The cranes

We show here sixteen “machine philology” studies created in an attempt to rigorously use the sources. In many cases the models can appear as drawing's natural completions (in particular the ones by Leonardo); nonetheless the reconstructions of these machines must always be considered theories that can be comprehended, shared and hopefully surpassed only by interpreting them with sources from which they have been created. This crane models and lifting systems are presented through profiles/data sheets that provide us with images of their reconstruction in different perspectives so as to see them and imagine how they function; these profiles also provide the primary technical coordinates such as the type of motor/engine and their intended use, attempting to indicate whether or not we are dealing with machines which were actually built or theoretical studies.

Here you can find a photogalley of the wooden models.

 

Treadmill-powered Crane

vitruvio01.jpg

Heron’s Cable-stayed Crane

erone01.jpg

Screw Elevator

honnecourt01.jpg

Big Rope winch
(
Colla Grande)

colla01.jpg

Turning Crane with Annular Base

girevole01.jpg

Cable-stayed Crane

strallata01.jpg

Double Counterweights Elevator Crane

saliscendi01.jpg

Excavating Crane

scavatrice01.jpg

Dredge Crane
(Votafossi)

votafossi01.jpg

Double Votafossi Crane

votafossiD01.jpg

Double Flag Crane

bandieraD01.jpg

Pile Driver

battipalo01.jpg

Machine with Swiveling Platform

muletto01.jpg

Gantry Crane

ponte01.jpg

Pyrotechnics Elevator

piro01.jpg

Mobile elevator

mobile01.jpg