Hi, Gerry Hernandez.
Welkum too ther 4um. I suspect that a viewing of the finished project could just possibly be arranged - - - - - for a 'small' fee - - - like a brilliant smile. I think Glen - 7UPuller - would be thrilled to have some of the family of one of the people who helped build the originals see another one 'in the flesh.

Just my 0.02.

Hi, Folks.
Back at the top of Page 11, in post #101, Mrsmackpaul posted a photo of a set of siamesed A-C HD19s at the Garrison Dam. I am fairly sure that there were at least TWO sets there.

MrsMP's photo:



The OTHER one:



Just my 0.02.

Hey Deas,

Hi, Glen.
Not necessarily O.T.. According to Eric Orlemann in his book, "Caterpillar Chronicle", Buster built a siamesed set using 2 X Allis Chalmers crawlers before he built the first Siamesed D8s. Could one or the other of these be that set?

A kew-ree-yuss mind would like to know.

Hey Deas,

D8's

Hi, Glen.
Yes, I know - D8s. BUTT, wouldn't it be interesting to also know the 'how' and the 'why' of the idea. As I understand it, these machines were working on the Garrison dam in 1949, which I also understand was the year that Buster built the first set of D8s. If Eric Orlemann is correct that Buster built an A-C set before he built the first D8 set, where did the idea originate. The Garrison dam contractors were PeterKiewit/Morrison-Knudsen, both West Coast companies, and they were using pretty much all A-C equipment except for Euclid haulers and Holland belt loaders. Did they approach Buster looking for a more productive machine?

I KNOW that THIS curious mind would like to know.

All very interesting Deas and I guess no one now knows the story as no doubt most of the men from right back it the start are passed on but it would be interesting to learn were the idea came from gotta wonder what led to someone coming up with this idea

Paul

Hey Deas,

It all sounds interesting, but I have asked family members about a Buster relationship with AC, and was told it would be doubtful that it happened. Just what I've heard.
Glen

Hi, Glen.
I also think it would 'odd' for Buster to have had any relationship with AC. How-wever, I don't think it would be quite so 'odd' if he had been approached by a contractor to 'perform a miracle' as he apparently was by Bechtel when he designed and built the offset sidebooms.

I also think it might be possible that M-K at least knew of his 'antics' around modifying machinery 'cos they did a LOTTTT of work on Pacific islands during WW2 and quite possibly used some of Buster's 'toys' in the course of that work.

Just my 0.02.

Is the Siamese Twin D8's completed? If not is there a timeline? The Hernandez family is very interested in seeing it but we live in several different states and would need to coordinate with each other.
Thanks,
Gerry