Who wants a 250-ton steam crane?

Tyne shipping past and present

Who wants a 250-ton steam crane?

Postby northeast » Wed Jul 14, 2021 6:01 am

A heads-up for movement of the old 250-ton crane from Manchester Ship Canal to the Tyne in tow by GT VICTORY, 'now at Runcorn' in photo posted yesterday on TugTalk.
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Re: Who wants a 250-ton steam crane?

Postby Whickham » Thu Jul 15, 2021 1:32 pm

I just can't believe this. Supposed to be coming to the Tyne for conversion into a museum and restaurant for Newcastle. Crazy or what.
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Re: Who wants a 250-ton steam crane?

Postby northeast » Thu Jul 15, 2021 3:26 pm

I suspect that Kevin is behind it, Hebburn needs a tourist attraction (other than Kevin).
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Re: Who wants a 250-ton steam crane?

Postby Whickham » Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:39 pm

I have spoken to Kevin and he is as gobsmacked as me. Obviously not heard the rumour.
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Re: Who wants a 250-ton steam crane?

Postby Hornbeam » Thu Jul 15, 2021 9:52 pm

Don't knock it, it's work if it comes to the Tyne, I wonder if it is a Wartime built crane of the series like the Tees Floating Crane ( can't get the photo unfortunately) which I had a look aboard when she was alongside to do a lift, single furnace coal fired smoke tube Boiler for the Crane and a two cylinder Gardner for the Electrical side on a large Pontoon, Heavy lift Cranes were retained Post War in Class A Ports.
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Re: Who wants a 250-ton steam crane?

Postby northeast » Fri Jul 16, 2021 6:15 am

Patrick relayed this from a Facethingy posting
"Built in 1937 by N.V. Werf Gusto at Schiedam, Netherlands. Was or still is coal powered
Engines built in 1937 by Ashworth & Parker Ltd. at Bury."
Maybe she should head for Schiedam/Rotterdam as a museum piece!
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Re: Who wants a 250-ton steam crane?

Postby northeast » Fri Jul 16, 2021 6:17 am

This is the floating object at the centre of attention, photo from Alan Hughes

Manchester Ship Canal 250 Ton Floating Crane-02.jpg
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Re: Who wants a 250-ton steam crane?

Postby Hornbeam » Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:55 am

The Dutch are quite good at converting Cranes, at Harlingen you can Rent a Dockside Crane which has been converted to a small apartment with all the facilities, you can also turn the Cab 360deg to change the view of this delightful little Port. Like most of this type of Port it is not what it was when it comes to Commercial Traffic however there are a few Coaster size Vessels, Ferries, large Motor Yachts, Fishing Vessels and plenty of Sailing Craft of all types to keep those interested whilst eating their Kedgeree.
All it takes is imagination and MONEY of course something you can't afford to do if you are on Furlough ;)
There is also a 'Watson Class ' Lifeboat you can bunk down on which you can either stay alongside or hire a Skipper to take you to sea, from Harlingen "The Worlds your Daffodil/Oyster" ;)
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Re: Who wants a 250-ton steam crane?

Postby Hornbeam » Fri Jul 16, 2021 6:35 pm

Thanks for obtaining the photograph, certainly a massive piece of lifting gear very simiiliar to the TCC Floating Crane Aft of the main lifting structure with the Woodbine Funnel, interesting that she has British Machinery.
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Re: Who wants a 250-ton steam crane?

Postby northeast » Sun Jul 18, 2021 6:07 am

Passing Anglesey now at 6.3 knots, so southbound round the UK, ETA around 25th for the cameramen :)
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