From Tech Titan to Exhibit Showstopper
"Museum of Transport featuring exhibition of "The Fat Man" Figure"
Last weekend, the Dresden Traffic Museum made a splash during Museum Night as it unveiled a new exhibit – a MAN crane affectionately known as "The Fat One." This generous donation came from the THW Dresden team, who retired their trusty machine from active duty.
From Helpers to History: The Life of "The Fat One"
Built by MAN in 1978, this hulking hero once belonged to THW Dresden's Bridge Building Specialist Group. But it wasn't always so grand – local volunteers pulled this former military vehicle out of retirement from THW Pirna, preventing it from becoming scrap metal. With love and minimal effort, the MAN was brought back to life and ready to conquer all adversity once more.
A New Era: The Arrival of the Successor
Last year, "The Fat One" put its mighty musculature to work one last time during a blaze at Herzogswalder Straße in Gorbitz. THW Dresden used the crane to stabilize the burnt-out building. Preparations are underway for THW Dresden to receive a brand-new crane this upcoming Summer, signaling a symbolic farewell to its beloved predecessor.
Interesting Facts and Tidbits
- MAN Cranes and THW Dresden: MAN vehicles are a common sight in THW Dresden's fleet, lauded for their reliability and versatility.
- Nicknames: Large or distinctive equipment within organizations like THW often receives unique nicknames to help teams bond and remember specific machines. In this case, "The Fat One" refers to the MAN's ample dimensions.
- Restoration and Service: THW Dresden is known for maintaining its equipment with great care, restoring vehicles and equipment when necessary. However, specific details on restoration projects for "The Fat One" or other MAN cranes owned by the organization remain elusive.
- Upcoming Replacement: With new cranes coming into service, the end of the road is near for old mates like "The Fat One." An official announcement about the replacement is yet to be made.
Although official records are scant, we can still marvel at this extraordinary crane's life and accomplishments. For now, Museum Night in Dresden will continue to host "The Fat One" as a testament to the incredible strength, durability, and camaraderie that lies within THW Dresden's ranks.
During Museum Night in Dresden, visitors can explore the hulking hero, "The Fat One," a MAN crane with a life story rooted in outdoor-living and home-and-garden accomplishments, showcasing a unique lifestyle within the THW Dresden team. The arrival of the successor this upcoming Summer will mark a new era, but "The Fat One" will remain a symbol of the organization's long-lasting equipment, bolstered by MAN's reputation for reliability and versatility.
