg http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/125/142xv.jpg

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/5431/141vw.jpg http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/4269/162ssk.jpg

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9001/dscf2256.jpg

[Taterbot]

Very Nice!!!!

[WVMojo]

Awesome man...can't wait to see how this thing turns out.

[DaSmokeEater]

1/2" Plywood-you could use it as furniture when you aren't playing with it!

[Kaboomskie]

I'm gonna look forward to this thread.

[dpstro]

Already looks awesome

[dtm1971]

great Idea self made blue prints. THANKS MARVEL!!!

[musashi3000gt]

This is gonna be pimp!

[RolandofGilead]

I've been wanting to do that for years. When my little boy is old enough I'll finally have the excuse to do it. :D

[TR2009]

Very awesome!

[HobbyHobbs]

I've been wanting to do that for years. When my little boy is old enough I'll finally have the excuse to do it. :D

You can see my little helper (my youngest of three kids), is helping there in the first post.

Its a much easier project when your little helpers are there to help sweep up saw dust and put tools away!

Here's my update for tonight, as most of my attention is on the UK and KU championship game.

Below is just an overview shot, close ups and descriptions below:

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/9259/dscf2216zv.jpg

Parts used:

PVC Pipe and Fittings

3/4" Piping (10' purchased, cut to 5' in pic)
3/4" Coupling
3/4" Plug
1" x 1" x 3/4" TEE

I'll explain.

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/421/dscf2217k.jpg

At the bottom of the pipe, I place the coupling on the end of the pipe, and the plug will be fastened to the Plywood on the lowest level.
The coupling will adjoin the plug (the base) to the pipe (the elevator's main shaft).

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/1120/dscf2218c.jpg

The TEE will server as the Arm for the elevator platform, with a section of 3/4" pipe as the support for the platform.

The 1" oversize on the ends of the tee will allow the tee to slide up and down the 3/4" shaft of the elevator.

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/6533/dscf2219k.jpg



http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/151/dscf2221p.jpg

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/2406/dscf2222u.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3072/dscf2223s.jpg


That'll do it for tonight, and I spent maybe 5 bucks for all the plastic pipe and fittings you see here.

Thanks for checking it out!



.

[freakintiger]

Really cool!

[nath_1977]

hmm..so you have one major structural member which is the vertical pipe and one structural platform supported by tee..am i right? have you considered that it may wiggle a bit when the elevator is in up and down motion?and the single arm platform will not maintain its level since the tee is a bit loose...how about making it a pair?just my 2 cents.and oh btw, how will you fixed the upper part or the end portion of the pipe/shaft?thanks.goodluck!

[HobbyHobbs]

I still have the recess on each floor to trim out for where this shaft will lie.

And the pipe "arm" for the platform if I keep it round and not rip it in half lengthways, has many ways of securing it to the platform. Im just not sure how to yet until I design/build the platform. Simplest way is to paddle bit some holes inthe pipe and screw it into the plywood of the platform. I'll have that part figured out shortly. I did consider a dual shaft, and have that in my head if this one wont work.

The upper end will 90 straight back, the another 90 straight down. It will be secured in the same fashion as the bottom of the shaft.

[Woo-Dig-It]

Wow this is awesome already! Thanks for sharing the progress!

[thealleyviper]

That's going to be the super most awesomest playset EVER! I can't wait to see the end product.

[Dolemite]

Insanity. I can't wait to see the finished product.

You, sir, kick ass.

[dmizrok]

cant wait to see this process...

[wertdog91]

Love how you're getting your little guy involved. Good luck with the build man

[Shipshape1983]

nice!

[Ripper]

I had planned on doing this also, but did not have the room. I figured that the top of the base (where the motorpool is) would be about 5' x 6'. Looking forward to seeing this finished.

[HobbyHobbs]

Thanks for the encouragement guys!

Here's an update showing the other section adjoined to the previous section shown.

The top is an idea for having a gate into the motor pool, but as of now thats all it is, an idea.

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/2883/day3a.jpg

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/3420/day3b.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1756/day3c.jpg

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/6821/day3d.jpg

[Laser Viper]

Very awesome man! nice bringing the kids into this and seeing them helping out! Yo Joe!

[Taterbot]

This is going to be Epic! Great job so far and I cant wait to see the finished project.

[TR2009]

I think it was a great idea to add to the scale for playablity.

[r3v3n63]

Being able to do stuff like this is fun! I wish I had the space for something of this magnitude. Not sure if you have seen this guys stuff but he is building an imperial AT-AT hanger, thought it was in the same vein as what you are doing...

