tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71100590210793037532024-03-13T09:56:52.797-04:00Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly The SarKell SocietyHistory and other interesting information regarding the precision, hand-built Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly. The Mini-Crab Dolly was invented by television/film actor, William Sargent. Joining Mr. Sargent was actor/director, Robert Kelljan and together they teamed up as SarKell.
If you're the owner of a Mini-Crab Dolly, register your dolly today and become a member of the exclusive SarKell Society.Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-8573390100425732452023-11-27T23:10:00.007-05:002023-11-28T09:31:28.487-05:00Happy Birthday William!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc596N3WznWXu-Rj-2O-1MhoCNbf7diiC7NiCPbSc_wWvJ9lkZLCLiSsysShhmGL7VqRoxvv_bnCw5wA-rg-xCUGjTIq-jfKTbmy6LsyTgUcE3Q7LTYsyU-oU-kbRDWI96V07jOcWKq3APEU2krJmGL2HdY0nJfFSWkRASJIGjPb367YuIArUw0kqsvDk/s500/William%20Sargent.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc596N3WznWXu-Rj-2O-1MhoCNbf7diiC7NiCPbSc_wWvJ9lkZLCLiSsysShhmGL7VqRoxvv_bnCw5wA-rg-xCUGjTIq-jfKTbmy6LsyTgUcE3Q7LTYsyU-oU-kbRDWI96V07jOcWKq3APEU2krJmGL2HdY0nJfFSWkRASJIGjPb367YuIArUw0kqsvDk/s320/William%20Sargent.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dear Friends of the Colortran Mini Crab Dolly Site. Today, <b>November 28th</b>, is William Sargent's Birthday!</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">We hope you will join us in wishing our dear friend, consummate actor, voice-over artist and the inventor of the Colortran Mini Crab Dolly, <b>William Sargent</b>, a heartfelt <b>Happy Birthday</b>!</p><p style="text-align: center;">William, enjoy your special day! </p><p style="text-align: center;">With all our love, Greg, Christine, Adam and Alexis</p>Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-43246416143447161922021-12-10T10:01:00.015-05:002021-12-17T11:57:11.324-05:00In Memoriam: Joseph Tawil 1937 - 2021<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AE4TssDakvs/YbNv9XUkHmI/AAAAAAAADzY/zgo0WBybPvEmKt7jf3PEtROAOsWUDpaLwCNcBGAsYHQ/Colortran%2Bmini%2Bcrab%2Bdolly.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="231" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AE4TssDakvs/YbNv9XUkHmI/AAAAAAAADzY/zgo0WBybPvEmKt7jf3PEtROAOsWUDpaLwCNcBGAsYHQ/Colortran%2Bmini%2Bcrab%2Bdolly.jpeg" width="253" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Joseph Tawil (pictured above) on his recent passing. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mr. Tawil was a good friend and contributor to our Colortran Mini Crab Dolly site. During the 1960's as president of Colortran, Mr. Tawil worked closely with William Sargent in the unveiling and marketing of the Colortran Mini Crab Dolly. The two them became and remained close friends throughout the years. Mr. Tawil shared with us his reflections below regarding the first public unveiling of the Mini Crab Dolly. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XvX9LyG096M/TLzKbbpbrRI/AAAAAAAAAws/Zc9XM4voPb8/s1600/Hudson+Hotel.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529517015130942738" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XvX9LyG096M/TLzKbbpbrRI/AAAAAAAAAws/Zc9XM4voPb8/s320/Hudson+Hotel.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 258px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the photo above, the SarKell team is demonstrating the Mini-Crab prototype for it's first public unveiling at The Hudson Hotel in NYC.</div><div><br /></div><div>The distinguished looking gentleman peering through the Mitchell is the genius designer/inventor of the Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly, William Sargent. Pushing the Mini-Crab prototype (partial view) through the "mock doorway" is his partner Robert Kelljan. Both men were working actors in Hollywood when they teamed-up as SarKell.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;">The Unveiling of the ColorTran Mini-Crab Dolly - By Joseph Tawil</span></i></b></div><div><b><i></i></b><br /><div><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The fabulous new light weight dolly was first shown in New York in 1965. There was nothing quite like it in such a compact package. The dolly could crab, steer or track, had a hydraulic continuous smooth lift, and carried camera operator and assistant, all on a platform that could go through a small doorway. Big dolly performance in a light weight portable dolly that could be packed into a road case and placed in the trunk of a station wagon. </span></span></span></span></i></b></div></div><div><div style="display: inline;"><div style="display: inline;"><div style="display: inline;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></b></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="display: inline;"><div style="display: inline;"><div style="display: inline;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The way Bill Sargent designed it to come apart, and to go together so quickly was brilliant. Film production was becoming more and more mobile and the SarKell dolly was the solution. We were all very excited about the debut scheduled in New York and we needed a hotel with a ballroom having smooth wood floors to show of the dolly’s smooth movement and to provide some refreshments for our invited guests.</span></span></span></span></i></b></div></div></div></div></div><div><b><i></i></b><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We chose the Henry Hudson Hotel on West 57 Street, for its wood floor ballroom and convenient midtown location. The date was November 9, 1965. We arrived early, set up the room and we were all ready for our invited guests. We being, Bill Sargent (designer), </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Bob Kelljan (SarKell partner), </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Herb Hollander (my sales manager), and Joe Tawil (that’s me). A few people started showing up at about 3:00 p.m. and I was having a ball showing off the, tracking, steering and crabbing options; the smooth hydraulic lift, and how it all came apart to fit into a compact road case. Both Bill Sargent and Bob Kelljan officially demonstrated the dolly as shown in the photo above. It was now named the ColorTran Mini-Crab Dolly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">All was going well and more people were arriving. A little after 5:00 p.m. the lights went out in the ballroom. I was sure it was just a fuse and they would soon be turned on again. After a while the hotel staff showed up with a box of candles and I thought they were really so incompetent they didn’t know how to replace a fuse. However I was not going to be deterred. Top New York production people were in the ball room to see the dolly and I was going to show it. We lit the candles and placed them around the room. We also held the candles in our hands. When I needed to demonstrate a function of the dolly I handed the candle to one of our guests and said "hold this so I can show you how this works". <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">What we didn’t know was that date, November 9, 1965, was another event about to hit New York at 5:27 p. m. It was the great north eastern blackout stretching from Canada to Philadelphia and just about everything in-between. We had no idea of the extent of the blackout. We thought it was just the hotel until some guests arrived to tell us it was much bigger that they had driven from their office on 32</span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">nd</span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Street to 57</span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Street and that the lights were out all the way. Remember this is before the cell phone and as much as we were in the dark, the authorities did not know much more about what was happening. </span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">There was no TV, no Radio – there was no electricity – It is interesting to note that NBC had battery back up for the radio station but it ha been removed only weeks before the blackout) - we were all in the dark. But not me, we had candles, we had guests and fortunately some food and beverages laid out. We went on showing the dolly and took orders for 32 units that day. We knew we had a winner. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The dolly was a great success, I had a lot of fun and satisfaction seeing it used around the world. We shipped dollies to Latin America, Europe and Asia. As exciting and as satisfying as it was to be part of this adventure I had one more blessing from its launch. I got to meet Bill Sargent and we have been life long friends. That is more than icing on the cake. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We wish to sincerely thank fellow SarKell Society Member and former Berkey-ColorTran president, Joseph Tawil for this great account of showing the ColorTran Mini-Crab Dolly for the very first time.</span></span></span></span></span></i></b></div></div></div>Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-37887375827590078422020-03-18T09:27:00.000-04:002020-03-18T09:27:10.444-04:00Maintaining Your Mini-Crab Dolly<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GG7p8Fu9uQ/TpZT1RtmadI/AAAAAAAABPY/KS2QbL7tIWU/s1600/DSCN3406.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662805756217813458" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GG7p8Fu9uQ/TpZT1RtmadI/AAAAAAAABPY/KS2QbL7tIWU/s400/DSCN3406.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Greeting's Mini-Crab Dolly owners!<br />
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Here below is a reposting of some helpful tips on maintaining your crab dolly that we originally posted back in 2012. Also, please consider sending me your story about your mini-crab dolly. Email your story and pics to: zarykfamily@twc.com<br />
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Thank you, Greg Zaryk<br />
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Recently, Adam and I performed some maintenance on #157. We took the lower panel off to do a 'lube-job' on #157's chain and gears.<br />
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Please note, when performing any maintenance below the deck, and you're planning on flipping your Mini-Crab over, be sure to position the wheels as shown above (in full-crab mode). This provides the least amount of stress on the wheels/trucks. It also helps to have a good amount of foam underneath as to not inflict damage to the aluminum wall.</div>
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When oiling your Mini-Crab, use a lubricant to oil all the gears and lightly oil the <i>entire</i> chain. Don't try to spray everything in sight, then end up having lubricant dripping everywhere. In fact, if you get overspray onto the aluminum undercarriage, I would recommend wiping it off as quickly as possible. Otherwise, some lubricants can have a tattoo effect on the aluminum. Click on any image to enlarge, once enlarged, click again to super enlarge.<br />
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Also, it doesn't hurt to lubricate all bolts, Allen screws, strap screws, etc., to keep them from rusting. Remember, some of these dollies are approaching 50 years old, so they will need a little extra TLC.</div>
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I'm still quite fascinated on the design and build quality of this dolly. The inventor, William Sargent, is to say the least...a mechanical wizard! No one but Sargent could have pulled-off this sophisticated yet 'portable' design. </div>
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Take a look at the above image...you're really looking at perfect harmony! Compact hydraulics, 360-degree crab steering, precision bearings and gears all self-contained inside an aluminum shell that was designed some 50 years ago. Way ahead of its time! My hats off to you, Mr. Sargent!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VcvuEwz4cIo/TpZTUFY73TI/AAAAAAAABPM/zbLssr9kjXg/s1600/DSCN3428.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662805185974230322" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VcvuEwz4cIo/TpZTUFY73TI/AAAAAAAABPM/zbLssr9kjXg/s400/DSCN3428.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Keeping the Well for the hydraulic lift clean from oxidation and the build-up of old grease helps with easier installation and removal of the hydraulic lift when needed. At almost 1" thick, the Well area has the thickest concentration of solid-aluminum on the dolly.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dacWIwWRWQ/TpZTI2fxP1I/AAAAAAAABPA/RzNxZ73Dyhc/s1600/DSCN3432.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662804992997801810" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dacWIwWRWQ/TpZTI2fxP1I/AAAAAAAABPA/RzNxZ73Dyhc/s400/DSCN3432.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>Once the Well is clean and shiny, I'll apply a thin layer of grease inside. I will also put a thin layer of grease on the hydraulic lift. The white nylon blocks you see here are the brakes that you apply against the hydraulic lift once it's in-place inside the Well.<br />
