04.04.2011
250 Ton Steam crane
A reader from the UK has sent us some photos of an old steam crane in Manchester and wonders if anyone has any information on it.
He says that he came across it sitting in dock and when questioned the stevedores working on it, they told him that they did not know anything of its history but that it is due to be cut up for scrap.
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The 250 ton steam crane in Manchester
Which, as he says, seems a pity, the writing on the back of the crane simply says ‘250 ton crane Manchester’
Our reader adds “Maybe you could find some information on it, or if any Vertikal readers are members of history groups that might know someone who could save the crane from the cutting torch”
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Another view of the crane suggests it is quite good condition for its age
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Yet another view of the crane which is due to be scrapped
We have done some quick research which suggests that this is a crane built for the Manchester Ship Canal Company and was originally berthed at the Old Quay site in Runcorn. The complex also included a large lock gate repair shed.
We also came across a photograph from 1939 which looks like the same crane lifting a large lock gate.
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The crane in action in 1939, we assume in the Runcorn yard?
If any of you can add to this or suggest something please do not hesitate to contact us and we will either put you in contact with our correspondent or add to this article.
Gusto716
https://youtube.com/watch?v=daIFv548dFM&feature=share
Gusto716
Mark , Please find ,
https://youtube.com/watch?v=67yZ6PUinI0&feature=share
Gusto716
https://www.britishpathe.com/video/giant-floating-crane-comes-into-use-at-barton-lock/query/Be
Gusto716
Firma A.F. Smulders , Werf Gusto , Schiedam , Holland are world famous for their innovative products ranging from dredgers , bridges , ships , floating cranes etc. Gusto yard build no 716 is the only one of her type ever built , She was designed and built to exacting parameters for The Manchester Ship Canal , draught , air draught , capacity , SWL requirements , radius etc . The major engineering components she is built from are U.K. manufacture , The steel is David Collvile , Ravenscraig , Scotland who supplied for the Forth Rail Bridge also , The coal fired twin scotch boiler is Wilsons , Lillybank , Scotland , There are 4 X steam engines Ashworth Parker & Co , Bury , Lancashire , The gears are The Power Plant Co , West Drayton , The 3 X main hoist drums are electric driven , 2 X steam driven deck Capstans & 2 X deck winches are steam driven built by Clark Chapman & Co , Gateshead on Tyne , The electrics are Smit Slikkerveer , all of these designed , manufactured and shipped to Schiedam in 1935 / 1936 installed , tested and delivered on time to U.K. 1937 . The crane is limited slewing of 12 degrees P & S and SWL of 250 Tons main & 125 Tons Aux block , She was designed with Ward Leonard control system and extremely accurate and load under control , also in the stern of the main pontoon there is a transfer bogie with 150 Tons of pig iron ballast installed with electric motor drive and linked to the crane drivers cabin , this ballast bogie traverses to counterbalance the effect of slewing motion under load Port & Starboard keeping the the whole operation very stable , also attached to the stern of the main pontoon there are 2 X sponsons on very heavy hinge pins , these can also be deployed for further stability if required under certain conditions . The crew of 22 & 6 officers worked the crane barge as a team but there are separate stairs , mess and accommodation , wash room and galley facilities distinguishing Ranks and Ratings .
Gusto716
“The 250 Ton Crane “is her registered name and she was designed and built to Lloyds Class A1 by Firma AF Smulders , Werf Gusto , Schiedam , The Netherlands with Yard No 716 . The components are U.K. manufactured and sent the Netherlands for installation . She is coal fired with 4 X English steam engines , SWL is 250 Tons main hoist & 125 on rooster . Delivered new in 1937 for Manchester Ship Canal Co by Smit Towage with Steam Tug” Seine “9 BPT.
She was built for changing Lock Gates , Salvage & Traffic work with 22 Crew & 6 officers . Last year we prepared her for sea and cleared by MCA surveyors with loadline exemption certification and Towage approval . This open sea voyage of 1090 miles was completed successfully , At 85 years old a credit to the Dutch / Anglo engineers of this time .