Bud Henkels from the Montgomery County (PA) Fire Academy sent in this amazing building construction prop that he built for his Firefighter Awareness to Wood Frame Construction class. The focal point of the presentation is this scale model (1 ” = 1′) that shows the students wood frame construction from foundation to ridgepole.
On one side it incorporates modern day platform framing and on the other side, later day balloon framing. Having both different construction types present make it easy to show the differences with each style. The prop includes the ability to add a real time smoke conditions that demonstrate how differently smoke and fire can travel through each type of construction. While the prop is certainly a major part of it, the program also includes a 3-hour power point program that focuses on building terminology and other building constriction methods.
Bud’s previous experience as a carpenter and contractor certainly shows through with this quality craftsmanship. Wile making a quality prop like this will certainly take some time; it doesn’t have to cost much money. There is a good chance that someone around your firehouse has the talent and ability to make something similar. This prop, sitting on a table in the firehouse or training room can be referred to during many formal classes, and even more importantly those informal kitchen table classes. Instead of doing some third grade quality drawing on the dry erase board; pointing something out on a prop like this would certainly enhance the learning opportunity.
Outstanding! Is he willing to share the plans/powerpoint?
Hey, can you build a doll house for my daughter….
What a great training aid. Great work. I would be interested in the power point that goes with it. I am a NYS Fire Instructor and Past chief/training officer for my dept and this would be a great addition to our program. Do you have any building plans for it? Would love to know more about this prop.
Thanks and GREAT WORK!!!
jzymanek@gmail.com
Wonderful! A hand salute to you sir for developing the most effective training prop I have ever seen!
Is there a plan or schematic on how to build this? Would love to build one.
Who do we have to know to get a post about the cool illuminated district map in the background of the last picture?
Excellent prop! Is there a materials list of some kind available? I have wanted to do something like this but the plan is a huge missing element. Thank you for sharing this terrific piece.
Hello, I am a training instructor for our fire academy and also teach through the local college and a fire Vo Tech high school program. I am very interested in making one of these myself to include in our programs. Would I be able to be put in contact with Mr. Henkels.
Did anyone get the materials list, places online to order materials or plans on this prop?
Very very impressive… I’m with everyone else… Would love to obtain a set of plans to build this for our fire dept trainings… Is Bud willing to part with the plans is the question! Again really great idea
Ditto on the plans or material list!
Yes, I would love to get my hands on the material list and plan details
Was anyone able to get the plans or building supply list on this? This is awesome!
Is there any plan for building ths prop?