Moving the Big Red

Making progress

Two biggest potential headaches we anticipated in relation to the Halley Relocation to the new site have been the Link Bridge and the A Module moves. The bridge move has been completed successfully a couple of days ago and it’s in place again, and as of last night the Big Red is also at the new site.

The move

The A Module got rigged up just before the dinner in preparation for the move, and shortly after it has been fully lowered on its hydraulic legs. Similarly as before, three vehicles were used for the tow: two Caterpillar D6 Bulldozers were the main pulling force, with a Pisten Bully as a lead vehicle, helping.

The vehicles got hooked up and the towing operation started at 21:30, after a short toolbox talk and some final checks.

The whole journey took about 4 hours and 45 minutes, and the Big Red arrived to the New Site at around 02:15. The approach at the new site was marked out with flags lined up exactly along the centre line of the other modules, which assisted the vehicle drivers with the initial alignment of the module. In addition, one person was positioned in front of the lead vehicle, on Skidoo, to marshal the module into place.

The module has been positioned about 1 metre away from its southern neighbour, and will be moved into its final place using manual winches.

Five down, three more to go!

5 thoughts on “Moving the Big Red

  1. Hello! Originally I was looking for someone in the Antarctic for another reason entirely. My 23 year old cousin was in a terrible accident, and he is in a coma, and his parents are very comforted that prayers of healing are coming from NEARLY every continent… minus one, Antarctica, and was going to try and find someone to send healing energies from there. But now that I have started reading your blog, I have to say that what’s going on is fascinating, mind blowing. It’s hard to get a reference as to how big that structure is, how far it moved, and what it’s like on the inside.

    Really fascinating stuff. I think I’m curious enough that I have to start following this blog.

  2. Fascinating account of the move, and an excellent documentary record.

    I was particularly interested in how the flexible connections between modules performed (and the module/link bridge) during normal operation and also during the move. You’ll probably know them as Trelleborgs, the name of the Swedish parent company at the time, but they are completely British designed and built. I was involved in their manufacture.

  3. I first set foot on the ice shelf in Halley Bay on board the Kista Dan in 1961 and wintered there on three occasions. It’s difficult to come to terms with tha fact that it will be devoid of people over the coming winter. Get back soon BAS

    • I agree, it’s not easy to see Halley being closed down. Hopefully this is only short term. Unfortunately, it was the only decision BAS could have made!

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