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Modern Methods in Our Workshops
Electric Overhead Travelling Cranes

(By S. B. Barltrop , Production Draughtsman, Hillside.)

The provision of thoroughly up-to-date facilities for the mechanical handling and transport of materials in our new workshops is destined to enhance considerably their productive capacities. The installation of this important equipment in the new Workshops at Hillside is dealt with in the following article.

Much has been said and written regarding the new and up-to-date buildings that are being erected in connection with the Railway workshops reorganisation scheme. These buildings are rapidly nearing completion, and the internal arrangements and equipment are now being concentrated upon.

An outstanding and all important feature in this connection is the transportation and handling of material, and much of this is accomplished by means of electric overhead travelling cranes.

The following overhead travelling cranes are being installed at Hillside:—Locomotive Erecting Shop, one 100-ton crane and one 10-ton crane; Boiler Erecting Shop, one 100-ton crane and one 10-ton crane; Boiler Machine Shop, one 25-ton crane and one 25-ton crane in riveting tower; Heavy Machine Shop, two 20-ton cranes (existing); Steel Wagon Shop, four 10-ton cranes; Foundry, three 7½-ton cranes and one 5-ton crane in gantry.

The task of erecting these cranes at Hillside is being undertaken by the workshops staff, to whom great credit is due for the successful erection of the first 100-ton crane in the Locomotive Erecting Shop.

A total of 60 tons of loose material arrived in Hillside yard in August, and this crane was in operation six weeks later. As there was no overhead gear that could be used this material was at first handled under adverse circumstances. The large main girder, in three pieces, weighing thirteen tons, was set up in position on the shop floor and riveted together; next the lattice girder was attached to the main girder and riveted, after which the travelling boxes were bolted to each end of the main girder, thus making a complete half section of the whole crane.

The next operation was to remove the two crane tracks from one bay on each side of the building. Four Oregon beams, each 45ft. long and 14ins. × 14ins., were then erected against, and secured to, the columns, two on each side of the building, and across the top of these beams, parallel to the wall of the building, was placed and secured, an H iron girder, to which the lifting tackle was attached. The hoisting was effected by means of two powerful hand winches using steel wire, operating through two massive steel pulleys, each having three sheaves. Each winch was operated by six men, and the first girder, which weighed 22 tons, was lifted into position in one and a half hours. The rail sections, each weighing 2½ tons, were then lifted back into their respective positions by two smaller hand winches, and the girder lowered on to the rail sections.

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The same operation had to be effected with the second girder, the weight of which in this instance, was 26 tons.

Both girders were then joined together, and the operator's cage placed in position. At this stage the electricians entered the scene and commenced the erection of switch gear and installation of the necessary wiring.

A further intricate problem was successfully solved, viz., that of the erection of the two 50-ton capacity crabs, or winches. These were hoisted into position by a special gantry erected on the crane itself, the parts being lifted into position singly. These operations were rendered more difficult by reason of the small amount of head room between crane and roof trusses.

Six weeks from the time the parts arrived in the yard, this 100-ton crane was completed, the power switched on, the necessary tests made, and the crane certified as ready for service.

This 100-ton crane was manufactured and supplied by the famous engineering firm of Sir William Arrol, of Glasgow, Scotland, and is a striking example of the excellence of British material and workmanship.

The use of the 100-ton crane (the erection of which was carried out without a hitch) greatly facilitated the erection of the 10-ton crane for the same shop. This 10-ton crane (by Herbert Morris, England), was erected completely on the floor. This made handling much easier, and provided for the erection of most of the electrical gear and fittings. It was then a simple operation to lift it into position on the bottom track provided for it in the building.