Hi Rowerwet,
You are spot-on; getting this correct is going to need design and build accuracy. I find this structural stuff fulfilling. I spent a few late happy nights working out the geometry "on-paper" to get those curves to behave together in the up-down-middle positions, and I am getting closer... The rear curves were critical, because of the 38 inch arc of vertical travel, but the horizontal swing along the plane of the curve is zero due to careful hinge location. The result on the rear curves is a "tight-loose-tight" fit to the curves going from up to down, etc, with no potential interference. The front curve was a challenge due to a "loose-tight-tighter" fit as they swing. The front vertical swing is only 14" at the far end of the front curve (good news), but I cannot easily get around the 2-1/2 inch shrink in the horizontal plane. My solution is to torture the plywood just a bit in the middle stationery panel, so that the top gunnel of the middle stationary panel matches the curve of the top shell gunnel. In other words, the up-rail of that middle stationary panel will be tilted, thereby "shortening" the curve of the plywood up there, and slightly "lengthening" the straight section (by 2-1/2" across a span of plywood 14" wide). I have not completed the details up front, but suspect a little twist in that center panel will get me there. I figure it is at most 1/8 inch of troublesome interference.
All of this complication is hopefully ONLY in the design and build. My intent is to pull over, lift and lock, drink a cocktail, and then sleep. No other setup desired. I want the illusion of walls around me. Probably will be stopping at a roadside table or church parking lot. In the morning "maybe" make the bed, drop and lock, and hit the road looking for breakfast. Make the miles, see the small towns, eat at the local family restaurants; drive the "Mississippi Hot-Tamale trail"(look it up)! (Have not convinced the wifey to join me).
Good tips about the snare drum roof and all. I am not concerned about the cold. More so the heat. My intended point of use is "on the road", not camping, so will be used only in the evenings toward dark thru early morning. But you have me thinking about roof insulation...hmmm...I wonder what kind...thin and dense...
Kind Regards, Butch
(psst...offthread boat-talk...mouseboat #76 built in 2004, and I just bought the lumber for a Michalak RB42)!