New Fire Tower on Red Hill?

[The Eagle]

I have heard there is a new "LARGE" Fire Tower on Red Hill, that is causing some controversy in town, but I haven't seen it. Does anyone know anything about it? I heard it's privately owned, on a private road, so it's hard to get photos. Anyone?
The Eagle

[songkrai]

It used to be the state that manned the tower.
The state discontinued all mountain top tower watching.
Then the Town of Moultonborough decided to man the tower at town taxpayer expense. A fully trained full time Moultonborough fire fighter.

[sky's]

where can you see this tower?

[Lakesrider]

And how can a town employee payed by town taxes be working on private property?

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

And how can a town employee payed by town taxes be working on private property?

Maybe they have a right of way?

[The Eagle]

From what I was told, it is not a "public Tower," but someone with lots of money built one, just for themselves. (sort of like a "Sun Deck" high up in the air. I heard it was over 30 feet square, and was told you could see it from "Bucky's". I looked yesterday, from one part of the parking lot, but and the trees were now all open, so I couldn't see it. I hope I can see it from my boat in a couple weeks. Thought maybe someone may have seen it and taken a photo.
The Eagle

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by The Eagle

From what I was told, it is not a "public Tower," but someone with lots of money built one, just for themselves. (sort of like a "Sun Deck" high up in the air. I heard it was over 30 feet square, and was told you could see it from "Bucky's". I looked yesterday, from one part of the parking lot, but and the trees were now all open, so I couldn't see it. I hope I can see it from my boat in a couple weeks. Thought maybe someone may have seen it and taken a photo.
The Eagle

What about the "old" Red Hill tower? Is it still open? There was a nice guy that used to man the tower. Is he still there?

[wifi]

can be found here

Yes, the same watchman, Ed, mans it.

The top of RH is owned by the LRCT and leases the tower back to the town

You can see it on Rt 25, coming into town from Center Harbor, to the left of "the saddle"

[VitaBene]

I am not sure where a new tower might be, but I can see the town tower from my window as I type. Ed sees all... and knows if you have a fire permit or not!

[gus62]

Sky- is this the one that you built and have pictures on your website? Looks great!

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Originally Posted by The Eagle

From what I was told, it is not a "public Tower," but someone with lots of money built one, just for themselves. (sort of like a "Sun Deck" high up in the air. I heard it was over 30 feet square, and was told you could see it from "Bucky's". I looked yesterday, from one part of the parking lot, but and the trees were now all open, so I couldn't see it. I hope I can see it from my boat in a couple weeks. Thought maybe someone may have seen it and taken a photo.
The Eagle

Can you be more specific? Is this "new tower" a stand alone or part of a structure? What is the controversy?

As previously stated, most of Red Hill is owned by the LRCT and it is unlikely that they would build a tower.











wha

[Dave M]

Are you able to still walk up the trails to the fire tower being private property.

Dave M

[gus62]

www.skyscarpentry.com

go to the above site and click on recent projects/ fire tower.

Is this the one you are talking about?

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Originally Posted by gus62

www.skyscarpentry.com

go to the above site and click on recent projects/ fire tower.

Is this the one you are talking about?

Thanks for the link. I assume that this is the structure referred to by Eagle. Although I have not looked at the building permit nor do I know the exact location, it appears to be well within zoning regulations. I must be missing something since I fail to see what the problem is.

[The Eagle]

Hi Gang,
That is the Fire tower, I heard about, at http://www.skyscarpentry.com/
The "potential Problem," I heard about was the proper building permits were not had, and the tower has a potential to slide, if there is any "Mud Slides," and that some kinnd of retainer wall has to now be built. Other than that....I wouldn't mind having one of them in my yard!
The Eagle

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by The Eagle

Hi Gang,
That is the Fire tower, I heard about, at http://www.skyscarpentry.com/
The "potential Problem," I heard about was the proper building permits were not had, and the tower has a potential to slide, if there is any "Mud Slides," and that some kinnd of retainer wall has to now be built. Other than that....I wouldn't mind having one of them in my yard!
The Eagle

Maybe you should have expressed your concerns to the proper authorities rather than post on a public forum? I'm certain that you could obtain the information in a manner that would not jeopardize the reputation of a local builder and perhaps cause some issues with the homeowner.
In light of the visibility of the project, I can't imagine that the owner or the builder would proceed without all the proper approvals.

[jmen24]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

Maybe you should have expressed your concerns to the proper authorities rather than post on a public forum? I'm certain that you could obtain the information in a manner that would not jeopardize the reputation of a local builder and perhaps cause some issues with the homeowner.
In light of the visibility of the project, I can't imagine that the owner or the builder would proceed without all the proper approvals.

Also would like to add that there are times when the customer takes full responsibility for the permitting. The times when that is requested by a client, it is clearly stated that the customer is responsible in the contract. The opportunity to put the responsibility onto someone else's shoulders, has passed.

It should not be assumed that the builder is at fault for permitting issues, until you can factually prove otherwise!

[wifi]

Originally Posted by The Eagle

.....The "potential Problem," I heard about was......

