Our Bloemfontein workshops have definitely got a grip on this project. A set of drawings has been sourced from Bedford Borough Council's Archive Department. We would like to thank Sue Edwards, a Senior Archivist, for her excellent service in this regard.
The boiler is now being inspected and work on the boiler has commenced...
2nd July 2009
I was fascinated to read your piece about the Grafton Crane. Living near Bedford I thought to do a bit of searching and came up with a number of sites with information. The site advertising a drawing and spar parts list may be interesting to you!
Trust the below may be helpful
Regards
Philip Clark
http://www.thedockyardrailway.co.uk
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
BUSINESS RESEARCH Z 992/5 [n.d.]
Source of acquisition: Acc.8051
[no title or date] Z 992/5/1
Source of acquisition: Acc.8051
Contents:
File of correspondence regarding Grafton Cranes Limited, Bedford, 1967 - 1991 and the Bedford Engineering Company.
Includes a list of relevant Bor.BP plans, notes from directories, extract from the Victoria County History Vol.ii p126, newspaper cuttings, plus a draft outline history.
The contents of this catalogue are the copyright of Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Record Service
Rights in the Access to Archives database are the property of the Crown, © 2001-2009
The records described on this page are held by Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Record Service
22nd June 2009
Christopher Capewell who has obviously got his finger on archive information and manufacturers details of British manufactured Steam cranes has kindly sent us the following information on Grafton Cranes, which makes an invaluable addition to our pool of knowledge on this subject.
Click here to open the PDF (75kb) in a new window.
16th June 2009
GRAFTON Crane stripped
Report by Lukas Nel, Bloemfontein
The old steam crane has been stripped. The boiler was removed and repairs started. The Pistons and many other key spares are missing. One photo shows the position of the under floor water supply tank.
1st June 2009
Our Bloemfontein team in association with Transnet has saved a venerable old crane which is now in the Sandstone secure area in Bloemfontein.
Details are as follows...
10 Ton steam driven crane.
Builder
Crafton Cranes Engineers. Bedford.
Manufacturer number
2812.
Model
912E.
S.A.R. number
187
Condition
Poor
Information on Grafton cranes would be appreciated...
