This model represents a typical heavy duty pedestal crane used in the offshore transport and construction industries. The model isn't scaled after any particular crane, but incorporates the main functions and designs of the real cranes.

The crane is a fixed-base machine that is usually mounted to the decks of offshore vessels. These cranes are used to move materials and cargo around the vessel, from vessel to vessel, or from vessel to dock. They are also used to install structures, such as offshore oil and gas platforms, and to assist in other construction activities, such as subsea pipeline installation.

I did not pay much attention to the scale of the model. I just built what "felt right". But it is on a 1:30 scale, roughly. This means that it would represent real cranes with about 300~400 ton capacities.

Choice of Model

I built this model after I finished my R 996 model. I had planned to take the R 996 plus the next model to Brickfest in July 2002. Unfortunately, finishing the R 996 took so long that I only had about a month and a half before the 'fest.

Originally, I wanted to build a large stripping shovel, such as the Silver Spade. However, after estimating the cost of the new parts I'd need, I cancelled it. I still would like to build the Spade someday, but I'll have to save up a few hundred USD first!

I had started another crane at the time, Mammoet's MSG 50. But the project was on hold. The MSG 50 is a very unique crane, in function and design. At the time, I did not have enough information to complete the model. As of December 2002, I have obtained that needed information, and then some, and still plan to finish the MSG 50 model. I just need to find some time to work on it!

So, on with the story. I'd wanted to build a marine pedestal crane for several years and had talked about it often. I planned to make a massive crane, using the curved 4.5v gray train tracks that are now obsolete. The tracks would be for the turntable, which is the key element in the model and would dictate the size and scale. The turntable would be over two feet in diameter!

I quickly realized that it would not be feasible to transport a crane this massive. I then hit the proverbial brick wall. I did not know what to build for Brickfest, but I knew I wanted to take more than my R 996 model.

So, I sat at my desk one day in early June 2002 and began, as we say, "farting around". I started experimenting with a few wild ideas, and with a little work, developed them into something that really worked! The base of the marine crane began to take shape. It was much smaller in diameter than the massive 2' wide crane I originally invisioned. You can read more about the construction of the crane in the construction notes.

Inspiration

I'm quite impressed by large cranes and their abilities. The largest cranes in the world can be found on offshore construction vessels.

My career as a structural engineer in the offshore construction/oil & gas industry has brought me close to these cranes. I've even had the opportunity to crawl around on a few of them, one having a 2,000 ton lift capacity!

I was also attracted to the challenge of building one with LEGO parts. It is quite difficult to make a circular shape, or at least approximate one, and then build more stuff on top of the circle.