[TowerTalk] Lowering mast on fixed tower

[Bob Gates]

Many thanks to all who responded, both direct and through this reflector.  I've
got some good insights on what needs to be done.  For those of you who replied
with ideas on how to climb the mast, I can only say this:  "You're a better than
I, Gungha Din"!  I have visions of the Three Stooges, with Curly swinging around
a limp flag pole, screaming "Yuck! Yuck! Yuck!" as he flies through the air.

I think I'll stick with a more conservative approach, and work on a way to lower
the mast through the tower.  Both Jos, ON4KJ, with his cantilever method, and
Paul, W8AEF, with the winch idea, are more along the lines I envisioned.  Using
a comealong to lower the mast still begs the question of how to get this
contraption back up through the tower.  I don't see myself trying to lift 200+
pounds while anchoring my feet at the top of the tower.

Thanks to your input, I'm going to try a combination of ideas.  Will try to
install a pulley at the top of the tower under the thrust bearing plate,  with a
winch mounted on the side of the tower.  Will run a cable from the winch,
through the pullley, and down to the bottom of the mast, attached somehow.  With
an intermediate thrust bearing taking weight off the rotor, should be able to
remove it before proceeding.  The winch would take the weight of the mast as the
thrust bearings are loosened/removed.  Then the mast could be lowered down
through the tower.  Repeat the process with the winch to raise the mast back
into position.

If I can manage this without killing myself, or the unfortunate person who
"volunteers" to help, I'll get back to you all with pictures.  "Volunteer" means
he who is clueless as to what is about to transpire.

Thanks again.

Bob KG7KW