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Two non-commisioned officers, Master Sgt. Gerald V. Eady, Decatur, Ind., and Tech. Sgt. Jack R. Sowers, Rockwell, N.C., working under the direction of First Lieut. Reuben Yarri, Shreveport, La., developed after two modifications a crane since designated the C3-1B, which has proven very successful. The crane consists of an "A" frame-boom constructed of six-inch by one-quarter-inch channel iron. The frame is bolted to the rear of the bed of a two and one-half ton truck equipped with a power take-off winch. The "A" frame is sixteen feet long with a two-foot base and is welded throughout. Lifting power is derived from the power take-off winch at the front of the truck. The cable is passed by a series of pulleys over the cab to the base of the boom, then to an eight-inch pulley at the top of the boom to the load which is picked up either by cables or a hook.
Loads weighing as much as two tons have been picked up with the C3-1B crane but it is not advisable for steady use to lift loads greater than 2,500 pounds, it was found. However, this weight limit permits its use for all aircraft engines, most wings and other aircraft accessories.
Although designed primarily for use while waiting the arrival of a C-2 wrecker, the crane assembly is not replaced by the wrecker. On the other hand, it is a very useful adjunct to the C-2 wrecker, for example in the lifting of B-17 wing inner panels or in picking up a B-17 fuselage. Working together, the two pieces of equipment do such jobs easily.
Should the designation "C3-1B" appear strange to those familiar with stock lists, here's the explanation for it. The letter "C" indicates crane, the figure "3" was so used because this was the third one made; the "1" represents the "A" frame which is the same as the original, and the letter "B" stands for the second modification made on the present crane.
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