Help with Choosing A Catenary System

[robert.]

You know your a redneck when you get the tractor stuck in the cement pond Funny is. I would not be mad with my mother-in -law if she did that.

[2railjon]

Robert, it was too comical to be mad at anyone. Just thankful MIL wasn’t hurt! Luckily she grabbed hold of a tree branch before the launch!

[robert.]

I made bases out of wood. You may want to checkout shapways for 3D printed . My wood ones are drilled through. I can stick an 2 inch long .1/4 inch screw in there to hold them down.

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[2railjon]

Robert, very nice work! Thanks for sharing!! I’ve finally broke down and ordered a 5 speed drill press for this fiasco! It should speed things up!

[Rufus T. Firefly]

I made bases out of wood. You may want to checkout shapways for 3D printed . My wood ones are drilled through. I can stick an 2 inch long .1/4 inch screw in there to hold them down.

Might consider making 1 really good one, making an RTV mold, and casting all the rest to get a uniform set so that when you need more, you can just make them yourself, Jon.

[2railjon]

Good idea, Rufus! I have a lead smelter. Or would you recommend resin?

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Good idea, Rufus! I have a lead smelter. Or would you recommend resin?

I would avoid the use of toxic metals if at all possible; I use resin quite a lot. It doesn't shrink anywhere as much and hurts far less when you spill it on youself.

[E7]

I know a thing or two about yardwork, Rich. Trust me.
And yes, that’s my mower.

I haven't read my manual yet (I've only had my tractor 8 years), but isn't that the way they recommend to clean your tractor.

[Nortonville Phil]

Robert, very nice work! Thanks for sharing!! I’ve finally broke down and ordered a 5 speed drill press for this fiasco! It should speed things up!

I bought one about 25 years ago on Bob Turner's recommendation. It has been quite useful over the years.

[John Webster]

Did the removal of the tractor from the pond involve ramps or was it just four guys and a case of beer?

[2railjon]

John, My cousin and I lifted the back end out first letting the rear tires rest on the lip of the pool, then we picked up the front and pushed it back. There was beer involved.
After letting it sit in the sun a few hours it cranked up and ran for a number of years!

[2railjon]

The cats arrived. A quick mock up:


For starters the poles will have to have the height increased by taller bases. For bases I think I’m going to use wood dowels painted in a cement color with a machine screw in the bottom to mount on the layout. I’m still undecided about keeping the arms. Maybe they’d look better with a top brace? Thoughts?

[Rufus T. Firefly]

After letting it sit in the sun a few hours it cranked up and ran for a number of years!

The mower or your mother in law?

[2railjon]

Rufus, both!!

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Rufus, both!!

You're a lucky man, Jon!

BTW, Merry Christmas!