Home (http://www.thenewsandcrawlerworkshop.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx)

[HobbyHobbs]

Day 4's Progress:

Here is how the top of the shaft is being secured, though this will change as the elevator becomes operational.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1413/dscf2228r.jpg

You can see the screws coming up through the bottom of the platform, this is how it is secured to the arm.

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/9090/dscf2229y.jpg

This is how the arm was secured to the platform from a view from below it.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1740/dscf2231y.jpg

(Supported by hand), this is how I want the platform to travel to each floor

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2304/dscf2232k.jpg

Her's is an overview shot of the day's progress.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7044/dscf2233c.jpg

[Veedubguy83]

looking good, I wish I had the time and patience for a project such as this one!

[crowncoke]

Great work! Have you figured out how to support the elevator at each level? I was working on something similar with a regular eleavator and thought of using a 'bar' under the arm/platform for each level.

Keep up the awesome work.

[turner]

I did something very similar, used quarter inch plywood, did it with sides on two sides. Hadn't finished it yet (or even worked on it in about 2 years).

[Dropkick]

I remember building a Pit with my cousin when we were kids. You can tell that you've put a lot more planning into your project than we did when we were 10ish.

It looks great so far. I can't wait to see the finished product.

[CVdelgado]

great idea. keep us informed!

[HobbyHobbs]

Wow this is awesome already! Thanks for sharing the progress!

That's going to be the super most awesomest playset EVER! I can't wait to see the end product.

cant wait to see this process...

Thanks guys, I cant wait to finish it.

Insanity. I can't wait to see the finished product.

You, sir, kick ass.

Im too old to kick ass now, and my right knee is athritic.



Love how you're getting your little guy involved. Good luck with the build man

Its all about their attention span.

nice!

Thanks!

I had planned on doing this also, but did not have the room. I figured that the top of the base (where the motorpool is) would be about 5' x 6'. Looking forward to seeing this finished.

Im finding what I thought I could do with 4' x 2' is not what I wanted to do. I've figured about what you have.

Very awesome man! nice bringing the kids into this and seeing them helping out! Yo Joe!

Took my son to Lowe's twice and told him what to throw in the cart to give him some of my knowledge. Got some comments from some other shoppers, as I said "Nah thats a female threaded 90, we need a slip by slip 90". It really is what been the most fun so far about the project.

This is going to be Epic! Great job so far and I cant wait to see the finished project.

I cant wait either.

I think it was a great idea to add to the scale for playablity.

Yeah, future update I'll toss some figs and vehicle on it to kind of show it. Built to scale would have been real cramped.

Being able to do stuff like this is fun! I wish I had the space for something of this magnitude. Not sure if you have seen this guys stuff but he is building an imperial AT-AT hanger, thought it was in the same vein as what you are doing...

Home (http://www.thenewsandcrawlerworkshop.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx)

If I had that work shop I would be giddy!

looking good, I wish I had the time and patience for a project such as this one!

Two very key things to have, thanks man!

Great work! Have you figured out how to support the elevator at each level? I was working on something similar with a regular eleavator and thought of using a 'bar' under the arm/platform for each level.

Keep up the awesome work.

Im figuring on a real lazy approach to that. A little swing out arm to support the platform on the floor its wanted it on.

I did something very similar, used quarter inch plywood, did it with sides on two sides. Hadn't finished it yet (or even worked on it in about 2 years).

Well get on it man! Its fun! 1/4" is a little two thin for my liking.

I remember building a Pit with my cousin when we were kids. You can tell that you've put a lot more planning into your project than we did when we were 10ish.

It looks great so far. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Our GI Joe stuff was built out of whatever we could get our hands on as kids, and the only thing that brought em down was weather. We did not know how to weatherproof our stuff back then.

great idea. keep us informed!

I certainly plan to. Im working on the personnel lift know, and probably won't do any pics until that's up and working. Took a break to respond to some of the awesome feedback so far, thanks a bunch guys.

[HobbyHobbs]

Update:

Im waiting for my plumb bob to stopp moving to ensure everything is dead nuts, and I decided to take some pics of the WiP of the Personnel Lift's progress.

The design will be a hoist of a box type elevator, with the "cable" housed inside the PVC pipe. Its been bevelled on the inside to minimize the rubbing that will occur.

At the bottom of the pit is where the winding mechanism to operate the hoist.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9649/dscf2234ok.jpg

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/6915/dscf2236f.jpg

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7884/dscf2235i.jpg

[kingpropes]

Maybe use corner bead for dry wall to keep the elevators straight and use the little metal tabs that let you change from glass to screens in security doors

[HobbyHobbs]

Maybe use corner bead for dry wall to keep the elevators straight ...

