real time web analytics
Report - - Barclay Curle Crane, Glasgow - Dec. 2009 | High Stuff | 28DaysLater.co.uk

Report - Barclay Curle Crane, Glasgow - Dec. 2009

Hide this ad by donating or subscribing !

BenCooper

Mr Boombastic
28DL Full Member
Barclay Curle is the Clyde's forgotten Titan crane - everyone sees the Finnieston Crane on the news every night, and it's right in the city centre, but Barclay Curle is in the middle of an industrial area with no good way to see it from the other side of the river - it someimes looms surprisingly on the skyline, but getting close is impossible.

Which is why this took a year's planning :)

4230218563_71efccce34.jpg


The North British Diesel Engine Works were designed by J. Galt for Barclay, Curle & Co. Ltd., and built in 1913-14 at a cost of £44,318. The design of the main bay was based on an iconic German AEG factory. The crane was built by Sir William Arrol, maker of the Finnieston and many other cranes and bridges - it was able to lift a diesel engine through the roof of the factory and install it into a ship tied up alongside at the Diesel Wharf - the above picture shows a tanker and a cargo vessel being engined.

The main bay and crane are still standing - the building is now used as a 24-hour industrial estate, but the crane stands rusted solid.

4230216305_e278b7142e.jpg


It's still beautiful, and an amazing construction, though...

4230957616_c0c69a56d1.jpg


4230961884_2a29fd1ca1.jpg


4230197433_3b3868d0f7.jpg


4230200679_a9c2c5c8f4.jpg


The control cab - have a look at the condition of the steps :eek:

4230204197_fbd2ab8af1.jpg


4230207289_8ccc322e24.jpg


4230977964_3cda4409cd.jpg


4230213425_7ce9c0b7c5.jpg
 

BenCooper

Mr Boombastic
28DL Full Member
A bit more info: The crane was ordered in 1913, but only completed in 1920 - the order was put on hold because of a possible buy-out by Swan Hunter. It's an A-listed structure, and it was the prototype for the famous Meccano Hammerhead crane model:
 

Who has read this thread (Total: 0) View details

Top