I am constructing two container cranes that will work in a rail yard. They will be constructed to match the ones that BNSF uses. Here are some starting photos. The cranes will be 30 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 12 inches high under the horizontal main beam.
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Awesome, Alan! I look forward to watching your progress.
Alan, that's bigger than my whole layout. Anxious to see the end results.
Wow! That's going to be huge and I bet awesome! I'm actually in the early stages of trying to build a crane for my layout with Gilbert Erector Set pieces for that old time look to it. Mine won'tbe nearly that size since I only have a small layout and space to fit it into between the tracks coming out of my Menards 2 Bay Engine Shop. One track goes straight then does a 45° curve, over a 45° crossover and through a turnout to connect to my outside track, and the other does a 90° turn to go connect to my inside track. Please keep us updated with picture on your progress.
Gary,
Post the pictures of the crane you are constructing. I would like to see some pictures as you are building it.
Alan,
This crane is situated in a rail yard probably out west. If you type in BNSF container cranes in images you will see them. The crane itself will have a building like structure attached to it that will stick up 3 to 4 inches above the crane way. I will start getting into the details next week. Right now, I completed both basic structures and next will start stair and ladder details.
Most of the cruise nights and car shows are finished around here since we are quickly running out of light during the day. That provides the time for me to go back to work on the cranes. Here are some pictures of the electrical and equipment boxes that are mounted at the top of the structure. I also installed the top crane rail angles. The details will take some time on these two cranes.
Its been a little while since my last post. I have been thinking about the next parts that have to be constructed. I decided to do the crane portion of the model since it will be painted the same color as the main structure. Here are some pictures
They will be a show stopper in my Intermodel yard. Thx for the thread.
Ray
Definitely show stoppers. As usual. Impeccable work Alan.
Its amazing what a little color will do. I am adding handrails and platforms now.
Looks great!
Alan every time I see one of your projects, I try to imagine how by using my 3D printer and laser cutter can I improve on your designs.
Each time I come up empty! great work.
Looking really good!!!!
Alan,
Thank you. I think a mix of 3d and old school model building really will work to produce high quality hand made models for a reasonable price. The parts you make with 3d modeling can enhance anything I build.
Coach, Jeff andBossman,
Thank you for the compliments.
Here are some progress pictures on the cranes. I have all top handrails and walkways completed. I will now build the spiral stairs and ladders to get to the top. 
All I can say is WOW !!
"Impressive. Most impressive," Darth Vader.
Wow. The crane is looking great so far. Too bad you can't get it to actually load and unload containers like the real thing. That would be awesome.
Dylan,
I will consider trying to make it awesome.
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