Got to check out an air crane today

[Xpress]

Was cruising around today with my dad and older brother, running a few errands, when I saw this sitting inside a hanger.

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/1846/0imag0021.jpg

We stopped and asked the mechanic if we could come in and check it out. These things are REALLY BIG!!

This particular one was built in 1970, and just went through a one year overhaul a couple years ago, funded by SDG&E. Not pictured are cement buckets, the 2650 gallon water drop tank, snorkel, a 660 gallon bambi bucket, and tow straps. These things have a 12 ton lifting capacity!!

Couldn't help but get a pic of me with it. I'm 6'1" 215lbs and even I look tiny :eek:

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/7381/020110311124951.jpg

Supposed to begin working on a project out here by the end of the year, I think is what the guy said.

[Redlunn]

That is an amazing machine. Thanks for posting.

[MrPretty]

I'm digging the bubble window

[2fiftyR]

I saw one at oshkosh wisconsin a couple of years ago(it the biggest airshow around) and they are quite impressive machines. They make the jet ranger and eurocopter look like toys.

[racer....X]

wow... that thing is a beast!

[RacerRichie]

looks like a bug !

[Xpress]

The best view is from the crane operators seat, behind the pilots. WIDE open canopy for unobstructed viewing. would absolutely love to go fly in one.

[Dirtcrasher]

We used one to set 11 roof top HVAC units. Cost 10,000$..............

Werent't many options with the roof being so huge and the gas pipes elevated 2' above the roof line.

[Xpress]

Yeah, not exactly the cheapest thing out there to operate, but they sure are impressive in the air.

Actually, I didn't even realize it until I was going through my photos, but I had photographed the thing in the air a few days ago:

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7482/img6814a.jpg

Wish I had a better camera lens :(