(October 19th, 2024 - Jewett, TX)
A work party was formed consisting of David KI5TRF, Micah K5MEC, Marvin KI5MM and Bob N7FQT for the purpose of disassembling and retrieving a US Towers TX-472. Also helping were KI5TRF's step-son, Bryce, and grandson plus two of the previous owner's family.
The tower downing was basically uneventful, however the trailer would only fit perpendicular to the tower necessitating having to swing it around 90 degrees once it was resting on the trailer. The tower had three antennas - one each for 2 meters, 70 centimeters and 23 centimeters. The antennas had to be disassembled as the tower neared the ground to prevent their destruction. The 20-foot pipe mast was rusted in place. on the thrust bearing requiring removal of the thrust bearing bolts. The tilt over arm and winch was then removed. The tower base had to be left for later retrieval due to lack of a proper sized deep socket.
Once on the trailer, the team had a Mexican lunch. On the way back, progress was slowed due to the overheating of Bryce's truck. All in all, it was a successful retrieval.
