Dissassembling a structure in order to save it.

shrub · **Posted:** Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:33 pm

Thanks everyone for your thoughts... this is exactly the kind of insight I was looking for. This tower is one of those tihngs I can't get out of my head.... I know that if it is demolished one day I will kick myself for not doing more to save it.... at the same time I think I really tend to underestimate the amount of work such an undertaking would involve. Currently, the building is missing the interlocking machine, most of the staircase, the window glass is all missing and the frames would have to be rebuilt/replaced, and the roof would need to be rebuilt. On the other hand, the interior panelling seems in good shape, and the overall structure seems pretty solid. The building was taken out of railway service in 1960, and has likely seen no maintenance since then.

Pete.

hytwr1 · **Joined:** Sat Jul 01, 2006 9:07 am **Posts:** 211

Pete,

Sorry for the late response. Believe it or not I just registered.

Having moved two interlocking towers, I can tell you it is a lot of work and isn't cheap.

I was asked to take a look at Dearborn IN prior to Whitewater Valley RR making the decision to go after it. That tower is probably about the same size as yours.

Spring Hill tower, the one Les mentioned, is a balloon frame building too. But, it is twice the size of yours and the one from Dearborn IN. and taller than most towers I've seen moved. So, we had some other hurdles and issues to deal with when making cuts, etc. that the smaller buildings may not. Moving Spring Hill cost about $30,000 US.

I would suggest you talk with a house moving contractor in your area.

Check out our web site www.haleytower.org for photos of the moves.

Hope this helps.

Bill

Bill Dennehy · **Posted:** Sat Jul 01, 2006 3:36 pm

The Illinois Railway Museum also cut a tower in two to move it to their site and then reassembled it. I'm sure they would be glad to talk to you about difficulties, costs, and unexpected "surprises" found along the way.

Mikechoochoo · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 6:10 pm **Posts:** 237

There are some individuals who have built special tilt bed trucks to move Harvestore silo's in one piece. They are a lot larger than that tower. If you could find someone with one of those rigs it would be a piece of cake for them to move it. Of course you would have to have it well braced first.
Good luck.