The sweep, a bent rod attached to a handle, gives Randall an idea of a ship's underwater contours. It takes a little time and its not too scientific. Sometimes you can locate a similar vessel and use its docking plans, but one way or another we get them out of the water. Once familiar with a new ship's hull, Randall lines the railway car with the three rows of stout wooden support blocks. The center row supports the keel and takes most of the weight.
Sagged ships get the wedges under the bow and stern.
When all is ready, Randall throws the power to a 1920s vintage 50 horsepower electric motor. The motor, replacing an original steam engine, cranks a massive set of 19th century reduction gears. A stout chain clanking over the smallest gear slowly inches the rail car out of the water. I've done them in 35 minutes, but generally it takes about an hour. Its only a 15 minute trip, but I go and stop, go and stop and ask questions.