A big thanks to Paul Fischer farscape1 who designed for printing the Apollo Saturn V Rocket and Mobile Launcher Gantry. A Colby Crane is included in that build. It is rather striking perched atop the LUT! As this project progressed, I found myself redesigning and modifying several parts with added details (swing arm connections on the launch vehicle), magnetic connections throughout, fixing the LEVEL 0 to 30 to 60 stairway error, adding numerous Level machinery and details that would have existed on the ML, all hopefully suitable for display as a realistic diorama. The Colby hammerhead is a detail that I could not leave as is. ;-) COLBY CRANE - HISTORY This model is, specifically, the LUT's (Launch Umbilical Tower) heavy lift hammerhead crane designed and built by Colby Crane Co. of Seattle, Washington c.1963-7 for NASA and the Apollo Space Program. Three hammerheads were built for mobile launcher ML1, ML2 and ML3, respectively. This crane serviced and supported each one. Sitting 380 feet above the ML deck (Level 0) on top Level 380, the hammerhead is unique as it pivots 360°, was heavy lift, required no moving counterweights despite variable loading (they were static); had a near tower capacity of 25 tons and extended capacity off the side of the ML base of 10 tons and was remotely operational. It was an ideal solution for its application. The last 2 surviving cranes were retired in 1994 after years of service for Apollo and the Space Shuttle Programs. They were cut up for scrap. NOTES ON MODEL I "redesigned" this model in AutoCAD at 1/60 scale (5'=1") from detailed NASA spec plans, other plans, photos and research both personal and found in various corners of the web. While I have tried to remain historically accurate: creative license needed to be taken. The rapid "design-build" nature of the Apollo-Saturn V program found many plan details unused, modified or significantly changed during actual builds. Often, engineering decisions were improvised and pencilled-in as needed, often due to other parameters of the project getting reworked after testing. Furthermore, scale and materials for the modeling process also necessitate change. However, my goal was to incorporate as faithfully as possible the hammerhead crane as it existed during the Space program. ANIMATION The model is designed to move with electric winch, slew and trolly sheave motors. I leave the maker to figure those details on their own based on availability and fitment of parts. The motor house is big enough, and the framing and decking were designed for easy redesign and modification without the need for significant reprint. The prototype uses a remote 12V power supply (located on Level A) culled from an old PC together with several 2rpm DC motors and remote electronics. The maker can choose not to electrify and animate and just enjoy the model it for its aesthetics. RESEARCH & SCALE DETAIL Research of archived NASA plans, too numerous to list, were utilized for the main dimensions and features of this model. Additionally scores of photos both personal and public were scrutinized for additional detail that became NASA's Colby Hammerhead.

There are detail departures that could not be avoided. These differences were due to scale, availability of parts and necessity. The more notable differences are the lower platform stairways; the scale of the trolley and block as well as equalizer and trolley sheave braces; the motor house interior, especially framework.

Lastly, this was designed almost entirely using AutoCAD 2019. Please contact me for drawing files if you would like them. I will not make available the plans however, as those are a part of my personal library.

POST PRINTING Because of the nature and shear volume of parts, some minor work...nips and tucks, filing and cutting may need to be done during assembly. This is NOT a snap together model. It is bonded with methylene based professional plastic modeler's glue which when applied properly is stronger than the z-layers of the model itself. I do not recommend "super glue" or any cyanoacrylate glue for this assembly.

The pictured model is printed in several colored PLA, it could also be painted.

INSTRUCTIONS A build list and instructions are provided in the download as well as numerous exploded view details of various sub-assemblies of the crane.

View Online: Fusion 360

STILL WORKING ON I am still fine tuning the slewing motor and electrical contacts.

Found 1 3D-models for “ColbyCrane” across many websites

SATURN V - COLBY CRANE