Only two more hoppers to re-rail at Lyons Hump in 1951 - These derricks were used on the non-mainline trackages on account of their limited capacity - 100 tonners vs the 250 ton Big Hooks located at major terminals such as Indianapolis, Elkhart, Toledo, Cleveland, etc. Lawrence Baggerly Collection. PS - I'm a little weary of the "Fallen Flags" routine.
I now understand why the use of tractors with side lifts are less destructive and more efficient at rerailing cars than these "dinosaurs". This crane only can drag the derailed car along the track towards itself as the crew shims and guides the wheels back onto the rails. Dragging the car this way tears up track that may have been undamaged by the derailment. Whereas side lift tractors are able to pick up the car where it fell and lift it back onto the rails without damaging the surrounding track. Nice photo, Roger, thanks.
Yeah, the use of side boom tractors seem a "no-brainer" these days. They were originally developed to lay pipe lines but were first used for railroad derailment cleanup out of serendipity. Still, the old steam cranes served well when that was all there was.
Thanks for that, Roger. Let's see, 100 tons=200,000 lb. capacity, yet they didn't rate the "Big Hook" moniker? I'm sorry I can't do anything about the Fallen Flags access. BTW, did you see LEW's photo in the centerfold of NYCSHS convention photos in the latest Central Headlight? Looks as though he is giving advice to the Little River female engineer or fireman--fireperson? :cute:
I guess i never understoodwhy a crane couldn't do the same thing. Pick up, nudge over, drop it, maybe have some guys with big poles or ropes to do thefinal alignment of thetrucks.
