Probably a stupid question!

[lady topaz]

I was watching the news last eve where they were showing the crane in place to lift the bombed train carriage. How is this achieved? Surely the train is quite a way down underground. Is it pulled along to where it goes overground? Do they dig down?
Am I missing the obvious?

[PhillVR6]

There are various places here there are large holes above the tunnel (a bit like a big chimney) where the trains can be lifted from. I think some of these also have a fixed crane there aswell.

Phill

[MKGriff]

That's a good question and I don't know the answer. Would assume that they dragged it out into the open, rather than destroy an age old tunnel roof.

Whilst on the subject of cranes though (sorry to hijack your thread), does anyone know how they erect and extend tower cranes?

[shadowninja]

I wondered that. Also if they put it on a 'flat bed' train, how would it clear the tunnel ceilings?

[telecat]

Tower cranes start with the Crane "cross" and a set of extendable legs. These legs are extended and a tower section put in underneath. Repeat until the "Cross" is at desired height.

[PhillVR6]

shadowninja said:

I wondered that. Also if they put it on a 'flat bed' train, how would it clear the tunnel ceilings?

I think the trains only just about fit in the tunnels as they are.

Phill

[rustybin]

It was shunted into Edgware road (just East of the platforms) where there is open access from adjacent LUL property to erect the crane. Not an easy lift though as although the carriage is only 20 tonne, the reach meant that a crane capable of lifting 500 tonne was required. Getting a decent load bearing surface also required five disused basements to be filled with concrete.

[rustybin]

PhillVR6 said:

shadowninja said: I wondered that. Also if they put it on a 'flat bed' train, how would it clear the tunnel ceilings? I think the trains only just about fit in the tunnels as they are. Phill

Derailed trains are always re-railed in order to move them. As you say the clearance to the tunnel can be as little as 50mm or less in exceptional circumstances.

[vetteheadracer]

If it was Edgeware Road the station is above ground (actually it's in a big hole). The train was just entering the station when the bomb went off so it safe to assume the carriage was close to platform and therefore could be moved there to be extracted.