Copyright © 2001 - 2003, Thomas Avery
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Marine Pedestal Crane
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Side View

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Close-up of Base

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Top of Boom

Introduction

This is a model of a typical heavy duty pedestal crane used in the offshore construction and transportation industry. It is not modeled after any specific crane, but incorporates the typical characteristics.

Details of the Model:
• Maximum Lift: 48.0 lb (21.8 kg) (SEE DETAILS HERE)
• Scale: 1:30 (approximate)
• Power: 12V battery (from cordless drill)
• Controls: 4-channel R/C from HiTechnic
• Total Lifting Lines: 2 (main hoist and whip hoist)
• Counterweight: water (in plastic bags) and battery
(later, steel was used as ballast)
• Total Height: 6.5 feet; 2.0 meters
• Boom Length: 5.5 feet; 1.7 meters
• Total Motors: 14
• Thrust Roller Bearing: 29 Wheel Hubs (30.4 x 14 VR)
• Total Building Time: 71 hours

The only modified parts used were all the sheaves (pulleys). The cross-axle holes were bored out so that they spun independently of the axle. The non-Lego parts used were the battery, string, water (later, steel ballast), and the R/C controls from HiTechnic.

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More below...

General

More overall pictures of
the model and information
Construction

• Building the model
• Modular construction
• Some construction techniques
• More details of the model
Showing The Crane

• Transporting the beast
• Brickfest 2002
• TexLUG Meets
The Real Crane

Information and pictures
of a real marine crane
Videos of the Crane in Action
Files are .AVI type.
Click to see video
Crane Rotating
Size: 576 KB
Crane quickly rotates
about 90°. Rotation starts
from a dead stop.
Click to see video
Boom Down
Size: 948 KB
Line is let out, and boom
is luffed downwards.
Click to see video
Close Up of Rotation
Size: 849 KB
Good close shot of the
turntable in action.
Click to see video
Both Hoist Lines Lifting
Size: 623 KB
Main and whip hoists
operating simultaneously.
Click to see video
20 lb (9.1 kg) Lift
Size: 2,140 KB
A quick 20 lb lift and
then the crane rotates.
Copyright © 2001 - 2003, Thomas Avery
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