This equipment stands near the center of Boyertown, Pennsylvania, having been rescued from the scrap bin by the community. In addition to being a local landmark, this was a product of the Phoenix Iron Company which operated in the nearby Schuylkill Valley town of Phoenixville for nearly two centuries. This site was a railroad yard which has been reduced substantially in recent years though there is still some rail activity.

The hoisting winch is hand cranked. There appears to be a ratchet mechanism to hold the position, as well as a brake mechanism to control lowering. The brake is an iron drum (about ten inches in diameter) that uses wooden brake shoes.

Ye Olde Photographer now understands this dates from the 1860s. He has visited this spot more than once, using different gear and seeking different lighting. A few shots reflect abstract composition more than documentation.

Late 2014: This former rail facility is now the Boyertown hub for the Colebrookdale Railroad, offering tourist runs between Boyertown and Pottstown on the Secret Valley Line which traverses a streamside route through woods that crosses a remarkably diverse assortment of bridges. In the process, the crane shown here has been cleaned up and painted and now looks as though it just came out of Phoenix Iron! No doubt that is important for its preservation, but Ye Olde Photographer is grateful he was able to get the texture of old rust first!

On Argus Day 2015 (Argust 15th) YOP took a few shots of the crane in its new glow.