First, let me thank those who came out to help: K2SMD, KR2T, K2WB, W2TAG, K2XXZ, W2RDS, K2PS, and KC2HHY. K2SMD provided much of the enthusiasm, guidance, and raw horsepower for the project, and it wouldn't have happened without Shawn's help! The funniest helper was K2PS who showed at the scheduled time, but since we hadn't heard from the trucker, we told Pete to go home and continue operating the 10 meter contest. "Don't worry, we'll call when he gets here!" We never did call him back, but we didn't need any extra hands anyway.
We went through numerous ideas for how to get the tower off the truck. The driver (who I called every day) kept saying "you aren't going to move it without a crane or forklift." We finally gave in and hired a local wrecker to come out. That $85 was well-spent.
To all our surprize, US Tower has their own delivery trucks and delivery people. Ron was the guy who delivered my tower (along with 13 others). When he pulled up, this is the view of the five big towers remaining and the two smaller tubular towers:
That's the tow truck driver (more on that later) and Ron discussing the plan for getting mine off (it's the top one closest to the camera).
Part of the fearless crew, from left to right: KC2HHY, K2WB and W2TAG. My four year old son is at the bottom. He liked all the trucks.
And here I am... after 23 years without a tower, my prized possession finally arrives!
The view from the end of the truck. With the tow truck parked where it is, the street was blocked off. A couple cars came in, saw the work in progress, and went to the other entrance to our neighborhood. My tower is the top left one. K2SMD and I just finished inspecting the tower and Ron is about to release the straps.
Now we're getting serious. Sorry for the blurry picture. KC2HHY looks on while K2SMD and KR2T figure out where the center of gravity is. Only took two
guesses... pretty good calculations!
"Okay, lift her up REAL SLOW!"
Hmmm... not quite the center of gravity, is it?
The guy running the tow truck pulled up and asked what we were doing. I explained we are ham radio operators trying to unload a tower. He said "Hey, do you know Mike Meany?" Mike is W2OF and a fellow FRCer... small world! BTW, the wrecker truck was not my idea. Special thanks go to Tony, K2SG, for suggesting it. Lots of good ideas came from other FRC members... being a member of multiple radio clubs provides access to a lot of good information!
Finally off, now we just need to move it 100' down the driveway.
KC2HHY slides the axle with a couple of wheels under it. At this point, the tower is pretty close to where it'll be staying until the base is done.
Again, thanks to the local hams who came out to help! The tower would be sitting on the truck if it weren't for all your assistance and advice. Now, the next big project is to dig the 5x5x8 foot foundation...