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<input autocomplete="off" dir="ltr" id="post-labels" name="postLabels" tabindex="6" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuF1C_bZ0-s/TpXHpYT38GI/AAAAAAAABOo/fPOwzBlfgEM/s1600/DSCN3407.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662651620202639458" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuF1C_bZ0-s/TpXHpYT38GI/AAAAAAAABOo/fPOwzBlfgEM/s400/DSCN3407.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>Lightly lubricate the entire chain. Remember...once a chain gets rusty...it's worthless.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZvdHaOcHFk/TpXHYIoj7SI/AAAAAAAABOc/g_OiJ3ag7mM/s1600/DSCN3408.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662651323936664866" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZvdHaOcHFk/TpXHYIoj7SI/AAAAAAAABOc/g_OiJ3ag7mM/s400/DSCN3408.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Lightly lubricate all gears and other metal items.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sF9QpwMGS9k/TpXHLMnXoSI/AAAAAAAABOQ/BWUhHXWWjYM/s1600/DSCN3374.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662651101667107106" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sF9QpwMGS9k/TpXHLMnXoSI/AAAAAAAABOQ/BWUhHXWWjYM/s400/DSCN3374.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cR6sYZ5J4po/TpXG9rvY9II/AAAAAAAABOE/CZgFZazfhFI/s1600/DSCN3340.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662650869504078978" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cR6sYZ5J4po/TpXG9rvY9II/AAAAAAAABOE/CZgFZazfhFI/s400/DSCN3340.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>Originally, I thought there were only 2-factory stampings of the serial number #157. Well, lo and behold, I found a third #157 stamping that's on the bottom of the Well for the hydraulic lift. </div>
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So this dolly has a total of 3-factory stampings of the serial number and 4 if you're counting the DL Wolper ownership stamp. I haven't seen this many stampings on one particular item since admiring a vintage Luger pistol, where every piece imaginable on a Luger is stamped!<br />
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If you have any questions on maintaining your Mini-Crab Dolly, just email me at:</div>
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zarykfamily@twc.com</div>
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Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-26606805293623617392019-01-20T23:08:00.002-05:002019-01-20T23:11:51.403-05:00Making Money with your Mini Crab Dolly!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Over the years I've received many emails on how were able to generate income with our Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly. You may have seen some older posts of my son Adam and I using our Mini-Crab for MMA fights, etc. </div>
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I found the price list (below) that Adam and I used in the Cleveland, Ohio area. We also offered a Jib, using a Camera Turret Model 300 that we included in our grip package. Sure the equipment has changed, but whether your using a RED One or a digital SLR system, the creator of the project will still need smooth tracking shots, etc.</div>
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You can certainly tailor your price list to include the equipment you have and the type of grip service you wish to offer. Your market may be stronger than the Cleveland area. I hear Seattle, New York City, Chicago and Miami have a lot of ongoing independent projects. </div>
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Once you create your price list, be sure to send it to all the independent producers and ad agencies in your area. I'm hoping this may help to generate some work for you! Let me know of any other ideas we can share with our fellow Mini-Crab owners. Use your mouse and click on this price list to enlarge.</div>
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Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-5366877644603469212018-11-21T12:20:00.000-05:002019-01-20T23:13:25.444-05:00William Sargent the Actor!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uqHFFkEhi4Q/W_eHrwnoFiI/AAAAAAAADg0/jEkkHvAOVkMJ0MTriJcVCPL-jMk5DUP4gCLcBGAs/s1600/Mr.%2BNovak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="400" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uqHFFkEhi4Q/W_eHrwnoFiI/AAAAAAAADg0/jEkkHvAOVkMJ0MTriJcVCPL-jMk5DUP4gCLcBGAs/s320/Mr.%2BNovak.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A studio still of William Sargent on an episode of the NBC TV Series, Mr. Novak, which ran in the early 1960's. Many people don't realize the inventor of the Colortran Mini Crab Dolly was also an accomplished actor!<br />
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We plan to add more acting pictures of William Sargent soon!</div>
Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-2359975980411811402017-10-24T12:21:00.002-04:002021-11-28T00:17:32.527-05:00The Colortran Mini Crab Dolly<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnDuMFZieEw/Va1DWvqDoQI/AAAAAAAACdc/F6dAJa2YGaA/s1600/DSCN3282.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnDuMFZieEw/Va1DWvqDoQI/AAAAAAAACdc/F6dAJa2YGaA/s320/DSCN3282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The ingeniously designed and versatile Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XvX9LyG096M/TJvghbjEdyI/AAAAAAAAAvA/UTP83ql7Qyw/s1600/DSCN2483.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520252633207830306" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XvX9LyG096M/TJvghbjEdyI/AAAAAAAAAvA/UTP83ql7Qyw/s320/DSCN2483.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm sure we weren't the first to discover that underneath the trap-door of the platform where the CO2 bottle rests, is a nice area for storage. You can stowaway small things, i.e., keys, tools, cell-phone, wallet, etc.</span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XvX9LyG096M/TJprOXzwuZI/AAAAAAAAAuw/wDECLtoIr2E/s1600/CCI00002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519842187949422994" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XvX9LyG096M/TJprOXzwuZI/AAAAAAAAAuw/wDECLtoIr2E/s320/CCI00002.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 246px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XvX9LyG096M/TJprOXzwuZI/AAAAAAAAAuw/wDECLtoIr2E/s1600/CCI00002.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Berkey</span></span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Colortran's</span></span> price list for the Mini-Crab Dolly </span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XvX9LyG096M/TJprOXzwuZI/AAAAAAAAAuw/wDECLtoIr2E/s1600/CCI00002.jpg">Click on this image to enlarge!</a></div>
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<i>Dear readers....this is a reposting of one of the first stories we posted about the Mini-Crab back in 2010. If you have a Mini-Crab or a story about using one...please send it to us at zarykfamily@twc.com</i><br />
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Manufacturing of the ingeniously designed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Colortran</span> Mini-Crab Dolly started sometime around 1967. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Colortran</span> dollies were being produced up through 1975. A total of about 250 of these hand-built dollies were assembled at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Berkey</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Colortran</span> location on Chestnut Street in Burbank, California. This facility is now being used by another equipment outfit company, Chapman.<br />
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Based on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Colortran's</span> hefty $5825.00 price tag (see price list above), these dollies were made to order, not built and stockpiled. Back then it was actually cheaper to buy a brand new Cadillac Coupe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DeVille</span> ($5275.00) than a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Colortran</span> Mini-Crab Dolly.<br />
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The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Colortran</span> dolly was touted as being <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">untippable</span> and was known to accommodate the industry standard cameras of the time, Mitchell <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">BNCR</span> and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Panavison</span> R-200. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Colortran</span> is nearly as portable and versatile as a dolly could be. Before the advent of the Steadicam system, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Colortran</span> was the answer to the big <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">McAlister</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Moviola</span> Crab, Fearless and Fisher dollies, which were the standard on many film sets.<br />
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The Mini-Crab is a soft-riding, compact, nearly 300-pound platform that can steer effortlessly, crab 360 degrees and slip through a normal size doorway with ease. Even laden-down with two riders and a heavy camera, the Mini-Crab performs flawlessly. Other dollies particularly the larger crabs, i.e., <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Moviola</span>, had a difficult time, if not impossible, maneuvering through tight spots such as doorways and corridors. Not the Mini-Crab!<br />
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In its day, another portable “crab” contender, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Elemack</span>, challenged the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Colortran</span>. In my humble opinion, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Elemack</span> lacked the versatility the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Colortran</span> offered. During my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">filmmaking</span> days, I personally used an earlier version of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Elemack</span>, called the “<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Spyder</span>”. After a few weeks of working with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Elemack</span>, which incidentally, was paired up with a "lighter" (80 pound) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Panaflex</span> camera, we were ready to ditch-it for a shopping cart!<br />
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As the dolly-grip for the above project, I remember operating the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Elemack</span> during several tracking shots when the ride became choppy. </div>
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Eventually, the DP, being totally exasperated with the ride, turned his head much in the same demonic fashion as 'Regan' did in 'The Exorcist' and questioned me about the crappy push. None of us could figure out the reason of the rough ride. The choppiness came and went and occurred mostly on slow pushes. </div>
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After unbuckling the camera, we tipped the dolly over and did a complete check of each of the tires, wheels and lastly the wheel-bearings to make sure they were functioning properly. After more than an hour of trying to pin-point the problem, we gave up! We kept on shooting with a half-working <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Elemack</span> until Victor Duncan sent over a sweet, battery-powered Fisher Dolly.<br />
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Other issues we had with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Elemack</span> included the mechanism to disengage the opening/closing of the legs, which would never work right. This even after constant servicing through Victor Duncan of Detroit. Not to mention, using the manual foot-pump to jack-up the column was to say, tedious. On occasion, we would even find a puddle of hydraulic fluid underneath the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Elemack</span>, which I understand is common for this breed. Personally, it became a pain since it was I who was always wiping up after it! </div>
