Galion 12 1/2 Ton Hydraulic Rough Terrain Crane

redneckrigger · June 17, 2019

Started this Galion 12 1/2 ton crane tonight. Have been gathering information, details, specs and parts for it, and started cutting styrene tonight. I obtained a user's manual for it as well as a parts manual. I used to operate one of these where I used to work. Sadly, it met the scrapper's torch about a year ago. But, my memory still works at least a little bit, and lots of info online about these old workhorses will get this project done. I laid out the frame side plates and cut them out in a mirror image of each other, and then glued flanges all the way around. The boom base was then glued on top and the end cap cross members. I have two different types of tires to use, a set from the John Deere 310 backhoe, and a set of resin ones from Mark Savage. I think the Deere ones will get the nod, as they are more accurate in size, but time will tell, as the others may just look better. I am using a pair of powered axles from Moluminum. I have not made up my mind yet whether I will fabricate the boom or get Plastruct tubing for it..................again, time will tell. It will be powered by a Detroit 4 cylinder diesel.Just gotta keep myself going on this, as summer takes its toll on available building time!

Edited June 17, 2019 by redneckrigger

DRIPTROIT 71 · June 17, 2019

Cool project!!

redneckrigger · June 17, 2019

2 minutes ago, DRIPTROIT 71 said:

Cool project!!

Thanks...........................actually just another hair brained idea like the roller I built. But, hopefully it comes out well! Stay tuned!

Tesla · June 17, 2019

Great subject matter! I know you'll do a fine job.

disabled modeler · June 17, 2019

Very coll project. I like the old Detroit's myself have a couple of project ideas that will need the straight 6cyl ones in them...maybe some others with the 4 cyl ones too. Your off to a good start.

redneckrigger · June 17, 2019

Just roughed in the turntable and boxed in the frame. Added the rotation gearbox and the fuel tank.

Vince66 · June 18, 2019

Way cool.

Foxer · June 18, 2019

Good to see you on the bench, Tom. I had to look this one up and should be pretty cool with your touch.

Incidentally, I just found out my hair cutter's father was a crane operator for Maxi and I just met him there. His name is Scalese, forget first name, so you may know him. He's as old as I am and probably rode his bucket to inspect some structure ... one of my favorite inspection devises as I always trusted crane operators to move me around. ))

My building has been in limbo for awhile.

gotnitro? · June 18, 2019

Awesome work Tom

Dave Van · June 18, 2019

WOW!!!!

redneckrigger · June 19, 2019

I used to work with an Al Scalise.............crane operator supreme. I am TRYING to get some bench time this summer, but it ain't easy. But, got this far, and will keep on trying. The above photo is what I am building but it is shown without the optional operator's cab that I will be including on it. It will have kit tires, kitbashed wheels and hubs, resin engine, axles and transfer case, and everything else will be Evergreen and Plastruct styrene.

Edited June 19, 2019 by redneckrigger

Foxer · June 19, 2019

Thanks for the photo ... the build is sounding cool. With all the wet weather you should be getting some good bench!

redneckrigger · June 19, 2019

3 hours ago, Foxer said:

Thanks for the photo ... the build is sounding cool. With all the wet weather you should be getting some good bench!

The wet weather is a curse................spending time dragging my driveway back up the 500' hill every time we get a gully washer. But, am getting in a bit of time. That crane spent a good portion of it's life sitting right in the yard now occupied by John's Excavation in Lanesboro..............we used it there to work on all of the equipment we rebuilt every winter. The one we had was gas powered, but still was a great little machine. Sadly, now it is just a bunch of razor blades! Stay tuned!

Edited June 19, 2019 by redneckrigger

Chariots of Fire · June 20, 2019

OH, man! I don't envy you on your driveway. When we had our place in Maine I had the same problem. I knew every time we went there I was going to have to rebuilt the 300' driveway. Deep crushed stone finally solved most of the problem in the worst areas.

Love the work on the crane! I will be following along.

redneckrigger · June 20, 2019

4 hours ago, Chariots of Fire said:

OH, man! I don't envy you on your driveway. When we had our place in Maine I had the same problem. I knew every time we went there I was going to have to rebuilt the 300' driveway. Deep crushed stone finally solved most of the problem in the worst areas.

Love the work on the crane! I will be following along.

Yeah, that driveway runs straight uphill at about a 12-14% grade right off the state highway. I don't even try to drive up in my truck in July without putting it in 4WD. The weight distribution just isn't right on it and it chews the **** out of the gravel. Amazingly, my Mustang GT goes up and down fine! And when it rains, I have to take my loader down to scrape up everything that washed out into the road and drag it back up the hill. The spot I live is well worth it, but it's a good thing I have a tractor/loader that is big enough to handle the continuous maintenance!

signguy2108 · June 22, 2019

Tom, u need to slow down, ur making it look too easy! Seriously, cant wait to see this one done

disabled modeler · June 22, 2019

Very nice..! Shame they dont make more 1/25th or 1/24rth scale equipment models in plastic like that...I know many of us would like them.

gatorincebu · June 23, 2019

Tom, This looks to be a great project . I know you will do it justice . And like you I ran one with a detroit in it. Used it to set sewer manholes

Be Well

Gator

redneckrigger · July 2, 2019

Got a couple of hours today to cut some styrene....................made the front and rear outrigger structures, did some body work on the turntable, got the left side tank/toolbox made and installed, and made the front and rear axle mounts. The rear is a rubber block type, while the front is a solid mount. Attached the two drive axles, and did a quick mock-up with the tires and wheels as shown. Still have to make drive hubs for the wheels, but it is starting to get "the look". I will be attacking the boom assembly next, and then all of the hydraulic cylinders for the boom, steering and outriggers. Thanks for stopping by!