The Falkirk Wheel Heavy Lift
20^th & 22^nd August 2001
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These pictures were taken during the heavy lift of the central axle and East Caisson.

20^th August 2001. The 1000 tonne crane is already on site, dominating the adjacent housing.

The central axle that arrived on site on the 17^th August (or at least was moved that day) is already under tension from the large crane.

The axle starts to move above the caisson in the foreground…

Movement slows right down as it nears the final position…
 

and hovers in approximately the right place.

The worker under the aqueduct gets a good view!

Final few feet…

The ultimate view point!

22^nd August 2001. The East Caisson (or Gondola) starts its journey from where it was assembled on site, west of the wheel, over the wheel axle to the east side.

The following shots show it slowly being hoisted over the axle, twisting round, and then down onto the runners it rests on.

I couldn't have composed this shot better myself!