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The fact is, with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Elemack</span>, you can't even lay a director's finder, lens or more importantly a cup of coffee down like you could on-top of the rubberized platform of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Colortran</span>. After my experience with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Elemack</span>, I'm convinced the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Colortran</span> Mini-Crab Dolly WAS and STILL IS the best designed 'vintage' portable crab dolly out there, especially given it's compact size. This made possible by its genius designer, William Sargent. Not only is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Colortran</span> Mini-Crab American made, the build quality of that era is first-rate.</div>
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In short, if you're ever faced with renting or more importantly purchasing a crab-dolly, my advice would be...STAY AWAY from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Elemack</span> brand. Especially, the Cricket and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Spyder</span> models. </div>
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If you're not lucky enough to find a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Colortran</span> Mini-Crab, I would suggest checking into a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">pre</span>-owned Chapman. Yes, the Chapman's are pricey...but they will give you many years of trouble-free service. As mentioned earlier, the Chapman's are built at the same factory the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Colortran's</span> were assembled. In fact, I was told that many of the lathes and other machines that were once used to manufacture parts for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Colortran</span> Mini-Crab's are still being used today to produce the Chapman's. Lastly, if you can't get your hands on a Chapman, I would then recommend a Fisher Dolly.<br />
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Now, back to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Colortran</span>...if you were to flip the Mini-Crab dolly over and remove it's lower panel, you would see a maze of sophisticated engineering much akin to looking inside a fine Swiss watch. Hand-milled gears, forged steering controls, hydraulics, etc.<br />
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The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Colortran</span> dolly was built around an extremely heavy one-piece aluminum casting. It’s speculated that many of these dollies have found their way to the scrap-heap before their true identity became known. Stripped down, the empty shell of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Colortran</span> Mini-Crab tips the scales with more than 175 pounds of solid, pure, high-grade extrusion aluminum. It’s conceivable; many of these dollies were unknowingly scrapped for the price of aluminum, which may be one of the reasons why very few are known to exist.<br />
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Recently, my son Adam and I had the good fortune of acquiring a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Colortran</span> dolly with special provenance. This Mini-Crab bears the serial number of 157, which by indications found, was once owned by filmmaker and Academy Award winner, David L. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Wolper</span>.<br />
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Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Wolper</span> is recognized as a prolific television/feature film producer who is credited for producing the “Roots” and “North and South” TV mini-series, among many others. Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Wolper</span> also produced many films for the big screen including <em>'Willy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Wonka</span></span> and the Chocolate Factory'</em>, (1971), <em>'This is Elvis'</em>, (1981), and <em>'L.A. Confidential'</em>, (1997).<br />
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It’s doubtful that #157 was used in filming any of these productions; more likely it was used in Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Wolper</span>’s earlier television career. This was when his production company produced and filmed documentaries similar to the ones seen on the Biography channel.<br />
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Before we adopted #157, the dolly eventually ended up on the east coast. First at a PBS station in Maryland, a Verizon TV studio, then to a state law enforcement TV studio. It was lastly owned by an independent producer.<br />
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Presently, we're in the planning stages of producing a film on how difficult it is for people with disabilities to find jobs (competitive employment). This is an area of which I have some experience with and proud to say is my beloved full-time occupation. What better way to film people who use wheelchairs or may have difficulty walking, than to have a camera mounted onto a quiet moving dolly.<br />
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My son and I also offer a dolly-grip service to local filmmakers in the Cleveland area which will hopefully help fund the documentary. I'm looking to put my past experience as a dolly-grip to good use. This time around, the cameras have shrunk down to a mere fraction of the heavy 16 or 35mm steel beasts that once rode atop #157. We also offer a lightweight 13’ jib that can be attached to the dolly to "fly" cameras when needed.<br />
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Our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Colortran</span> is still solid as a rock and with the (8) original studio tires, maintains extremely smooth control much when it did, I'm sure, some 40 years ago. Again, thanks to a very clever designer!<br />
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We're hoping to put together a list of existing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Colortran</span> dollies and their owners. If you’re fortunate enough to own a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Colortran</span> Mini-Crab Dolly, please e-mail me the serial number of your unit. This is located on the manufacture tag on the back panel of the dolly, see photo of the tag on the September 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">th</span> posting.<br />
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Over the years, some of these Mini-Crab’s have lost their tags. Not to worry, the serial number of your dolly is also stamped on the top of the steering base. Also, let me know the serial number of your hydraulic lift, which is an entirely different number than the serial number of the dolly. The serial number of the hydraulic lift can be found on the base of the lift itself.<br />
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If you have any information, facts, details or user stories about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Colortran</span> Mini-Crab, please let us know and with your permission, we will share it on this Blog. Eventually, Adam and I would like to form a group of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">Colortran</span> Dolly owners called the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">SarKell</span> Society. Among other things, this Society will list the owner's name, general location and the serial number of the member's dolly in a future posting.<br />
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Forming the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">SarKell</span> Society should help us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Colortran</span> Dolly owners to preserve and increase the value of our beautifully crafted dollies. Ultimately, we can help one another with buying/selling a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Colortran</span> dolly, operational ideas, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Colortran</span> restoration, general maintenance, wheel alignment, service, parts and accessories.<br />
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Speaking of accessories, Adam and I are on the look-out for some items to better outfit our dolly. We're looking for the floorboards that would enlarge the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">Colortran</span> platform. Also, if you have the operator's lift-seat that was designed to fit onto the hydraulic pedestal or the carrying case for the dolly itself, we would be most interested! Please let me know by e-mailing me at: <span style="color: #3333ff;">zarykfamily@twc.com</span></div>
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Let's keep in touch and enjoy using your Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly!<br />
Greg and Adam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">Zaryk,</span> former owners of #157</div>
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Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-82648795985432073232017-09-13T17:45:00.000-04:002017-09-14T07:21:47.909-04:00For Sale - Jib for the Mini-Crab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTw6B2TqTa8/WbmkFuxEYyI/AAAAAAAADN0/2Z8k2xRWzpsJZJQeDVqOBYFfs-AtOtiIACLcBGAs/s1600/Adam%2526157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTw6B2TqTa8/WbmkFuxEYyI/AAAAAAAADN0/2Z8k2xRWzpsJZJQeDVqOBYFfs-AtOtiIACLcBGAs/s320/Adam%2526157.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We have the perfect accessory for your Mini-Crab! It's the Camera Turret CT-300 Jib that's pictured above and throughout this blog. We used it extensively with Mini-Crab #157. It has the proper mounting adapter that would enable it to fit easily onto the Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly.<br />
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The CT-300 is made out of aircraft aluminum and still being made today.The Jib head automatically articulates with the vertical movement of the Jib.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0HzcF3SAzM/WbmkJw4O2sI/AAAAAAAADN4/BHqSuPDQJTkhA_ujeTffjB68ZsYoXT3XwCLcBGAs/s1600/CT-300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0HzcF3SAzM/WbmkJw4O2sI/AAAAAAAADN4/BHqSuPDQJTkhA_ujeTffjB68ZsYoXT3XwCLcBGAs/s320/CT-300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This professional Jib package includes the following:<br />
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5' 3" center Jib Arm<br />
3' extension Jib Arm<br />
Monitor Bracket<br />
Cables for standard Jib length,<br />
Cables for extension Jib length<br />
Counterweights bar<br />
Tool kit<br />
Adapter to mount Jib onto your Mini-Crab Dolly or use with a heavy-duty tripod.<br />
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Don't mistaken this professional Jib with the flimsy ones you see out there now. In fact, I inspected a cheaper quality Jib and I was shocked at the back-and-forth play it had while moving it up and down.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-erJXVTSJZLw/WbmlnTxP7LI/AAAAAAAADOE/3CmzCgirkbIbBidv1knwt9nXeg3DuOnjwCLcBGAs/s1600/Ct-3002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-erJXVTSJZLw/WbmlnTxP7LI/AAAAAAAADOE/3CmzCgirkbIbBidv1knwt9nXeg3DuOnjwCLcBGAs/s320/Ct-3002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ekmTPbF8Uo/WbmlyOrf4QI/AAAAAAAADOI/oNtfuhLjGgUJlNX9RmjWseuLcEyklqnRgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ct-3003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ekmTPbF8Uo/WbmlyOrf4QI/AAAAAAAADOI/oNtfuhLjGgUJlNX9RmjWseuLcEyklqnRgCLcBGAs/s320/Ct-3003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You can attach your fluid head as the one shown is not available.<br />
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This is the real thing. It's rated for 30 lbs. It was made to support heavier rigs.<br />
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If interested or for more info, e-mail me directly at:<br />
zarykfamily@twc.com</div>
Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-3937325085218731122017-08-29T22:52:00.001-04:002021-11-28T00:14:22.161-05:00Crab Dolly Weight Comparisons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UjqxDNnOr8/WaYs0BGeUMI/AAAAAAAADMk/76q-XHDG-V4kozI7FBQD6_GUkYq2rvkdgCLcBGAs/s1600/Moviola.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="179" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UjqxDNnOr8/WaYs0BGeUMI/AAAAAAAADMk/76q-XHDG-V4kozI7FBQD6_GUkYq2rvkdgCLcBGAs/s320/Moviola.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I find it interesting how heavy vintage dolly's really were. Here's a picture of the old standby, the Moviola Crab Dolly which weighed in at 530 pounds. Click on any image to enlarge.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfiPZ89H4E8/WaYjq2GJgBI/AAAAAAAADMM/O6_YMDsqT48TPr8tNo68Ggy94KHxRLFzACLcBGAs/s1600/McAllister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="600" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfiPZ89H4E8/WaYjq2GJgBI/AAAAAAAADMM/O6_YMDsqT48TPr8tNo68Ggy94KHxRLFzACLcBGAs/s320/McAllister.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The next dolly of yesteryear was the boxier McAllister which tipped the scales at a whopping 690 pounds! I have read somewhere that the origin of this dolly came from loading bombs/ordnance's into military aircraft.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ji7ZZwiwXs/WaYtK-j7hhI/AAAAAAAADMo/nVEohaMmYostN4pja97k6SKZVktNtXWUwCLcBGAs/s1600/dolly%2Btrolley.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ji7ZZwiwXs/WaYtK-j7hhI/AAAAAAAADMo/nVEohaMmYostN4pja97k6SKZVktNtXWUwCLcBGAs/s320/dolly%2Btrolley.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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Remember the Dolly-Trolley? Not exactly a crab dolly, but it was great for long tracking shots. No weight specs for this one, but it doesn't look to be too heavy. Pictured here is Gina Lollobrigida and her son taking a break between scenes.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksr1LFUyEXs/WaYxExUHmZI/AAAAAAAADM0/Pr-bgKhdKIUbzbjrSlZdo6zRo5Z1_BdhACLcBGAs/s1600/Elemack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="626" height="245" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksr1LFUyEXs/WaYxExUHmZI/AAAAAAAADM0/Pr-bgKhdKIUbzbjrSlZdo6zRo5Z1_BdhACLcBGAs/s320/Elemack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My least favorite of all crab dollies..the Elemack. And by the look of this gentleman's expression, he feels the same way! Click on this image to enlarge.</div>
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In my opinion, these were (and still are) the most finicky dollies ever made! They needed constant servicing and always dripped H-fluid. I gripped on a film production in the late 70's and we rented an Elemack that turned into a complete nightmare. To me, the Elemack is just a huge 'tripod dolly' with no platform to work from. This pic is a perfect illustration of that. You see this gentleman has nowhere to put his feet down, they're dangling. Yes, most of the people that used this dolly placed their feet on the legs, but trust me, that gets old! The earlier models weighed in around 200 pounds. The later models came in closer to 250 lbs.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yK_xP0u88kc/WaYkN0D9GBI/AAAAAAAADMU/OQSXDMPBe5IOQ4D99DbZ0sn514ka-AXFACLcBGAs/s1600/Hudson%2BHotel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="488" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yK_xP0u88kc/WaYkN0D9GBI/AAAAAAAADMU/OQSXDMPBe5IOQ4D99DbZ0sn514ka-AXFACLcBGAs/s320/Hudson%2BHotel.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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Then there is the smartly designed Colortran Mini Crab Dolly. The Mini Crab came in at only 293 pounds! It was nimble enough to maneuver through a standard doorway and as you can see, allowed for comfortable foot placement. Although William Sargent did not fully intend on designing the Mini Crab Dolly for the larger cameras, it easily accommodated the industry standard Mitchell BNCR and the Panavision R200.</div>
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By the way...that's William Sargent, Mini Crab designer/inventor (and TV/film actor) sitting on the Mini Crab Dolly prototype at a trade show at the old Hudson Hotel in NYC. William was demonstrating the Mini Crab dolly. Note the faux doorway used to show the Mini Crab's maneuvering capabilities. They took more than 30 orders for the Mini Crab Dolly at this show.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--itBlwV2kT8/WaY0RD1_LoI/AAAAAAAADNA/5rdw9ya1O40uYbwJPJ6APcRyo0rMfdShQCLcBGAs/s1600/Adam%2526157.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--itBlwV2kT8/WaY0RD1_LoI/AAAAAAAADNA/5rdw9ya1O40uYbwJPJ6APcRyo0rMfdShQCLcBGAs/s320/Adam%2526157.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's a couple of pictures of my son Adam on Mini Crab #157. At the time, Adam and I were hired out to run second camera at local MMA matches. We actually had a 10' boom that was attached to the hydraulic pedestal so that we could film above the cage wall. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_rXRoDtQT0I/WaY3OkeU6yI/AAAAAAAADNM/kPFGAfhMEFsrfmDYHgYg6ddt_UxFBwDFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Adam%2526157%25232.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_rXRoDtQT0I/WaY3OkeU6yI/AAAAAAAADNM/kPFGAfhMEFsrfmDYHgYg6ddt_UxFBwDFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Adam%2526157%25232.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Having a platform to stand on when needed was also really convenient. Adam sat on the operator's seat and stood on the platform when filming dictated. Hands down.. the Colortran Mini Crab Dolly is the best vintage crab dolly ever made! AND...IS STILL an extremely capable dolly being used today! Timeless (and don't forget portable) design! Thanks to it's genius designer/inventor, William Sargent!</div>
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<br />Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-67726824343825556802017-08-17T22:52:00.000-04:002017-08-26T22:31:39.257-04:00William Sargent Inventor of the Colortran Mini-Crab and Our new Email Address!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PK4G8L_hyeU/WZZSlVqj4XI/AAAAAAAADKE/PNhgwxkd3xAKYGugBZE7NFDJbEIbjfSOgCLcBGAs/s1600/L-1.A.%2BShow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PK4G8L_hyeU/WZZSlVqj4XI/AAAAAAAADKE/PNhgwxkd3xAKYGugBZE7NFDJbEIbjfSOgCLcBGAs/s1600/L-1.A.%2BShow.jpg" /></a></div>
I love this picture of William Sargent, inventor of the Mini-Crab Dolly, seated left and his partner Robert Kelljan on the right. Notice the director's chairs...SAR...KEL. This is simply the first three letters of their last names, but each mini-crab manufactured would be tagged '<i>Designed by SARKEL'</i>.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nn05lZrcTac/WZZSo-rK5WI/AAAAAAAADKI/VNFCACTw5f0TJLRyg4tn8uCVewUPuMEPwCLcBGAs/s1600/DollyAd-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nn05lZrcTac/WZZSo-rK5WI/AAAAAAAADKI/VNFCACTw5f0TJLRyg4tn8uCVewUPuMEPwCLcBGAs/s1600/DollyAd-1.jpg" /></a></div>
Yes, this is William Sargent sitting high atop his design. This particular ad was published in an issue of American Cinematographer. Technically speaking, I love the lighting technique that was used in this composition, accentuating the hydraulic pedestal supporting the camera operator. In this case, the inventor. This design was way ahead of it's time for a doorway crab dolly. A testament to William Sargent's genius design!<br />
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PLEASE NOTE...our email address has changed! Our NEW email address is now:<br />
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zarykfamily@twc.com<br />
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Adam and I apologize if you have tried to reach us! We had to change internet providers and no longer have the centurylink account. If you have a mini-crab and a story to tell...please email it to us at our new address.<br />
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Thank you, Greg and Adam Zaryk<br />
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<br />Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-17547639913994183452017-07-18T21:27:00.002-04:002017-07-31T19:35:08.454-04:00I.J. Van Perre Jr. and Mini-Crab # 35<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><i><b>Dear Sarkell Members,</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"><i><b>Please read I.J.'s message below regarding his fascinating career as a professional filmmaker. He is also owner of one of William Sargent's creations...Mini-Crab Dolly #35. I also have a nice image of I.J. which I will be posting soon!</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: small;">Hello GREG, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; text-align: justify;">I'm the owner of Mini-Crab #35. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: small;">It's physically in pretty good shape. It does have some issues though. The front break is there but is missing the lever to activate it. It's missing the Dolly Grips up and down control rod. And there is a hydraulic fluid leak somewhere. It still goes up and down, but leaving a puddle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: justify;">Other than this everything seems to work fine. However I intend to completely tare it down and recondition, repair, and replace everything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: small;">After talking to it's last owner, I'm told it came from the University of Iowa who was probably the original owners. That's who they purchased it from.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: small;">About me, I'm a member of IATSE local 16 San Francisco since 1978 and a member of IATSE local 488 Studio Mech. of the Pacific Northwest since 1995. Local 16 is a stage and motion picture local and covers most all departments in film making. We also have Industrial Light and Magic in our jurisdiction. However they have become strictly CGI these days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: small;">I was fortunately lucky enough to work for them from 1985 to 1994. Before that I worked for Lucasfilm on Return of the Jedi in the U.S. back in 1982.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"> Not including TV, MOW's, Video's and Commercials, at last count I've worked on 70+ Motion Pictures. Mostly as a Construction Coordinator, Special Effects Foreman or Tech. and a one time Effects Coordinator. I do have credits for Bestboy Rigging Grip, Bestboy Rigging Electrician, as well as Grip and Lamp Operator. At ILM I was primarily an Effects Foreman doing fabrication, rigging, and flying people. A couple of times I was a Dolly Grip. ILM owned a Movieola and McCallester dollies. Oldies for sure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"> Back in high school I would follow The Streets of San Francisco around and watch them shoot. I noticed their camera dolly was one of these Colortran Dollies. That was the first time I saw one and thought how lightweight, compact, and portable it was. They shot with a Panaflex Camera. I was surprised to find out it could handle a full dressed Mitchell BNC Camera. Amazing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"> So #35 came up for sale. I had some money in the bank and bought it. Beside restoring it, I'm not sure what I'll do with it. Maybe offer it up to one of my Dolly Grip buddies. Maybe keep it as a coffee table!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"> I've lived in the San Francisco Bay Area my entire life except for living in the Portland Oregon Area from 1995 til 1997. I'm currently back in the Bay Area.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;"> Thanks for the info on the Mini-Crab Dolly,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: small;">I.J. Van Perre Jr.</span></div>
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</span>Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-3401466932927700412017-03-16T15:07:00.000-04:002017-04-29T00:01:33.895-04:00William Sargent and his LA Story<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iahvABNqQY/WMrY-OU-qfI/AAAAAAAADCE/yLskF8qJ1Os3FNvEbbsAWkEPbfn8iOMOwCLcB/s1600/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iahvABNqQY/WMrY-OU-qfI/AAAAAAAADCE/yLskF8qJ1Os3FNvEbbsAWkEPbfn8iOMOwCLcB/s320/image001.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A studio publicity shot of William Sargent during an episode of 'My Three Sons'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since 2010, the time we started this site on the Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly and it's inventor, William Sargent. We were always curious as to what William did during his time before he invented the Mini-Crab Dolly and after he left Colortran. Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a wonderfully written account by William Sargent. Sit back and enjoy William Sargent's fascinating story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 16pt;">That unknown part of my
life in LA... By William Sargent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">New York was the end-all
for me as a striving actor. Returning from Korea with the G.I. Bill at my
disposal, I went for an interview with the great Sanford Meisner and felt lucky
to be accepted to the famed Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater for the
two-year course, 1953-55. My school allotment came to all of $110 a month, the
course, then, was $100 per month, which left me with $10 for subway fares and
cigarettes. I was lucky to still live at home. This was all I had dreamt about
through ‘Heartbreak Ridge’ and ‘The Punchbowl’ while serving as a wireman with
the Heavy Mortar company of the 14th Regiment, 25th Division, for all of 1952 –
and now it was actually happening. I was going to study drama and follow a
dream that actually started around age eight when I was taken to see a live
play. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">During the summer breaks
we were not to do any acting work. It was Sandy’s way against your picking up
bad habits before he was through with you. You were to read and or see plays.
