Blackcollar Posted June 23, 2013 Share Posted June 23, 2013 (edited) Good day to all; It's been a while since I have been on the boards. I would like to fabricate the following engine derrick/crane If I remember correctly, there might be a drawing of it's details in one of the Squadron-Signal books. Would anyone have further information? Thanks in advance! -Al Edited June 23, 2013 by Blackcollar Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Loggie Posted June 23, 2013 Share Posted June 23, 2013 (edited) G'Day Blackcollar. Why don't you just scratch-build one from the photos? It looks like a locally-produced item (vs issued equipment required to change an engine). You need an outer A-frame and an elongate diamond-shaped inner frame. Note the widest point of the diamond-frame - it does NOT look like a hinge. From the photos, the length of each frame is at least about 24-25' long (= @ 4 x man-lenghts). Remember - it MUST be tall enough to hold the engine up the the face of the engine nacelle. From the photos, the feet of the A-frame are at least 4' wide (experiment when you scratch-build) to accommodate an engine and a man on either side. There are 3 x HD wheels. The pulley - un-powered, it is operated by pulling on a long loop of chain - is about 125% of the diameter of a human head. There is a link from the bottom tips of the A-frame to the bottom tip of the diamond. You can see it in the Boston photo (steel wire rope or steel rod?). IF the widest point of the diamond WAS a hinge, the whole thing can be collapsed for easier relocation, but won't collapse whilst holding-up an engine ND, the crane could be made taller, if required. If SWR, could it be shortened to make the crane taller? I'd build it with 2-scale" thick rod/pipe (compare it to thickness of the engine mechanic's arm). (edit - there is a cable(?) link from the tip near the pulley, back to the back tip of the A-frame (see Fortress photo), down to the bottom tip of the diamond (see truck in Boston photo).) FWIW, on the diamond frame, I would have expected a 3rd length over the top, which would be connected to both sides of the diamond, with a zig-zag of bars/rods. Such a frame (= a Warren truss) is pretty strong. It is a pretty-simple scratch-build. So, take a deep breath, and have a go. I (and I'm sure that there are other modellers here) reckon that you CAN do it. Good luck with your attempt, and have fun. George, out................ Edited June 23, 2013 by The Loggie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Yuri61 Posted June 23, 2013 Share Posted June 23, 2013 I think Shep Paine built one of these for his P-61 Black Widow Diorama. I think it is also included in his boook " How to Build Dioramas" It maybe worth a look. HTH Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackcollar Posted June 23, 2013 Author Share Posted June 23, 2013 Thanks guys, scratch building one is on my list of to-do's. Much appreciated -Al Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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