Killington Skye Peak HSQ Pictures

[Telemechanic]

Towers can warp due to uneven heating by the sun. Some western N.A. ski area paint their towers light colors to control this problem. I've not heard of any eastern areas taking this measure. I think it occurs more in high altitute and/or alpine areas mostly.

 

[SpinmasterK]

Very nice, very nice. Why are the pylons about 2/3 the way up silver/gray instead of black? I've always wondered that...they did this on the original Skye Peak Quad and on some other lifts.

Black paint absorbs heat an may warp, so once a tower get past a certain height, it is painted silver.

 

[JerseyJoey]

Black paint absorbs heat an may warp, so once a tower get past a certain height, it is painted silver.

Nice little tidbit. Never knew that. Thanks.

 

[Starter Jackets Rule!]

Black paint absorbs heat an may warp, so once a tower get past a certain height, it is painted silver.

BULL DINKY!
LOL
the wind has more of an effect on a lift pole flexing!
Silly post SMK.

 

[Rogman]

Given the high thermal conductivity of steel, it is hard to believe there can be much more than 20 or 30 degree or so temperature differential between the sunny side and the shaded side of the tower. That translates into under a quarter inch difference in the length. Below is a plot for steel pipe temperature expansion (100 foot lengths):

I'd like to hear from an ME on the matter, but at a quick glance doesn't sound credible. I'll bet there's more sway due to wind.

 

[2knees]

killington threads have officially jumped the shark.

i guess the fun is over.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

killington threads have officially jumped the shark.

i guess the fun is over.

I enjoy all the Killington threads..especially the one Jersey Joey posts in..

 

[RootDKJ]

I enjoy all the Killington threads..especially the one Jersey Joey posts in..

relentless...

 

[Telemechanic]

Given the high thermal conductivity of steel, it is hard to believe there can be much more than 20 or 30 degree or so temperature differential between the sunny side and the shaded side of the tower. That translates into under a quarter inch difference in the length. Below is a plot for steel pipe temperature expansion (100 foot lengths):

I'd like to hear from an ME on the matter, but at a quick glance doesn't sound credible. I'll bet there's more sway due to wind.

A quarter inch of movement would be enough to change the alignment of the rope and sheave assembly. I'm not a ME, just a lift mechanic with experience aligning towers. I've heard some debate about which light colors work best, or even if a light color can make a difference. In Europe they've even taken to attaching reflective panels to towers. Browse Doppelmayr's 2008 annual for some pictures.

Doppelmayr World Book 2008