Explanation for Indoor Pistol Range being Closed
We hope the range will re-open on Tuesday 3/2 - no guarantees. The following is a recap of the crazy delays we have experienced concerning the indoor pistol range. If anything can go wrong with a project this is an example of "everything" going wrong.
Specifically, a few weeks ago, while doing routine indoor range maintenance and inspection, one of the bolts which secured a blower/fan unit had sheared-off (likely a lower grade steel bolt was used at some point in the past). Upon further inspection, the fan housing was cracked and there was a distinct wobble in the shaft. The manufacturer stated that the range must be shut-down immediately as the fan could actually rip-apart and destroy the housing, etc with potential injury to anyone present. So the range was closed.
The Board of Directors made an emergency vote to authorize the purchase and installation of a new fan. It took a few days to get the fan from Chicago.
Upon installation, the motor would not re-start.
It was removed and replaced with a Club back-up motor. The back-up motor was a rebuilt unit, it failed!
Immediately a new motor was purchased. Now cold weather, snow, broken water pipes, shut-down the central part of the country for 5 days. The new replacement motor was on a pallet at the FEDEX main hub at the closed Memphis, TN airport. The new motor was finally shipped and arrived at a shipping terminal in Billerica, Ma. Instead of waiting for a local truck to deliver the motor to our address, we chose to pick-up the motor at the terminal.
The motor weight was 187 lbs. We borrowed a pick-up Truck and arrived at the terminal (Wed 2/24) to find that the motor was damaged during shipment - a huge dent in the housing and broken parts inside.
We refused the shipment. We spoke to the Seller. Sent him pictures. He will follow-up with claim and he also re-sent via a different carrier a new new motor which as of Thursday was in North Carolina.
We hope to pickup the new new motor on Monday, install it and be open for Indoor Range shooting Tuesday - but no guarantees - as there seems to be a black cloud looming overhead.
While the indoor pistol range has been closed, we have accelerated previously planned repairs and upgrades so that when the range is finally open, it will stay open with the exception of routine maintenance.
Please double-check the website calendar updates on range closures, so you can plan accordingly.
Brad Reichter
Treasurer
2/28/21 update. Motor is in New Haven, CT. It should arrive in Billerica on 3/2. We should be able to get it and install it by 3/3/21.