Too late, a friend had already recommended me to the small Windermere
Playhouse, a summer stock company at Seal Harbor, Maine, so I drove up there in
my 1938 Dodge and spent ten wonderful weeks doing 8 plays. They had hired me to
play some small parts but mainly to build sets. However audience reactions
‘promoted’ me to play a few leads - AND also build sets. I loved every minute
of it! Pay, was room & board, and endless free spaghetti and Cokes. Best
part of that summer was not only the acting experience, but the handsome dachshund
puppy I brought back from Maine - we called him George. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I finished the second year
at the Playhouse ending with the great privilege of being cast in the final
production as ‘Jonah’ in a musical version of ‘Jonah and the Whale’ by James
Bridie. My good friend and classmate, Robert Kelljan (who 10 years later became
my business partner on the Mini-Crab Dolly) was also in the cast, as were Tammy
Grimes and Brianne Murphy – both deceased now. Most notable was the quiet and
demure, Brianne Murphy, who after graduation ran off to the Circus, then went
into photography and eventually became the first female ASC, Academy Award-winning
cinematographer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In 1950’s New York, the
actor’s way of seeking work was very different from an actor trying to get a
job in Hollywood. In NYC you made the ‘rounds’ yourself, hounding the casting
offices. You rushed to ‘open call’ auditions, scanned Variety & the
Reporter magazine daily for shows going into rehearsals. You hoped a friendly
casting agent would send you out on those all-important interviews, more than
once. All along you kept ‘honing’ your craft by attending this or that dramatic
workshop so as ‘not to get rusty’. Sometimes, even using a workshop to present
a personal ‘showcase’. This was in the hopes of enticing an agent to attend.
Or, even replacing another actor in an off-off Broadway play for a night, just
for the ‘credit’. Friends in the profession were all-important to each other’s
progress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Word of mouth by good
friends helped often. I worked in off-Broadway plays through directors or
actors’ recommendations, and in summers went off to Stock companies - with
rarely an audition. And, although off-Broadway Equity minimum was all of $37.50
a week - I was soon to become a proud, card-carrying Equity member. A PROFESSIONAL
ACTOR! Of course, I also had to supplement periods of unemployment with the
exiting job of driving a cab - a job, Robert Kelljan got for me with the same
Yellow Checker Company he drove for, while looking for work and trying his hand
at writing... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How or why I wound up in
Hollywood in 1960 for that small part in the ‘Young Savages’, a part that
obviously ended on the editing room floor, may have been a questionable choice
for me, looking back; Sidney Pollack and I came out for the same picture, with
one major exception. Sidney came out as dialog coach for the (real) gang
members who had never acted before - a delicate job essential to the picture’s
raw authenticity, and I was to play Burt Lancaster’s assistant (at least in the
script) but instead, I mostly sat at the DA’s table with Telly Savalas. But, I
was now suddenly earning $400 a week! From $37.50 to FOUR HUNDRED?! It must
have been this sudden ‘wealth’ or was it the sunshine, girls and the beach? I
was sure; finding work in at least one of those studios would be a cinch. Yup,
I succumbed, and stayed in Hollywood - for the next 27 years...</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrWP3g0xg4Y/WQNd-grbSMI/AAAAAAAADCY/ox3WkAec94Qsmg4c_6axGaUTBNaS3p21gCLcB/s1600/image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrWP3g0xg4Y/WQNd-grbSMI/AAAAAAAADCY/ox3WkAec94Qsmg4c_6axGaUTBNaS3p21gCLcB/s320/image002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Studio shots of William Sargent (soft-focus) in the foreground during a rehearsal on the movie 'Savages'. Sitting next to William is Telly Savalas and Burt Lancaster is standing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2asothbbB1s/WQNf33Kea-I/AAAAAAAADCo/u2NJ6XnZAXoICPprT_DP8RdjW8Wqc15YQCLcB/s1600/image003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2asothbbB1s/WQNf33Kea-I/AAAAAAAADCo/u2NJ6XnZAXoICPprT_DP8RdjW8Wqc15YQCLcB/s320/image003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">In this rehearsal scene we see William Sargent standing with Burt Lancaster. William played the assistant DA in this film.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12pt;">If you planned to stay in
LaLa Land you had to have a car, get some 8x10 glossies shot, find an agent,
upgrade your summer wardrobe and maybe hang out at Schwab’s Drugstore where you
might meet Sidney Skolsky, who would, if you got lucky, do a column on you some
day. Dreamer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A year earlier in NY, a
jovial fellow named Lenny Kaplan, looked me up backstage after the show I was
in, said he was an agent and could we go for coffee. We talked at length about
the play that night, my work - and his. He was barely ‘eeking’ out a living as
a photographer and was trying his hand at being a Theatrical agent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">An 8x10 glossy of William Sargent taken early in William's career by photographer, Lenny Kaplan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lenny already had two
clients, he said, but felt they might venture out west where they should do
better. His two unknowns were two talents named Marty Ingels and Frank Gorshin,
and did I know them? I confessed I didn’t. Before we parted he gave me the
number of a relative in LA, and if I ever got out there they would be able to
tell me where to find him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, I was ‘out there’, I
bought a used Karmann Ghia, rented a room at the El Marathon Apartments (across
from the iconic Paramount Gate), ate my meals at Oblath’s next door, and talked
to Paramount patrons about ‘the business’ - who all advised, you can’t get to
first base without an agent! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I remembered Lenny Kaplan
and called his relative’s number. We met like ‘old friends’ and when we parted
I had a portrait photographer and an agent. Lenny had no meaningful connections
or experience but he had imagination and moxie. He learned how to sneak past
gate guards with me, lie about having some urgent business to attend to - or
just sneaked in from some rear entrance with me in tow. He’d knock on doors and
usually say, I know you’re busy Mr.X, but just wanted you to meet William
Sargent who was brought out from NYC for a picture at Columbia – here’s my card
and his photo. Or, similar embarrassing ploys. Usually we’d get rolling eyes or
a gruff ‘Not Now!’ please! It finally work one day when we ‘rushed’ a kind
James Whitmore, who took the time to talk ‘Theater’ with me - while Lenny
checked out other offices down the hall. Mr. Whitmore gave me my first TV break
in his show ‘The Law and Mr. Jones’. It was a beginning, and Lenny and I
celebrated it with Ingles & Gorshin that evening. And so it went, sometimes
weeks between jobs. I found Theater work in a couple of Equity Library Theater
productions, and made new friends. I knew how to live on sparse funds but what to
do with all that time? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sidney and I stayed in
touch, we had been friends from the Playhouse days, but he soon got busy and
was more interested in directing. Burt Lancaster had quietly observed Sidney
during the ‘Savages’ shoot, how he worked with the boys, was impressed, and
hired him as ‘assistant’ or something, and later on eventually as director.
