Philly Pier 122 - First crane toppled for removal.

RSwinnerton · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:32 pm **Posts:** 198

Just got word that the first of 4 cranes of Pier 122 in Philadelphia was toppled this morning for scrapping. The other 3 cranes will follow. The CRHS was able to save the giant sign on the end of the last crane for preservation. We also saved from the trash some other wooden signs that say "Danger! Watch out for falling ore!" These were hand painted wood signs. Finally, we also managed to save the origional 1956 tower 3 and 4 assembly blueprints. We at the CRHS are sad we have to see this structure go.
Russ Swinnerton, CRHS

tomgears · **Posted:** Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:38 am

it's a bummer to loose such a great old PRR structure, it seems that Philly is really taking a number of hit with the steam plant, Pullman Dorms, and now cranes at the pier. There is so much PRR history interwoven in Philadelphia, check it all out while you can.

Mike Tillger · **Posted:** Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:12 am

video of destruction

http://www.4shared.com/file/156711611/1 ... hilly.html

tomgears · **Posted:** Mon Nov 23, 2009 12:54 am

So sad. We used to build stuff for the entire world and now we are selling each other life insurance.

Ron Travis · **Joined:** Sun May 15, 2005 2:22 pm **Posts:** 1543

tomgears wrote:

So sad. We used to build stuff for the entire world and now we are selling each other life insurance.

Yes it certainly does seem to symbolize a toppling of something much larger than the actual crane.

robertjohndavis · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 8:10 am **Posts:** 2499

What you are looking at is the destruction of a facility built to support Bethlehem Steel.

Given that much of the South Bethlehem Plant is now a casino, your commentary is even more poignant. Ain't nothin' like watching a bunch of seniors on oxygen tanks wheeling around dropping their social security money into a slot machine.

At least they are helping PA earn more revenue so they won't have budget issues. Well... ummm...

Rob

crij · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 12:15 am **Posts:** 585

Did they drive it off the end of tracks under it's own power or was it pulled?