1955 Biller Dock Crane Lift Platform (not exactly a can model)

[ARMORMAN]

So several months back, I purchased a 1955 Biller Mechanical Dock Crane off Ebay after seeing a Japanese knockoff at a toy show. The thing was in perfect condition, but was missing the lift platform that came with it.

After scouring the internet and Ebay, I found some pics of a complete crane with the platform. I contacted the seller and he gave me the dimensions for the base. I then reverse designed the whole platform and created the pattern from the pictures I had and the two measurements.

The platform had a recessed area to aid in stability, so I created a crude die stamp from dense cardboard (a case from a replacement phone screen).
Here's the prototype.

Final pic is an actual platform for comparison

 

[mijob]

Nice job.

 

[micahrogers]

Nice addition to the crane! And remember to thank the gentleman that shared the dimensions with you.

 

[zathros]

With your experience, you could have made if from aluminum flashing.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

That looks very good!!!

 

[Revell-Fan]

Very nice!

 

[ARMORMAN]

With your experience, you could have made if from aluminum flashing.

Had a piece of tin and thought it was appropriate for a tin toy...

Thanks.

 

[zathros]

Had a piece of tin and thought it was appropriate for a tin toy...

Thanks.

I don't know why, but I thought you mde it out of psper. Tin is way better. You've really restored it.

 

[ARMORMAN]

That does bring up a question: does anyone know where I can source high density cardboard like I show in the first pic?

 

[zathros]

I goes to "Michael's Craft Stores", sometimes they give me picture frame board scraps. This stuff is acid free, made to last forever, and some of it is 1mm thick.

 

[ennder]

I use this when I need extra thickness. It is 1mm thick and comes in rolls of 36"(91.44cm) x 50'(15.24m) I buy it at Lowe's or Home Depot because its about half the price.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QO1T2A8/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=716263245339e54e4ef7605f7255976f&content-id=amzn1.sym.726c7794-4d50-454f-b330-ab19dd5b2c80%3Aamzn1.sym.726c7794-4d50-454f-b330-ab19dd5b2c80&hsa_cr_id=2172725740901&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=534cde00-0c05-498c-b3b5-d1dfe638ef9c&pd_rd_w=rOinr&pd_rd_wg=STNJ3&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_1_img&sr=1-2-undefined

 

[zathros]

I've never seen that stuff before. Great find!!

 

[ARMORMAN]

I'll have to look into it.