Sidney called me one day not for an acting job but to go flying with him. He
was being checked out on a Cessna 182 and would enjoy the company. So I grabbed
my 8mm camera and sat in the back seat (filming) while he and the instructor
went through the qualification test. When we landed he asked if I’d like to go
up and see if I liked it – his treat! Really? Well, why not. He went for coffee
and I took his place with the instructor who put me through a trial
introduction. I went out on another checkout flight with Sidney a year later on
a twin-engine Cessna.<br />
He was totally dedicated and absorbed with flying and I rarely saw him again
after that day. He was now traveling in other circles. I did get hooked on
flying for a while, and later even bought myself a little 1947 Cessna 120,
while at Colortran, flying around for a while. One day, visiting a friend in
the Lancaster area I cracked up in a bad landing at Quartz Hill, Ca. I wasn’t
hurt though the plane was, and I had second thoughts about my prowess as a
pilot. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">William Sargent and his Cessna 120 which was tied down at Burbank's Sky Roamers. This airport was just minutes away from Colortran. This was during the time the Mini-Crab Dolly was being manufactured.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What to do with all that
spare time between shows? I wasn’t needed at Colortran anymore. I now needed a
hobby, something constructive. It came to me while visiting Marina del Rey one
day with a lady friend, as I looked out at all those boats. Why not get a boat,
a fixer-upper that I could play with when not working or just on weekends, if I
did. I looked at boats on nearby lots and found a cute but shabby 16.5 ft,
cuddy-cabin fishing boat with a small inboard Hercules for $500 staring at me.
So I got it, parked it in my lady friend’s driveway and proceeded to cherry it
out. We enjoyed it for a while but I got tired of trailering it back and forth,
and decided to trade it for a little larger boat that I could keep there in a
slip. I sold the little beauty for $1,500 after a year, threw in another
hundred and bought a neglected 24 ft. Plywood Owens with a ‘283’ inboard motor.
This was going to be great! Could sleep over on weekends, throw small parties,
go to Catalina. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But first the boat had to
go into dry-dock, hull cleaned and bottom painted, prop and shaft and
through-hull fittings checked. Wait, said the broker, you’ll need a marine
survey for insurance purposes – might as well do it while she’s out of the
water. Here are a couple of surveyors’ names. I called one, he came down that
afternoon and went through her for an hour or so, handed me a sheet with a list
of ‘must do’ recommendations and a bill for $35, and said he’d be glad to sign
her off when all was completed. I thanked him and proceeded to do some of the
work right there at the yard and two days later, called Whitehouse to sign her
off and had the boat yard launch her back into the water. The twenty-four foot
slip At Delamo Marine was all of .75 cents per foot per month in the late ‘60’s
(it’s more like $14-20 per foot nowadays), and I was allowed to stay on board
at all times but only for two consecutive nights. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A year later with the
Owens ‘Hiatus’ looking like it came off the assembly line, I called, Capt
Whitehouse to come by, look at my work and adjust her value for insurance
purposes. As I paid him for his time, he shook his head with a big smile and
asked, where did you learn all that, they told me at the office you’re...an
actor? I thanked him for the compliment, and the conversation expanded to his
services in the Coast Guard and his long-time membership in NAMS (National
Association of Marine Surveyors). He was an interesting tiny old man with an
impressive history. Two years of fun followed and I had taken the ‘Hiatus’ to
Catalina a couple of times and ran her up and down the neighboring coastline,
but put-putting around the various marinas in MDR I saw some larger beauties
‘beckoning’ and since I had a few bucks to play with I was itching for
something larger - to possibly even live on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was now 1972, and one
day, looking through a local boating magazine there was a potential vessel that
‘spoke to me’. A cosmetically shot, 36’ Chris Craft F/B Sportfisher cruiser
with a ‘lapstrake’ hull. The ad said the engines were in excellent shape. Price
was $14,500, AS IS. That was a bit more than I wanted to spend, but my Swedish
pal and boat neighbor, Sten, suggested I offer them $5K or six at most. They
had probably taken too many trade-ins and were eager to sell. They first
laughed at my offer, but Sten was right - I came up to $6,500 ‘final offer’ and
started to walk. The salesman, too eager not to lose the deal, agreed. He
almost lost his composure when I told him he needed to take my Hiatus in trade
and that she had been valued at $4K. He went with me to look at my Owens and
right then and there we shook on it and headed back to the office to sign the
contract. While walking back, I asked him, who the cute blonde was in the
accounting office? Oh, you noticed her, he smirked, that’s our Patti, very
special. I’ll introduce you, William. By the way, what do you do, you a
carpenter? An actor, I said. As we entered the office he led me over to Patti
and said, this Gentleman just bought one of our boats – he’s an actor! Bud
Yandell, that salesman, played a most touching role, some months later, in
getting Patti and me together, but that’s another and more ‘important’ story in
my life. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I got a live-aboard slip
from them, too, and since they had a great boat yard I had the vessel hauled
right there for Marine Survey. The day before, I had gone through her entire
inner hull, but by her looks just below her encrusted bootstripe I had a fair
idea I was in for a total bottom overhaul before relaunching and moving her to
her new slip. Of course, I called Capt Whitehouse to do the survey and we
arrived at the yard together the following morning. ‘Had a fair sea-trial?’ he
grumbled. I said, no, just got the engines started okay but it was an ‘As is’
deal! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The boat was out of the
water in slings ready to block when we arrived. What we beheld was a very heavy
load of tube-worms and 2 feet of seaweed hanging down – she’d probably not even
been run for a couple of years. Capt Hal suggested to have her bottom scraped,
and then power-washed or lightly sandblasted to reveal the wood planking before
anything else was done. I agreed, and the order was put in at the service
office. The next day Capt Whitehouse was back to do his thing. I watched him
from a distance so as not to break his concentration; he made it clear he
preferred it that way. I found out that Marine Surveyors can get sued for
missing or omitting serious problems. It took the Captain 4 long hours. He
appeared very tired after crawling down the ladder. I waited silently while he
went over his notes, then handed me the list of recommendations. He said he had
to go home and would have the document typed – and the valuations, ‘Market and
Replacement’ for me by tomorrow... </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The ‘Sweet Hiatus’ took
almost a year to look presentable, and Capt Hal stopped by whenever he was in
the vicinity to see how and what I was doing. Bill, he said one day, ‘why don’t
you come work for me and give up that kid’s stuff you do on the Tube?’ I wanted
to laugh - but I let him continue. ‘I’m too tired & too old to go on’, he
said, ‘I could use someone like you – teach you all the legalities. You can
start with me at 50 cents on the dollar...and in a year or so you’ll be
established and the business will be yours!’ Think about it, he said, and left.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Something hit deep. What?!
Give up acting after all those years. True, I wasn’t a big hit on the Tube, and
I frequently resented being called away for an audition or another unimportant,
uninspiring, supporting role. What about the $750-1,200 I was now getting for
2-3 days on a show. Yes, but that wasn’t really happening too often. Patti and
I had started to date recently. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What if things got serious
between us, how would I support my end of the relationship? And, wouldn’t you
know it, just about that time, I got a call to do a ‘Streets of San Francisco’ episode
with a decent part. I decided to make that my farewell to the Tube. Took Patti
with me to SF for the three day shoot – and we had a ball. When we returned, I
told Patti I was through. I would do Theater Plays but I was tired waiting for
those studio calls! I was going to work as a Marine Surveyor! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The end of the story? I
started working for ‘Whitehouse Marine Surveyors’ the following week. Hal took
me around with him, introducing me to every broker, every insurance group and
shipyard foreman. He took on all the work thrown at us – but I wound up doing
most of the work. He started getting sick and weak, over the following months.
