Crane advice
I've never climbed a crane before but there's a great little one I've found that's in a nice secluded spot not a great distance from my place. I was thinking of cutting my teeth on it. So, I was after some general advice on giving it a crack (which I plan on doing this week). There's no dogs or anything and it's not very high, maybe 6 stories and should be easy to access.
What times (I'm thinking very early morning) are best etc?
Any advice would be much appreciated!
Cheers,
M
http://www.uega.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=838
But basically:
- Don't climb them in wet or windy weather
- Cold nights can make your hands go numb thus making it harder to climb so keep that in mind
- Wear shoes that allow you to feel exactly what you're doing underneath you
- Be aware that often these crane ladders are in disrepair and sometimes can get very sketchy so really take your time, do not rush, think about everything before you do it
- There might be locked gates/barbed wire/security sensors around the base of the crane so keep that in mind
- There is usually a little trap door that will block your entry to the top deck of the crane, sometimes these are locked but most often they are not
- If you get into the crane cabin PPLLEAAAASEEE don't touch anything as those cranes have to be calibrated very specifically and messing with anything could be very dangerous to crane operators. Also if you get caught having played with them the construction company may sue you for the losses of having the crane out of action for day and having to get it recalibrated ($$,$$$.$$)
- If you take a backpack make sure it's slim so that you don't get it hooked on anything as you climb
- Wear dark blue or dark green (opposed to black) to make yourself less conspicuous against the night sky
In terms of time, I've done them at like 11pm because I scoped them out in advance and was aware that they are not really visible from the street so I felt pretty safe. Generally speaking this was probably too early. I honestly wouldn't try and do the early morning thing because some of those sites guys will get to work at like 5:30 and you really don't want to get stuck up there. Somewhere between 12-4 would probably be best.
Some people recommend using a harness but I've never climbed a crane that actually had anywhere to clip the harness on to, other than the rungs of the ladder, but that would really slow you down and I feel like it would really get in your way.
Also (this will sound ridiculous but hear me out) think about phases of the moon before you climb it. In a full moon the sky will be very bright and you will stand out much more than when there is no moon at all.
If I think of anything else I'll let you know.
Waiver: Having said all that you are doing this at great risk, if you fall you will most likely die. This is your decision and I take no responsibility if this is what happens to you or anyone else who reads this.
6 stories might be a bit too much if you're afraid of heights though. Still, you can always stop in the middle.
I'm not afraid of height, but I'm wary of them. I've got a fair idea of what would happen to a human body that fell from 6 stories! Thanks again guys, I'll be sure to post pics if I succeed.
We pull around the block to find a park and see a f*****g paddy wagon go by with the side spotters on and go down the street where the crane's at. Basically we were about 5 mins late to end up being arrested for someone else's climb. Crazy s***. Not sure if I want to try again now that I know that someone has their eye on the thing even though it's not light up at all and pretty dark. Eek.
Well, that sucks. There are always other cranes, and other times. If all else fails, then there are rooftops.mpi wrote:So my experience turned into a serious 'what the ****?' We were checking it out and I saw a guy and chick on the street looking up at it with big ass grins on and I think "what the ****, they've just been up that fucker, I'm sure of it."
We pull around the block to find a park and see a f*****g paddy wagon go by with the side spotters on and go down the street where the crane's at. Basically we were about 5 mins late to end up being arrested for someone else's climb. Crazy ****. Not sure if I want to try again now that I know that someone has their eye on the thing even though it's not light up at all and pretty dark. Eek.
Yeah man, this was a great, dark, little one so I was hoping to cut my teeth on it, those huge cranes just scare the s*** out of my novice self.Midget wrote: Well, that sucks. There are always other cranes, and other times. If all else fails, then there are rooftops.
Try going back there at like 3am or something.mpi wrote:Yeah man, this was a great, dark, little one so I was hoping to cut my teeth on it, those huge cranes just scare the **** out of my novice self.Midget wrote: Well, that sucks. There are always other cranes, and other times. If all else fails, then there are rooftops.
Yeah I'm not giving up on it yet, I was actually thinking maybe a 3am Saturday or Sunday mission might be better, with the cops busy chasing drunks and maniacs. Though I'm not sure if this theory holds water or not. hah. I wonder if the folks I saw last night got away. I sure hope so!Midget wrote:
Try going back there at like 3am or something.
The place sounds a bit too populated.mpi wrote:Yeah I'm not giving up on it yet, I was actually thinking maybe a 3am Saturday or Sunday mission might be better, with the cops busy chasing drunks and maniacs. Though I'm not sure if this theory holds water or not. hah. I wonder if the folks I saw last night got away. I sure hope so!Midget wrote:
Try going back there at like 3am or something.
I recently climbed a crane in the city with high-rise buildings surrounding it, and in plain daylight. I was seen coming out, but nothing happened. Most civilians don't bother reporting stuff.