NCK crane on barge; river Medina sighting - what model?

[Gavin Phillips]

Isn't it irritating when they paint over the model numbers?!

I took a speedboat (actually a RIB) ride across the Solent and part way up the river Medina on the Isle of Wight and came across this NCK-Rapier crane on a barge assisting with lifting operations mostly being done by a 90ton former US-Army floating crane which is often seen around the area.

Ok so we're looking at a crawler crane with 4 top rollers and 8 track rollers. The only other "experience" I have is with a 33ton C34 "Pennine" which appears to be a smaller unit. This might just be a 605 or 605-2B?



If viewing a larger version of the image helps (680x1024); the direct link is here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25517093@N06/6222661968/sizes/l/in/photostream/

I'm not quite sure what's going on with the river. There's a fair amount of clearing work going on including the demise of the green derrick crane which I also (thankfully) got a picture of on my last trip. Its a sad thing to see, I just hope it brings jobs to the area.

Best regards

Gavin

[brian crowther]

IT LOOKS LIKE A 1405,
B C.

[gah1950]

hello all.
i would also put my money on a 1405, too small for an eiger.
regards gah 1950.

[Gavin Phillips]

Wow I never would have thought I'd have found something of that size, the 1405 is a pretty large machine and on one of the NCK-Rapier product lines I have; its the flagship crawler crane of the time,

Thanks for the replies!

Best regards

Gavin

[FOWLER MAN]

Hi,
My money is on a 1405 too. I think its probably a 1405D
Fred

[Xilence]

Hi,
My money is on a 1405 too. I think its probably a 1405D
Fred

Do you have a lot of money?
Maybe I can give you my bank account.

At my opinion it's a 1205.
On this dutch forum there is a lot info about NCK cranes.

The 1205

The 1405

Scroll down the page and see the little difference like the extra window in the cabin.

[FOWLER MAN]

Hi Exilence,
As a man of moddest means, I have studdied your excelent photo. links, and my money is still on the 1405.
The rear legs on the A frame are vertical on the 1405 as in the picture. The 1205 has the rear legs set at an angle.
I think you'l find the 1405 1s the only NCK crane this sort of size with vertical links at the back of the A frame.
I found this pic. of another 1405 to illustrate the point.
Fred

1405.jpg

[Xilence]

I think your right Fred, I have mist the difference of the A-frame. I have asked on the Dutch forum or it's perhaps an early type of the 1405.

[Edit]
Answer from the dutch machinery forum;
It's indeed a 1405 build between 1965 and 1975.
[/edit]

[timbob]

Hi, Just joined today looking for Kubota parts list and being a crane spotter found your conversation. the crane on the Solent isnt a 605 as i used to build them when an apprentice fitter at Rapiers. I think the Dutch fella is nearer the mark. My 81 year old uncle would tell you exactly what the model is as he was senior supervisor in the test yard. Poor old boy is too poorly to see so we wont get an answer too soon. The bloke who I built them with lives around the corner from me and is also about 81 but most of the marbles have gone know unfortunatley.