We don't even know there IS a problem, its just gossip, at this point.

[The Eagle]

WHOA Guys, (Phanthom)..
I do NOT have any problem with the tower, nor the building of it. I only heard rhumors, about "potential Problems," and when someone asked what I heard, I answered them. My ONLY question was "What does it look like!" It sounded pretty neat, and wanted to SEE IT, NOT debate about who, what ,when, or where it was built. Sorry for the misdirection of my post.
The Eagle

[Rusty]

Basically the structure is a freestanding deck that sits on a hill.

I don't particularly care for the amount of cantilever that the floor joist have, but I guess if the code allows that much then it is probably OK. The joist to the post supports (angle braces) that are made from logs don't look like they are doing much in way of support. Joist to posts (angle braces) need to be @ 45 degrees and attached properly to do any good.

[secondcurve]

There are many "experts" on the Forum today. The fire tower/observation deck is obviously someone's dream structure. My personal opinion is that it looks amazing and clearly a lot of thought and workmanship went into its creation. I have never used Shaun at Sky's but I did have him quote a project several years ago and he was competitive and professional. He came in a close second losing to someone that had previously done work for me. I am sure Shaun is proud of what he created and my guess is that the homeowner is quite happy with the final product.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

There are many "experts" on the Forum today. The fire tower/observation deck is obviously someone's dream structure. My personal opinion is that it looks amazing and clearly a lot of thought and workmanship went into its creation. I have never used Shaun at Sky's but I did have him quote a project several years ago and he was competitive and professional. He came in a close second losing to someone that had previously done work for me. I am sure Shaun is proud of what he created and my guess is that the homeowner is quite happy with the final product.

I'm not an "expert", but looking at the overhang (cantilever) of the floor, IMHO it could use some better knee or Y bracing that would prevent lateral movement.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I'm not an "expert", but looking at the overhang (cantilever) of the floor, IMHO it could use some better knee or Y bracing that would prevent lateral movement.

I've done some work on Kanastaka and you can clearly see the fire tower on Red hill so this one must be on the opposite side of the hill facing away from the lake.
If you read into some of the descriptions of how it was built it does state that a lot of extra work was done to put it up and make it structurally safe including special materials brought in from Canada.
Rusty I know you just love to tear up anyone's post you disagree with on this web site, but just because a structure looks like it may be unsafe to you does not mean that it isn't above and beyond actually be safe.

[sky's]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

I've done some work on Kanastaka and you can clearly see the fire tower on Red hill so this one must be on the opposite side of the hill facing away from the lake.
If you read into some of the descriptions of how it was built it does state that a lot of extra work was done to put it up and make it structurally safe including special materials brought in from Canada.
Rusty I know you just love to tear up anyone's post you disagree with on this web site, but just because a structure looks like it may be unsafe to you does not mean that it isn't above and beyond actually be safe.

thank you BR. for your "non-ego" response also. this structure has over 300 bags of 5000 psi cement between the 4 very large footings that holds this down. i wish i could share this structure with everyone but it is for personell use. it is simply awesome and we are very proud of this. happy summer to everyone

[Rusty]

If I was to build a structure like that I would have constructed a footing at the top of the hill and set the back on it using short posts. Then I would just have to walk from the top of the hill onto the structure and not build any stairs. Easy on, easy off, and the structure would be anchored to a sound foundation that would keep it from moving as it ages.

I think the actual deck structure is unique and well thought out as to it's appearance.

[Shreddy]

Originally Posted by Rusty

If I was to build a structure like that I would have constructed a footing at the top of the hill and set the back on it using short posts. Then I would just have to walk from the top of the hill onto the structure and not build any stairs. Easy on, easy off, and the structure would be anchored to a sound foundation that would keep it from moving as it ages.

I think the actual deck structure is unique and well thought out as to it's appearance.

FORTUNATELY, you weren't hired for this project. Why don't you show us some of your amazingly perfect projects that you've built? How do you have any knowledge of what the owners wanted? This tower is unreal and it's UNFORTUNATE that people like you have to bash and insult such an impressive structure. Give it up...

[ishoot308]

Sky;

That is some amazing carpentry and a beautiful design!! Beautiful job!!!

I have a question though... Are the tree gusset supports just put there for effect??...are they really needed? It looks to me like the multiple offset carrying beams you have under the deck are more than capable of supporting the cantilevered load. Either way, it looks fantastic!!

Now if they only served beer to the public up there!!!

Job well done!

Dan

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Shreddy

FORTUNATELY, you weren't hired for this project. Why don't you show us some of your amazingly perfect projects that you've built? How do you have any knowledge of what the owners wanted? This tower is unreal and it's UNFORTUNATE that people like you have to bash and insult such an impressive structure. Give it up...

You jit the nail on the head Shreddy
My guess would be he is a lonely old man with very few friends and a whole lot of time on his hands to tear down as many posts as he can. Sad!

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I'm not an "expert", but looking at the overhang (cantilever) of the floor, IMHO it could use some better knee or Y bracing that would prevent lateral movement.

I'm not an expert, either, but I see a hull and a sail.

