Tower Raising '99

September 25,1999:

Two towers were raised to the 80 foot level this day. It was too foggy for photography while the first tower was being erected, but the fog lifted before work began on the second tower. Due to reach limitations of the boom truck, work for the day was halted at the 80 foot level. In the days following, a gin pole was used to hoist two more sections on each tower, topping them off at 100 feet.

In 2003, two more sections were added to the tower closest to the house, raising that tower to 120 feet.  The back tower remains at 100 feet to this day.

Boom truck in position

Four sections (40') being swung into position

Tower sections placed on pier pin

Guy lines from 30' being secured

Tensioning guys with come-a-long

Verifying first lift is plumb.

Final tension adjustment - fits level of guy wires

K3GP Ready for first climb to 40' level

Ascending tower

Preparing for second lift.

Starting to lift next four tower sections.

Ready to go airborn with next lift.

K3GP back in position on tower

Tag lines guide lift on way up.

Lift at appropriate height. Notice second level guy wires are already attached

K3GP guides second 40' in place.

Dropping second 40' into place.

Using drift pin to align bolt holes.

Bolting sections together

Tensioning second set of guys.

Once second guyset is under tension, back up the tower to detach the lift sling.

The tower raising crew

K3GP - Exhausted but happy.

In Appreciation:

My thanks go to the following individuals who helped raising the towers:
Don Whittaker, K8OMO
Jack Bennett, W8WEN
Scott Detloff, K8DX
Bennett Kann
Mike Stidd
Myra Stidd (Photographer)