I love that idea.

[HobbyHobbs]

Building the box for the personnel elevator. Duke stopped by to model, er I mean check out progress on the Pit.

Im gonna do some more work to the door, making it look more like a cargo-style door.

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/2821/dscf2238c.jpg
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2405/dscf2241e.jpg
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/7738/dscf2239q.jpg
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3636/dscf2237q.jpg

[Sgt Humpty]

I really dig what you're doing with this. My own Pit project has been idle for quite some time. I don't have a lot of room, so I used some stackable storage shelves I picked up at Target and attached caster wheels to the bottom. That way, It's pretty slim and can be wheeled right up against the wall.

[HobbyHobbs]

Here is some work I did on it last night. Cornerbead is a little tough to get perfect but its turning out pretty good.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/4030/51179569.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/7102/19618828.jpg

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/3326/52436282.jpg

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/659/13203907.jpg

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7551/49438302.jpg

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/1482/16925822.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3359/84458525.jpg

[FLINT YOJOE]

this is great.. keep up the good work... I cant wait to see it finished...

[TheWilloughbian]

That's quite the feat of engineering you have going on there.

[Rambo]

Very cool project. Can't wait to see it finished.

[zartan80]

Cant wait for more!

[HobbyHobbs]

Really excited about my next update, Im going to post a video of the personnel elevator in action.

Forewarning, never shot a video before, and its shot sideways. But I think it shows the progress anyways.

Loading up to Youtube now (also a first). Hope things work out so I can post it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbgxIXpLfas

[HobbyHobbs]

Video posted in link above!

[HobbyHobbs]

Here are some photos of the progress made.

Showed some vehicles for perspective.

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/2379/94729055.jpg http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6933/16293967.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8061/28652613.jpg http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2010/85795024.jpg

[TheWilloughbian]

Pretty cool. Seems like it works quite well.

[HobbyHobbs]

Pretty cool. Seems like it works quite well.

http://www.hisstank.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif - Kid Tested, Mother Approved!

[Tankster]

cant wait ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :D

[tkprime]

Excellent Job, I like the Lifts!

[wertdog91]

Those lifts are so freaking cool Hobs. Keep it going

[CG23]

This is awesome! Keep up the good work!

[nova]

Is there a reason you used 2 cranks? The way you have them set up you could use the same crank for the upper and lower string and it would eliminate that thunk, thunk, thunk and the bit of jitter the lift has.

[HobbyHobbs]

Thanks for the encouragement guys!

Is there a reason you used 2 cranks? The way you have them set up you could use the same crank for the upper and lower string and it would eliminate that thunk, thunk, thunk and the bit of jitter the lift has.

I had the crank as one assembly until I figured out why it couldnt work, and why half the county heard my various array of cursin words.

The reason I needed two cranks - If you notice the taller crank assembly (Goin Up) right behind the shaft, I had the other side of that assembly designated for the "Lowering crank" (Going down - when turned the other way).

Problem was that the RPMs generated were too much for the large diameter wheels on top of the Elevator box, so it would wind itself tight.

In order for a one-assembly up & down crank - every thing the cable/rope travels over needs to be the same diameter, or some serious engineering needs to occur, more than I can figure out.


As far as the thunk, thunk, thunk - its the crank that does that - Im going to install silencing pipe clamps. And Ive yet to really finish the track too, and when that is done the only motion the box will be doing will be up and down. With stability.

After supper, Im going to work on that, when I do my update photos, I hope to show it.

[GI Guppy the third]

You've put a lot of work into this and it looks great. As for the cranks, would it have worked with just a gear that moves both spindles in opposite directions of one another?

[HobbyHobbs]

You've put a lot of work into this and it looks great. As for the cranks, would it have worked with just a gear that moves both spindles in opposite directions of one another?


*EDIT*

Re-reading your question, when I had the system operating on one crank, the up rope was wound opposite the down rope on the same shaft (the taller assembly). So when one was winding up, the other side was releasing. But its the rate of that winding and releasing the rest of that rope run could not keep up with, because on that 1/2" PVP pipe, it was winding/unwinding faster than it could move the car. So it just bound up.

[/EDIT]

Thanks man, appreciate the feedback. As for the cranks, like I said I probably could go with something with a little more engineering, but at my skillset and my means, I'm happy I got it to work the way I do.

It's frustrating, because I was thinking what you guys were saying about one crank in the beginning of my thought process here. At my best design, it failed, but it did allow me to see another way that wouldnt, and that's how the two crank system was designed/implemented.

