RNAS Howden - The Airfield Research Group

The last two members of the main arch were then lifted, one by each crane, one slightly ahead of the
other; the two were then lowered into position, connected up at the eaves, and the centre pin driven
home. The first main arch was thus now completed and the second main arch was then erected and all
wind girders and intermediate trusses, along with braces were inserted to complete the bay.
A fine day was chosen for the elevation of the first bay and the stage was placed in such a position as to
allow both main arch ribs to be raised without moving the stages. The stages were then moved
backwards into position for the next bay, this process being repeated as the process proceeded.
After the completion of the last bay the west end main doors were erected in a similar manner to those at
the east end.
4.3.4 Stage Removal
A three-ton hand crane was installed on each stage for taking down the steam derrick cranes, and after
removal of the cranes from the stages, a 110-foot jib crane was erected at ground level on bogies
running on railway track, for the taking down of the staging steelwork.
4.3.5 Sundry Work
On completion of the steelwork, came the sheeting, glazing, painting and sundry work. The shed floor
had been covered with hardcore, and this helped in keeping the site dry. The concreting of the floor and
the construction of the hydrogen and heating trenches then followed, after the completion of the roof
covering. The floor was concreted in-situ, using nine-foot square slabs.
Plate 16: Twin Shed under construction 14-05-18
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