March 18, 2006:
Ironworker acrobats and my last look at Grace
Learning Links
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About Ironworkers and a yo-yo The Yo-yo is a spring loaded
spool of cable that is attached to a stationary point. The Ironworker
attaches his safety belt to the yo-yo cable. In case of a fall, the
yo-yo stops releasing cable - thus limiting the fall of an attached
worker - just like a seat belt. One can slowly pull on a seat belt
and continue to lengthen the belt. A quick pull, though results in
no seat belt movement.
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Aboriginal Ironworkers and safety
Gary, Sparky and I met this morning for a group photo - sort of a reminder
to us of our journey through the Ravenel building and now the Grace and
Pearman unbuilding. Then off we went on Pat's Capt. Gary
Scotty was recruited as a deck hand
Our early morning team: Chris, Manny, Scotty, Chucky and Nugget
Early morning view of the Ravenel and to the right - our worksite
After arriving at the barge - its time for Pat's 2nd or 3rd tea
The worksite - removing this unit as two halves (left) with Manny's 2250
(right)
Here is Motivator, Gary who is full of beans, sings his guitar
and generally charges everyone with his smile and energy.
Scotty pulling all the pieces together
Chris
Manny
Paul
Chris and Nugget off to set up the yoyos
And a reminder - yesterday's catch of supports and roadway girders
First to rig the upper section - Nugget and Chucky cut holes on each
side though which will pass cables attached to Manny's crane
Here is a better view of cutting the holes.
Watch Nugget cut a hole.
Gary preparing the cables
Hmmmm - a group therapy session
Limp cables before (left) and unlimp cables (right) enabling Manny to
stabilize the top section (unlimp is a frank word, not for Joshua)
Chucky at work
Chris directing traffic as Manny removes the slack in the hoist cables
Cousin Arthur looking on
Chris starting the cuts that will separate the top half from the bottom half -
while Chuckie watches
Sometimes, even Frank watches - here Sparky catches me moving from the primary
barge to the receiving barge
Chuck starts cutting the corner girder demonstrating 6 different
ironworker acrobatic positions
Position 1 (wrapped):
Position 2 (the one step position):
Position 3 (balanced):
Position 4 (the saddle position):
Nugget buring the west corner - in Position 5 (the teathered position):
Chris joining the action cuts the center element using Position 6 (the
standing position):
Nugget cutting the southwest corner support
Nugget cutting the northwest corner executing
Position 1: the wrapped position as seen from behind
Nugget demonstrating the standard ironworker acrobatic Position 1, from
behind
Nugget cutting the north center element - starting
completing
Chris burning his cut line - and starting on the right
about half finished
and almost complete
Now cutting the diagonal brace
Here you can see the diagonal element cut (standard acrobatic position 1)
Chris finishing the final cut.
another view
Then Manny takes over -
Watch Manny Gracefully lift Grace's upper torso (3 Mb mpg).
Sparky was at the other end of the barge
for this view (2 Mb mpg).
Lifting
rotating
and gently placing Grace on the barge for a trip Up A Lazy River
Up a lazy river where the robin's song
Wakes up in the mornin', as we roll along
Blue skies up above ....everyone's in love
Up a lazy river, how happy we will be, now
Up a lazy river with me
(instrumental break)
Up a lazy river by the old mill run
That lazy, lazy river in the noon day sun
You can linger in the shade of that fine ole tree
Throw, away your troubles, baby, dream with me
Up a lazy river where the robin's song
Wakes a brand new mornin' as we roll along
There are blue skies up above...and as long as we're in love
Up a lazy river, how happy we could be
If you go up a lazy river with me
Ah said with me now.....goin'up that... lazy river..... with me
Louis Armstrong recorded this song December 10, 1956
with the Sy Oliver Orchestra
and with the All Stars December 11, 1956
Soon work starts on the bottom half: Gary cutting the base
Nugget starts cutting the base
Time for me to make my way home - so Lewis, a multiple personality
ironworker from my Ravenel adventures is here
One of the wonderful aspects of working with Sparky is he seems things
that I don't see - here, Lewis and myself - on our way home - late,
as usual for Ellen - sigh - what a tolerant wife. Here is Sparky's view
of my exit.
Meanwhile - Chris and some serious burning on Grace's base
a different cut
Nugget (far) and Chris (near) - an acrobatic duo
A close look at the base cut
Nugget in the saddle position - cutting away
and its almost complete
Chris finishing up
Nugget finishing up
All cutting complete - and now its time for Manny's song.
Lifting - Watch Manny
Gracefully lift Grace's bottom (2 Mb mpg)
and placing her bottom on the barge
Another day and another graceless base
Our bridges in the background
Lewis
and no story is complete without a view of Tenacity of purpose. Look
what a smooth surface Michael left for Mickey. Phillip and Silas have
drilled 45' holes for Wednesday's implosion of the T-3 substructure - aka
Tenacity of Purpose