PDA

View Full Version : Archived Report - Albany Buildings Basement (07/08/06)


Frank
August 18th, 2006, 09:19
Did this milk run a while ago with Snappel, it is literally on my doorstep but there's something of interest. The Albany used to be a warehouse of some kind but is now, naturally, home to luxury apartments.

http://www.sciencepunk.com/trespass/wholebuilding.jpg

This is looking down to the basement access - what's down here I wonder?

http://www.sciencepunk.com/trespass/albany2.JPG

The interior is a washout, it used to be a restaurant I think, but it's long since been gutted by the workmen who've been there for several months. Curiously, it smelled of sewage, I think there was a portaloo hiding somewhere.

http://www.sciencepunk.com/trespass/albany7.JPG

Anyway, in every basement recess, the original hoisting equipment had been removed, except one!

http://www.sciencepunk.com/trespass/albany3.JPG

As far as I can make out, there is a ratchet, clutch, gear system and a bloody great hammer, the purpose of which isn't clear (tapping the chain to make sure it winds on neatly?). Better yet, I found the original handle lying nearby, and returned the machine to it's original glory (almost).

http://www.sciencepunk.com/trespass/albany5.JPG

Crazy to think this machine is easily over a hundred years old... Finally, a picture showing the small cranes that these hoists attached to. Only good for loading/unloading vehicles, not sure how they got stuff up to the 5th floor once inside.

http://www.sciencepunk.com/trespass/albany1.jpg