Easy to build a self-propelled modern work crane

[OldEastRR]

These things are pretty huge -- lots of room to get a power chassis under the cab. There were two of these working to put a concrete deck and piers in to replace a wooden structure. BNSF of course.

[davefoxx]

I'm asking, because I don't know.  Is that crane self-propelled?  It looks like ordinary freight trucks with modified brakes.  It might be easy for you to build, but not me! 

Oh, in the second picture, somebody tell that dog that he's trespassing.   

DFF

[nkalanaga]

Quite a few small self-propelled cranes used standard trucks, or at least standard sideframes.  They would have a chain, belt, or possibly shaft drive to one or more axles, not easily visible from the outside.

Many years ago, some south Texas narrow gauge did that with a wooden boxcar.  They put a gasoline engine in one end, ran a chain (if I remember right) to one axle of the front truck, and cut windows in the end for the crew. 

[OldEastRR]

I'm asking, because I don't know.  Is that crane self-propelled?  It looks like ordinary freight trucks with modified brakes.  It might be easy for you to build, but not me! 

Oh, in the second picture, somebody tell that dog that he's trespassing.   

DFF

Oh, they're self-propelled ... I saw both of them (there were two) moving back and forth. Airhorns and all for signals. What I thought was neat is the van truck-like box with doors on the back.

Dog goes where his nose takes him. Not a railfan, tho.