By chance I found this photo, ironically there is a family connection. It seems that during the Great Depression two of my Father's cousins purchased Northwest Crane and Murphy Diesel. I wonder what engine is in this great old piece of American Iron?
I have identified this as a Northwest 25D Cable Excavator. I know Northwest Engineering Co. made them and they where out of Chicago where my Father is from. Kinda neat that family members actually owned the company. There used to be plenty of Northwest Draglines in use 'round here back in the day. I would really enjoy operating such a beast, they will NEVER make 'em like this again.