Pole Raising

Spent 15 minutes at Tommy Holt's last weekend raising a 16' signal mast outside the train building. We poured the footing a few months ago, and finally got around to raising the pole. We had about 7 or 8 sets of hand on the steel column as we rotated it up into position. The first try showed us we were going to not make it over the all thread in the footing, so we added another 1/2" of wood to allow us to clear the top of the closest set of bolts. The scariest point was on the second try when we hit the point of rotating over from the side we raised it from to tilt over the opposite side to allow the wood blocking underneath to be removed. no worries as there were several hands on it, but the top was wiggling as we were trying to hold it steady at the base. It fit perfectly over the bolts, washers and lock washers then nuts were applied. Like I said, about 15 minutes, then we patted ourselves on the back for another 15 minutes before dispersing.

I don't think it's gonna happen says Steve Duncan who is flanked by the Merkel sons with Tommy Holt and David Barrow in background.

Look up, look down, leaving town. Mike Barrett, Jack Merkel (David Barrow and Steve Duncan's son behind) and Tommy Holt

"It worked - I told you so." Steve Duncan with Merkel sons pretending to listen.