South Pole Crate Construction
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These crates were constructed during the Summer of 2007 to carry supplies to the South Pole.
One smaller crate was constructed with two hinged doors, and two larger crates were constructed that are opened by unscrewing the two doors
at either side of the crate. The smaller crate, called the Sunshade Crate (Crate 1), carried 5' marker poles, but oddly enough, no sunshades
or sunshade frames. It was dubbed the Sunshade Crate as it will be used to hold the sunshades at the Pole.
The two larger crates, called the Frame/DOM Holder Storage crates (Crates 2 and 3) carried both types of sunshade
frames, both types of sunshades, the Slip-T sunshade frame bracings, the foam bushings, and other small items.
Sunshade Crate Construction
The Sunshade Crate was more complicated that the other two crates, as it had the two hinged doors rather than door panels, although it was assembled relatively easily. First, the Base Boards were attached to the bottom of the Base to prevent the crate from sinking into the snow. Next, the Back Panel and the Front Panel were attached to the Base. When these panels were attached, the End Panels were put into position and screwed into place. Once the End Panels were attached, the Top Panel was screwed on, and the Doors were attached using the hinges. Originally, the doors were to be secured by using a hasp and padlock, but instead, the doors were screwed shut as the hasp may have been ripped of in transit or during combat offloading.
Base Boards
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Back Panel
| 
Base
| 
End Panel
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Front Door
| 
Front Panel
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Top Door
| 
Top Panel
|
Frame & DOM Holder Storage
The second type of crate, the Frame & DOM Holder Crate, was constructed in the same manner as the Sunshade Crate. First, the Base Boards were attached to the bottom of the Base. Next, the Side Panels were attached to the Base, making sure that Side Panels lined up tightly with the Base. After the Side Panels were attached, the Roof was attached. After the Roof was attached, the Door Panels were used to make sure the entire crate was properly aligned. The Door Panel placed in position and was attached while the Crate was held in the proper position. After the Door Panel was attached, the Door Stop was screwed onto the Base just below the Door, for easy removal and attachment. After the Door was attached and the Crate was aligned properly, exterior supports were added to the studs of the crate. Crate 3 had additional storage shelves for the Slip-T Sunshade Braces
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Base Boards
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Base
| 
Door Stop
| 
Door Panel
|
Roof
| 
Side Panel
| 
Slip-T BracerShelf
| 
Slip-T Attachment
Location
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Click here to see how the Crates were loaded...
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