Coming from territories of both tornadoes and hurricanes, I see a structure that could soon catch up to Camp Island!

______________________________

Originally Posted by The Eagle

I have heard there is a new "LARGE" Fire Tower on Red Hill, that is causing some controversy in town...
The Eagle

You don't know how much!

http://www.skyscarpentry.com/springt...e%20House.html

[sky's]

Originally Posted by ApS

I'm not an expert, either, but I see a hull and a sail.

Coming from territories of both tornadoes and hurricanes, I see a structure that could soon catch up to Camp Island!

your seeing the full 30x30 deck in this picture the continuos weight load is 15x15 (room size). this is a design from an actual fire tower in MT.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by sky's

your seeing the full 30x30 deck in this picture the continuos weight load is 15x15 (room size). this is a design from an actual fire tower in MT.

The tower in Montana that you used as a model has Douglas fir timbers with steel brackets and X-cross beams that are secured to the rock foundation 20 feet below the surface.

You haven't commented about how the tower is secured for high winds so I can't compare the one in Montana to the one you built.

Weight load and bracing for lateral movement are two different design calculations.

I'll leave this alone for now and thanks for allowing me to make some observation comments about the structure.

Sorry if I annoy some forum members.

[fatlazyless]

....just wondering.....wondering....wondering.....how's the insurance coverage? ...... if it gets blown over by a big, bad wind .....will insurance pay up? ... just wondering... wondering ... wondering?


....could be that some strong http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy-wire (s) secured to some sturdy trees or something....could make it safer?

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I'll leave this alone for now and thanks for allowing me to make some observation comments about the structure.

Sorry if I annoy some forum members.

Welcome to the club...!

[sky's]

egotistical - characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance; "a conceited fool"; "an attitude of self-conceited arrogance"; "an egotistical disregard of others"; "so swollen by victory that he was unfit for normal duty"; "growing ever more swollen-headed and arbitrary"

i wish all the members of this wonderful forum a warm and joyious Summer we dont need to compete we try to live in a world of joy and giving. god bless and bring on the Patriots. Best wishes

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Rusty

The tower in Montana that you used as a model has Douglas fir timbers with steel brackets and X-cross beams that are secured to the rock foundation 20 feet below the surface.

You haven't commented about how the tower is secured for high winds so I can't compare the one in Montana to the one you built.

Weight load and bracing for lateral movement are two different design calculations.

I'll leave this alone for now and thanks for allowing me to make some observation comments about the structure.

Sorry if I annoy some forum members.

Why does he have to explain all of that to you. I'm sure even if he explained how every nut & bolt was connected and how they interact to provide a safe stable structure you would find something else about his work to criticize. It seems like that is all you ever do.
It is an awesome looking project which I'm sure will stand the test of time.
After looking at Sky's web site I would be proud to have my business name attributed with his work.
And if for some reason it does not stand up I'm sure you will be the first to chime in and say I told you so. Have a nice day Rusty and for gods sake find something constructive to do with your time, maybe a hobby. Before you chip away I'm heading out the door for work, yes on a Saturday as well as tomorrow, Sunday, yes I'm that busy but I still manage to find time to try and take you down a notch or 2.

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

Before you chip away I'm heading out the door for work, yes on a Saturday as well as tomorrow, Sunday, yes I'm that busy but I still manage to find time to try and take you down a notch or 2.

The only problem is that by getting involved in this stuff, you and the rest of the forum is brought down a notch or 2.

Can't you guys make your pissing contest private, please, for the sake of the rest of us?

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

Why does he have to explain all of that to you. I'm sure even if he explained how every nut & bolt was connected and how they interact to provide a safe stable structure you would find something else about his work to criticize. It seems like that is all you ever do.
It is an awesome looking project which I'm sure will stand the test of time.
After looking at Sky's web site I would be proud to have my business name attributed with his work.
And if for some reason it does not stand up I'm sure you will be the first to chime in and say I told you so. Have a nice day Rusty and for gods sake find something constructive to do with your time, maybe a hobby. Before you chip away I'm heading out the door for work, yes on a Saturday as well as tomorrow, Sunday, yes I'm that busy but I still manage to find time to try and take you down a notch or 2.

With all due respect Belmont,
You are allowed your opinion " I'm sure will stand the test of time. After looking at Sky's web site I would be proud to have my business name attributed with his work. "

After looking at Sky's website, I am even more concerned that this construction has been undertaken without the required engineering.
It would be simple for Sky to post that he has built from engineered plans, but he has not chosen to post that information, which I think is unfortunate.

[sky's]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

There are many "experts" on the Forum today. The fire tower/observation deck is obviously someone's dream structure. My personal opinion is that it looks amazing and clearly a lot of thought and workmanship went into its creation. I have never used Shaun at Sky's but I did have him quote a project several years ago and he was competitive and professional. He came in a close second losing to someone that had previously done work for me. I am sure Shaun is proud of what he created and my guess is that the homeowner is quite happy with the final product.

thank you for your mature and "non-ego" response always appreciated in any discussion. best wishes