I dont have much to show tonight, been alot of pre-cutting for a rail Im designing for the lift - to eliminate the tunk tunk wobble wobble.

[TheWilloughbian]

If you are trying for a smoother operation of the cranks, I would suggest flywheels at the end of each shaft and then attach the handles to that, then you could weight the flywheel opposite the handles for balance. I don't know. It looks like it works pretty well the way you have it.

[HobbyHobbs]

Okay, tonight's update is to show a plan I have for the above ground buildings, featuring opening/closing windows. I made this building a while ago, when trying to learn foamboard scratch building.

So If I do use this building, I'll have to modify it.

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9001/dscf2256.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/707/dscf2260r.jpg


Also, I built a track for the back of the elevator. So its a nice smooth ride up and down now.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3280/dscf2261.jpg http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/3182/dscf2262b.jpg

Not sure what I'll be working on next, but I do think some painting may be in order before things get too busy.

[Woo-Dig-It]

great job. awesome! keep up the good work!!! God Bless!!!!

[haradrel]

So If I do use this building, I'll have to modify it.

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9001/dscf2256.jpg


Where did you get those awesome brick walls? (I'm guessing it's some sort of printed paper - or wallpaper?)

[TheWilloughbian]

Those window sashes are crazy what did you make them out of. I can hardly believe they open and close.

[hahoo3]

Awesome project! I love the elevator and then windows on the building are functional? Wow! Nice work bro!

[HobbyHobbs]

great job. awesome! keep up the good work!!! God Bless!!!!

Thanks so much!

Where did you get those awesome brick walls? (I'm guessing it's some sort of printed paper - or wallpaper?)

Its nothing more than foambord, bought at a Dollar Store. I drew out the brick pattern, painted it gray for the mortar, and then individually painted the bricks a red, dark red, and darker red.

Those window sashes are crazy what did you make them out of. I can hardly believe they open and close.

Some wood framing with the glass being made out of Joe packagin plastic.

Awesome project! I love the elevator and then windows on the building are functional? Wow! Nice work bro!

Thanks!

[TR2009]

Very impressive so far, keep up the excellent work!

[Troynos]

Sweet work.

[HobbyHobbs]

Got to a point with the vehicle lift I think it is time to start on some painting.

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/125/142xv.jpg

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/5431/141vw.jpg

[TheWilloughbian]

Nice.

[blackbarn]

Looks like it is really shaping up now. Cool!

[HobbyHobbs]

Here's some photos of the priming done (white) and the first layers of base coats.

Gray columns and red is sort of a nod to the Marvel Image.

Not sure what the interior designing will look like yet on the sub-levels.

I want to finish the base coats before I do any more scratch building.

This isnt the smoothest looking painting yet as more coats are needed, but this is the current status anyhow.


http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/4269/162ssk.jpg

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/1527/161wl.jpg

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/1448/163bx.jpg

[crowncoke]

Any more updates on this project? I have been getting some good ideas from you...

[HobbyHobbs]

Any more updates on this project? I have been getting some good ideas from you...

Three things have slowed up the progress here.

1) - Little League
2) - (Currently) trying to pass a kidney stone
3) - It's been disassembled to get alot of the painting done before I construct anymore on it.

I'll get something going especially on Sundays and Mondays, those are my two most available evenings to work on it.

[dpstro]

Three things have slowed up the progress here.

1) - Little League
2) - (Currently) trying to pass a kidney stone
3) - It's been disassembled to get alot of the painting done before I construct anymore on it.

I'll get something going especially on Sundays and Mondays, those are my two most available evenings to work on it.

All of that and you are still working on the project! Hope you get over the kidney stone.

[wertdog91]

Looking great Hobbs

[crowncoke]

All of that and you are still working on the project! Hope you get over the kidney stone.

I have to agree... family and health are a priority. Hope you get past the stone quickly and as painless as possible.

Cannot wait to see your updates.

[Rambo]

Get better soon!

[netowolf]

Are you ok, fellow tanker?

[1FormidableJoe]

Very interesting!

[tibberon]

Very impressive!!!!

[Ripper]

You really have to post a pick with you next to the structure so This project will probably be finished in , what, five years? This is a massive endeavour. Good luck.

[revsears]

Three things have slowed up the
2) - (Currently) trying to pass a kidney stone
.
I know your pain! I pray it's over soon, i'll never forget mine, I thought i was dying, and peeing blood was terrifying!

Excellent work, looking forward to updates.

[Griff]

This gonna kick SOOOOOO much ass!!!