Vintage work crew photos

[Frank S]

Why are there so many people on the Dredgs, where does one see a Gerstner box and what is a Gerstner box, classic case of I would not know one if I saw one.

Ralph

I'm guessing you are speaking of post #416 the dredge.
Modern dredges may have a crew of only 4 or 5 and maybe 10 to 12 persons for some of the larger ones a smaller dredge may have only 2 or 3 workers. since the newer dredges have so many functions that can be controlled by 1 person at a console another to keep it running and maybe one more helper. on the smaller dredges
these ancient dredges most likely steam powered needed several in the boiler room alone plus every function of the machine was mechanical someone or severaal someone's were required at each of the functions.
If you ever saw a Gerstner box you would know it they were like the creme la creme of the machinist tool boxes Made of wood expertly crafted

Still made today although I suspect done by modern CNC equipment
and not all that expensive compared to their cost 50 years ago
https://www.amazon.com/Gerstner-Inte...SIN=B076H7WGWG