Hey, Kevin Kohls, John T, Charlie and Rick:

Sorry for the lapse in crane pictures lately but I've been a little busy making outrigger pads, ordering slings, blocking up journal boxes and axles, securing trucks to the car body etc. with our Heavy Lift Group in preparation to unloading the ARMCO B-71. I wore my lucky shirt just in case.
Disclaimer:
It's easy for me to not only operate different types of cranes but also how to plan and carry out a lift with cranes of different capacities . You know ," Measure Twice , Cut Once"!
But for the life of me I can't figure out why I'm having trouble downloading more than 3 pictures at a time on my damn computer . Makes me want to go jump into a crane and drop a 2000 lb. wrecking ball on it from 50 feet up.

Part B

Part C

Three threads or just one thread, the main thing is that you gave us the story. Thanks...and congrats on the successful "landing".

Les

Thanks Les and Jeff ,it looks good this way.

I also want to thank the people off camera whom, without them , this project could not have happened.
A big ThankYou goes out to Bob O; Dave D; Jeron G; Rod T; Mary S; Mr & Mrs Rocco S: and a few others that lent a hand in the time of need , not forgetting Andy C; Dan F and Terry G.

Last but not least I want to give a big "THANKS A LOT" to Nick Kallass which if not for him ram rodding this project, I would have been out sailing all Labor Day weekend. As the saying goes at IRM , I was Nicked.

SUPER COOL !!!!
Thanks for the GREAT photos of cranes doing their stuff.

Kevin K.

I still say that's the ugliest diesel I've ever seen, but it sure look purty between dem big cranes. Congrats on yet another safe and successful unloading job. I like IRM's "can do" attitude when it comes to using their own equipment to get the job done.

Congrats to all involved. Saving a part of our steel heritage is significant to the telling of our industrial history.

The loco is ugly alright. It reminds of the train from the movie "Ghost Of Mars" from 2001. I think one of the plywood movie props survives today.

Robert

Wow, the Flying Dutchman appears to have reached port!

I have the greatest confidence that if any team can cosmetically restore her and possibly even find an interested enough donor for an operational restoration, it's IRM.

But if they need any incentive....
https://youtu.be/sH8tFyReJK4

If ever there was a 'steampunk diesel', this has to be it.

+1 on using your cranes and "can do" attitude effectively. Thanks for your threads and pictures. Regards, John.

Just find a 44-tonner to donate to the cause...

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find my flak jacket.

Thank You all for the positive support your comments give to our hard working Heavy Lift crew and railway museum.
As for the lift we bought brand new custom slings purchased with your donations that are rated for a total of 84 tons (168,000 lbs). These slings will be kept in our wrecker support car (RPO) and will be used but not abused for decades to come.
As for the ugly engine , she's seen more years than many steam locomotives have. Her frame looks great , body not rusted through much, nothing obvious in major damage , a super neat Hamilton (submarine ?) engine in her, a real trooper. She's no F or E unit which weren't even around for another 6+ years after she went to work. After checking out her sister on U-Tube, I see what a good paint job would do for her.
Let's get her dressed up for the party she deserves. Please donate to the ARMCO B-71 Fund
Illinois Railway Museum 7000 Olson Rd, Union IL.60180
Thank You all.
Mark

Going up a few, just what does a 44 tonner have to do with this? Gut it for parts? Another foamer fantasy...

The dual controls connected by bicycle chains are a kick.

Want to wake up the fireman? Just give him a wack with the throttle!

-Hudson

You mean besides from being facetious? You can at least move the thing on it's own if it's powered...