I had to occasionally even take him to the hospital. His dear wife was the
secretary and had to stay in the office to take calls. They had a mobile-home
at Lake Mead and wanted to retire there. But, Hal didn’t make it and passed
away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I was now on my own, with
Hal’s wife wanting to shut the (home) office. We parted friends – and I was on
my own. Since everyone had gotten to know me, thanks to Hal, I had no problem
working everywhere on the coast, not only in MDR with its 6500 slips but in
yards from San Pedro to Oxnard. I opened a small office in Marina del Rey,
hired a Loyola U. student as a secretary, renamed the company to ‘William
Sargent Marine Surveyors’, even pasted the logo on my jeep – and the transition
went without a ripple. I continued as a surveyor for thirteen years -
occasionally doing a play, but no TV if I could help it. I still have the
Logbook - and peruse it occasionally. I marvel at the number & type of
boats I worked on. <b>In those thirteen years I surveyed more than 1800
vessels... There you have it! My career in LA.</b></span></div>
Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-44150735830610378982016-12-09T23:41:00.000-05:002016-12-09T23:42:01.742-05:00William Sargent - Inventor Extraordinaire!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scuNTY653xI/WEuBhTkdiUI/AAAAAAAADAk/92bxky3g4LgFRQ_SL8QYRgLgH0Rb89LcwCLcB/s1600/WilliamPT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scuNTY653xI/WEuBhTkdiUI/AAAAAAAADAk/92bxky3g4LgFRQ_SL8QYRgLgH0Rb89LcwCLcB/s320/WilliamPT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a recent photo of William Sargent sitting behind his awesome PT Cruiser Convertible (click to enlarge). Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is the father-inventor of the versatile Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly. Soon we will be hearing about William's days living in LA. </div>
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More to come friends! Including the SUPER RARE film presentation of the Mini-Crab Dolly that William and his partner, Robert Kelljchian, filmed with William's Bolex H-16. This was to show attendees at the SMPTE show in Los Angeles, just how easy it was to unpack and use the Mini-Crab. This film was shown on a constant-loop projector at the show. </div>
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This will be uploaded to YouTube, soon! </div>
Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-72224600426030046092016-04-28T10:49:00.000-04:002016-05-04T07:56:25.564-04:00Welcome to the Sarkell Society and the Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly Site!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x_mZV0A19wQ/VyIgY2adhyI/AAAAAAAAC2o/V4zT7wXQrZM4MsUBtL3XiyvE7jdFV0_WgCLcB/s1600/CCI00002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x_mZV0A19wQ/VyIgY2adhyI/AAAAAAAAC2o/V4zT7wXQrZM4MsUBtL3XiyvE7jdFV0_WgCLcB/s1600/CCI00002.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Greetings! Adam and I like to welcome you to our site regarding the ever so versatile Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly. The Mini-Crab Dolly was ingeniously designed by veteran film and TV actor, William Sargent. There's more on both William Sargent and the Mini-Crab Dolly within this site. Please be sure to hit the 'Older Posts' tab near the bottom of each page to see more posts. If you're an owner of a Mini-Crab, we'd like to invite you to register your dolly with us, as we will be soon be posting the member page. You can email Adam and I directly at gregoryz@centurylink.net </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Here's an original sales brochure that was sent to me from Berkey-Colortran in the early 70's about the sleek and nearly portable Mini-Crab Dolly. This brochure was my first introduction to the Mini-Crab. It was told to me by the inventor of the Mini-Crab, William Sargent, that the gentleman peering from behind the above Arriflex is filmmaker, Chris Roberts. Chris was the son of actor Pernell Roberts of Bonanza fame. Click on either image to enlarge. We hope to become a resource to you and welcome your experience using the Mini-Crab. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or are currently selling a Mini-Crab. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> We look forward to talking with you and we again welcome you to the world of the Mini-Crab Dolly and the Sarkell Society - Sincerely, Adam and Greg Zaryk </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSN8yPp2olE/VyIgcy0YvnI/AAAAAAAAC2s/QnXlcrpUcS0fB_ls6G_DI6mnfPwEgIHuACLcB/s1600/CCI00004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSN8yPp2olE/VyIgcy0YvnI/AAAAAAAAC2s/QnXlcrpUcS0fB_ls6G_DI6mnfPwEgIHuACLcB/s320/CCI00004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The specifications of the Mini-Crab Dolly. We hope to hear from you and thank you for visiting!Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-4478506771847640002015-10-25T21:02:00.000-04:002015-11-20T08:59:04.415-05:00The Moviola Crab Dolly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hitch and his crew using the Moviola at Universal Studios. No, the guy in the background isn't texting! I believe that's camera operator, Irving Rosenberg. The guy leaning in talking with Hitch, is Hitch's favorite cinematographer, Robert Burks. Click on any image to enlarge.</div>
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Moviola's dimensions are 34" x 64" which is considerably larger than the Mini-Crab. The Moviola weighs in at 530 lbs. It has a maximum reach of 60" and a minimum of 22". Sargent's Mini-Crab tips the scales at 293 lbs., and measures in at 26 3/4" x 39", with a maximum height of 56" and a minimum of 28". In comparison, one of the best features of the Mini-Crab is that it can be completely transported by two people and in it's own carrying case!</div>
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Another shot of the Moviola on set laden down with a BNC and Mary Tyler Moore spinning the Worral Gear Head. </div>
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<br />Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-28578761079658162222015-09-22T09:36:00.001-04:002015-09-22T11:58:34.656-04:00Sarkell welcomes Nicky Milo and Mini-Crab #114<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsxNf3wrukg/VgFWHpebhII/AAAAAAAACpQ/vFEkBXa2ihM/s1600/%2523114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsxNf3wrukg/VgFWHpebhII/AAAAAAAACpQ/vFEkBXa2ihM/s320/%2523114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Recently, we received the message below from Nicky Milo, a new member of our society. Nicky is pictured behind the camera in the above images. Welcome Nicky! The updated Sarkell Society list will be posted soon. If anyone can help Nicky in getting his Mini-Crab refurbished on the west-coast, that would be much appreciated! Nicky's email address is furnished below.</div>
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Hello SarKell Society!!<br />
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I am the proud owner of a Colortran dolly, serial number 114. </div>
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(Nicky Milo, San Diego CA, SN: 114, <a href="mailto:nickmilo@gmail.com" target="_blank">nickmilo@gmail.com</a>)</div>
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This dolly was my first major cinema equipment purchase, I bought it when I was 16 years old and was filming with my trusty DVX 100A. </div>
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Flash forward 14 years later, I'm now a 30 year old filmmaker, and I still have this dolly and regularly use it alongside my RED Dragon, Steadicam, and Ronin.</div>
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I look forward to being apart of the Sarkell Society, thank you for maintaining and updating the site and adding all the resources-- every subsequent post brings me closer to 'Ole Boy, my dolly's nickname.</div>
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In addition to the registration, I was also hoping to further inquire upon the group's expertise with this dolly and was hoping you might know of a resource in the California (LA/OC/SD) area that may be able to service this amazing filmmaking accessory. </div>
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In the above two images, I was doing a music video for a band that broke up mid-shoot! We had about a month of preproduction, and all the locations were locked and ready to go... this was the first day of filming, we also filmed the next day. Took a couple days off to prepare for the next block of shooting, and that's when they broke up.</div>
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The guy pushing me was in the band, and I think you can make that he's not a dolly grip by trade, judging by the sandals! </div>
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The dolly currently has a leak, and the boom hasn't been able move too much.</div>
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I have really been meaning to give it a fresh overhaul... any advice or references are greatly appreciated!!</div>
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Much Thanks!</div>
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Nicky Milo</div>
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Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-51687250443862875042015-08-05T00:44:00.002-04:002015-08-25T23:30:13.482-04:00Rare image of the Mini-Crab Prototype and its Inventor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-Vn9jWkmJU/VcGRnKJRo-I/AAAAAAAACho/JZfL7T1-OgM/s1600/CCE00000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-Vn9jWkmJU/VcGRnKJRo-I/AAAAAAAACho/JZfL7T1-OgM/s320/CCE00000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An extremely rare and a never before seen Polaroid image of William Sargent sitting on board his Mini-Crab prototype during the time he was doing a daily live show in L.A. This show had just turned into continuous week-to-week run named ‘Day in Court’. William was one of the running characters. </span><br />
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This was at ABC’s Selmour Productions. William decided to take the prototype down one day to the set to show it off to the crew for an opinion. It must have been during the time the Mini-Crab was in production at Colortran (note the prototype still displays the interim Hydraulic ram). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This image enlarges quite nicely. Just click on it with your mouse!</span>Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-90610821814861536962015-08-04T09:52:00.001-04:002015-08-05T00:47:58.450-04:00William Sargent and his love of the Theater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As mentioned before, we wanted to highlight William Sargent's career as a performer. Soon, you will see some photographs from his TV, movie and stage performances. Here below (click on image to enlarge) is an article written about the Mini-Crab inventor in 1990 talking about one of his greatest passions...Live Theater!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvDz_ffgdh8/VcC_5rb5GQI/AAAAAAAAChU/B3bPCUfpFOc/s1600/CCE00002%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvDz_ffgdh8/VcC_5rb5GQI/AAAAAAAAChU/B3bPCUfpFOc/s320/CCE00002%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-45345570174108095622015-08-04T09:51:00.000-04:002015-08-04T09:54:48.716-04:00Calling All Mini-Crab Owners!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Dear Mini-Crab owners, if you haven't done so already, please send us your dolly's serial number, a picture of you and your dolly along with your name and location. We're preparing to update the Sarkell Society list (posted below). Thank you!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XvX9LyG096M/TPBGU4OXWxI/AAAAAAAAA3o/1F6mfhS7YhY/s1600/CCI00000.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XvX9LyG096M/TL32Hbv0VUI/AAAAAAAAAxE/Z_wcROfYtV4/s1600/CCI00000.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;">The only requirement for membership into the SarKell Society, is the individual must be the owner of a Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly. There are no dues or fees associated with this society.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #3366ff;"></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;">If you're the owner of a Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly...register your dolly today by e-mailing your name, city/state, the dolly's serial number and your e-mail address to:</span></div>
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Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-25338545691397760382015-08-01T12:34:00.003-04:002015-08-02T07:18:34.768-04:00William Sargent on Netflix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We'll be posting more on the acting side of William Sargent. We all know he invented the Mini-Crab Dolly, but most people aren't aware the father of the Mini-Crab Dolly was also an accomplished actor. </div>
