Cranes

[NW Mailing List]

Thanks David,

I’ve learned something new. 

Phil Miller

 

From: NW-Mailing-List [mailto:nw-mailing-list-bounces at nwhs.org] On Behalf Of NW Mailing List
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2020 10:41 PM
To: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org
Subject: Re: NW-Mailing-List Digest, Vol 190, Issue 22

 

Phil,

I do not claim any expertise in cranes but the crane in your photos is substantially larger than the American Eagle I am referring to.  The American Eagle crane had 2 axles, was rated at 7 1/2 tons and was more than likely being phased out by the mid 1950's after 20 years of hard service on the N&W.  The American Eagle was comparable to a Burro crane.  The unit that I am most familiar with was Chesapeake Western #3, formerly N&W #13021, built in Oct 1936.  The CW bought it in January 1955 right after the N&W bought the CW.  From the notes that I have gathered, it appears the crane was in very tough shape and had to be rebuilt after they bought it.  Some of the correspondence I've seen shows the CW management very distressed at what they were being charged for parts.

Photos that I have bought  from the archives frequently show two cranes busy working their tasks in the material yard.  There were two different styles of booms and CW#3 (NW#13021) had a 2 axle cart that typically accompanied it.  Equipped with couplers, the crane could manage a gondola or flatcar and advertising from American Hoist promotes the idea of the crane's switching capabilities.  I imagine the craft agreements would have something to say about that.

I have attached a Builders diagram for a Wabash unit, I've not found a similar detail from the N&W.  I've also attached a photo of CW#3 in Harrisonburg in the mid 1970's.  I don't have a specific date but the last reference I've seen for it suggests it was scrapped by the early 1980's.

 

 David Ray


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I have these two photos I took in May 1988, by the Roanoke Shops, of what I believe is one of these you're referring to. It had a couple MW flat cars with it. 
Phil Miller



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