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For those who have Netflix, you can watch one of the many TV shows Mr. Sargent contributed to as an actor. The next time you're on Netflix, look for the Twilight Zone series. Netflix is currently streaming 100 of the original episodes. Once you open the series, go to episode #114, The episode is called '<b>Ninety Years without Slumber'</b>. This was from Season 5, episode 12. William Sargent plays a psychiatrist by the name of Mel Avery. </div>
Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-24437501837982765502015-07-28T01:06:00.000-04:002015-08-01T22:20:07.750-04:00William Sargent and the Mini-Crab Dolly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-naajzczLJe8/Vbb7RnF0mfI/AAAAAAAACfk/jWci0aCQA_s/s1600/CCE00002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-naajzczLJe8/Vbb7RnF0mfI/AAAAAAAACfk/jWci0aCQA_s/s320/CCE00002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In a future post, we will be taking a closer look at the acting career of William Sargent. Not only was William Sargent the genius designer and inventor of the Mini-Crab Dolly, he was also an accomplished actor, leaving his mark on both stage and screen. Soon, we will be posting awesome photos of Mr. Sargent in some of his memorable acting roles.<br />
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But first, here are two very rare business cards. Click on the above image to enlarge. The card on the left was printed as Mr. Sargent and Mr. Kelljchian (better known as SarKell <i>or Sarkel as noted on the card</i>) were preparing for the SMPTE show in Los Angeles (as seen in the photos below). This was when SarKell first unveiled the Mini-Crab to the Hollywood film community.<br />
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The card to the right was used by Mr. Sargent after a deal was struck with Berkey-Colortran. Mr. Sargent was retained as the Project Manager during the initial manufacturing and marketing of the new Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBKkE4fLCcI/VbcKJHRUmKI/AAAAAAAACf0/A5g3W7yw3R0/s1600/L-1.A.%2BShow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBKkE4fLCcI/VbcKJHRUmKI/AAAAAAAACf0/A5g3W7yw3R0/s1600/L-1.A.%2BShow.jpg" /></a></div>
Here are a few pictures of the Mini-Crab prototype before being discovered by former Berkey-Colortran's President, Milt Forman.<br />
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A live shot of 'Sarkell", William Sargent on the left and his partner Robert Kelljchian on the right during a demonstration of the Mini-Crab Dolly in LA.<br />
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William Sargent, the designer/inventor of our favorite crab dolly with the actual 'Mini-Crab' prototype he built by hand in his Los Angeles apartment. It doesn't get any cooler than this, ladies and gentlemen.Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-84305908207039530482015-07-22T00:30:00.000-04:002015-07-22T00:51:39.914-04:00Patent Number 3,297,337 - Camera Crab Dolly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-sNwv2xSmQ/Va8ZlFb-T9I/AAAAAAAACec/cNIM3m9W6G0/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-sNwv2xSmQ/Va8ZlFb-T9I/AAAAAAAACec/cNIM3m9W6G0/s320/5.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
The inception of our favorite crab dolly began right here with the following Patent Number 3,297,337.<br />
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Mr. Sargent's Patent Attorney's filed for the Mini-Crab's patent on May 3, 1965. The patent was granted on January 10, 1967. Click on any image to enlarge.<br />
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These are actual patent diagrams that William Sargent's Patent Attorney's drew for obtaining the patent. You can download and study the entire patent PDF (all 11 pages!) for the Mini-Crab Dolly at this link: <a href="http://www.google.com/patents/US3297337">http://www.google.com/patents/US3297337</a><br />
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The complexity of these drawings show just how brilliant William Sargent and his design truly is! The Mini-Crab is the Patek Philippe of dollies!<br />
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This diagram in particular shows the crabbing modes and how they are achieved by using the control that's located above the Mini-Crab's push bar.Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-71030620823676176762015-07-21T16:55:00.002-04:002017-09-13T17:31:16.188-04:00For Sale! Camera Jib for the Colortran Mini-CrabWe have the perfect accessory for your Mini-Crab! It's the Camera Turret CT-300 Jib that's pictured above and throughout this blog. We used it extensively with Mini-Crab #157. It has the proper mounting adapter that would enable it to fit easily onto the Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgyOyzqAwEs/TrnnFLaM-fI/AAAAAAAABVA/zGwzoxrbFFI/s1600/DSCN3475.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672819281797904882" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgyOyzqAwEs/TrnnFLaM-fI/AAAAAAAABVA/zGwzoxrbFFI/s400/DSCN3475.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
The CT-300 is made out of aircraft aluminum and still being made today.The Jib head automatically articulates with the vertical movement of the Jib.</div>
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For specs, go to: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.cameraturret.com/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.cameraturret.com/</span></a></span></div>
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This professional Jib package includes the following; 5' 3" center Jib Arm, 3' extension Jib Arm, Monitor Bracket, cables for standard Jib length, cables for extension Jib length, counterweights bar, a tool kit, the adapter to mount Jib onto your Mini-Crab Dolly or use with your own tripod.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72iZOcAbPis/TrnnqYkB_cI/AAAAAAAABVM/jL043thB7eQ/s1600/DSCN2619.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672819920983948738" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72iZOcAbPis/TrnnqYkB_cI/AAAAAAAABVM/jL043thB7eQ/s400/DSCN2619.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div>
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If interested or for more info, e-mail me at:<br />
zarykfamily@twc.com</div>
Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-51055806014549001432014-08-11T20:35:00.002-04:002019-01-20T23:03:20.017-05:00How to make money with your Mini-Crab!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Recently, I received an email from Mark L., of Los Angeles asking how we were able to generate income with our Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly. You may have seen some older posts of my son Adam and I using our Mini-Crab for MMA fights, etc. Click on the older post tab at bottom of page.</div>
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I found the price list (below) that Adam and I used in the Cleveland, Ohio area. We also offered a Jib, using a Camera Turret Model 300 that we included in our grip package.</div>
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You can certainly tailor your price list to include the equipment you have and the type of grip service you wish to offer. Your market may be stronger than the Cleveland area. I hear Seattle, New York City and Miami have a lot of independent projects going on. Once you create your price list, be sure to send it to all the independent producers and ad agencies in your area. I'm hoping this may help to generate some work for you! Let me know of any other ideas we can share with our fellow Mini-Crab owners. Use your mouse and click on this price list to enlarge.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBUIzjUs9Ns/U-leH5go51I/AAAAAAAACMo/0y0hWqfzE9U/s1600/CCI00000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBUIzjUs9Ns/U-leH5go51I/AAAAAAAACMo/0y0hWqfzE9U/s1600/CCI00000.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<br />Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-45341074810780634382014-07-08T17:17:00.001-04:002015-07-21T16:27:28.635-04:00Kentucky Educational Television & Mini-Crab #225<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><i>Recently, I received an email (below) from Lee Delaney, Broadcast Operations Manager for Kentucky Educational Television. Lee works with Mini-Crab #225 and I'm pretty sure this is the highest serial numbered Mini-Crab we have registered with the Sarkell Society. </i></span><br />
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<i>Thanks to Lee for sending these images of #225. Interestingly, I've seen the white Colortran decal shown above in other late model Mini-Crab Dollies.</i></div>
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<i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUzkzN0PS2k/U7xek81TYqI/AAAAAAAACMA/cgYdpFTbOek/s1600/225c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUzkzN0PS2k/U7xek81TYqI/AAAAAAAACMA/cgYdpFTbOek/s1600/225c.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div>
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<i>We see Mini-Crab #225 having it's own dedicated parking spot at KET Studios.</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnXI_WqmFZQ/U7xejYwcBTI/AAAAAAAACL4/JbrLbCmP9Bw/s1600/225b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnXI_WqmFZQ/U7xejYwcBTI/AAAAAAAACL4/JbrLbCmP9Bw/s1600/225b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>There's no official final build number. It was once reported to me by the former president of Colortran, there were approximately 250 of these built! It's possible, #225 may be one of the last ones to have been assembled!</i> </div>
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Hey Greg,<o:p></o:p></div>
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My name is Lee Delaney and I am the Broadcast Operations Manager at Kentucky Educational Television. After doing some research, I came across your site devoted to the Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly. KET has owned one of these for a number of years. According to the plate, we have #225. See attached pictures….. We honestly weren’t aware of the high honor this dolly holds in the industry and that there were only about 250 of these made. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A little about us: KET reaches 5.5 million people via broadcast and is the largest public broadcasting network in the country, spanning the entire commonwealth and reaching into seven surrounding states through 16 transmitters from our Network Center located in Lexington. Educational programs including the many incarnations of the GED series for use worldwide were produced here as well as many Arts and Public Affairs programs over the years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How or when this dolly came into our possession isn’t clear, but it was used on numerous productions over the years. It hasn’t been used for quite a while, but we still have it complete with seat, sideboards, weights, bottles, and it is still fully operational. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Most notably it was run on the nationally distributed program “The Lonesome Pine Specials” in the late 80’s and 90’s. It was used as the back of house bump shot between songs with the audience. </span>Frank Simkonis, Producer/<span class="Apple-style-span">Director of Videography, and I (as a Videographer, my first job at KET) were the last folks to operate it for this production. Recently, it has been dug out of its dark corner to be hopefully used again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anyway after reading some of the info about this ol’ gal on your site (<a href="http://colortrancrabdolly.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=24" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;">http://colortrancrabdolly.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=24</a> ), I just wanted to share with you the location of another one. Attached are some quick pictures.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Regards,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Demi', sans-serif;">Lee Delaney<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Demi', sans-serif;">Broadcast Operations Manager<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Demi', sans-serif;">Kentucky Educational Television</span></div>
Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7110059021079303753.post-36859095577045097702014-07-08T07:06:00.002-04:002015-07-21T16:27:50.697-04:00Oscar Winner's famed Mini-Crab #157 up for sale!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-ZqyoKWT6Y/U7vO5Qfd0lI/AAAAAAAACLg/YYxy80T9pRA/s1600/157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-ZqyoKWT6Y/U7vO5Qfd0lI/AAAAAAAACLg/YYxy80T9pRA/s1600/157.JPG" width="203" /></a></div>
If you're in the market for a Mini-Crab, check out eBay as my friend, Steven Mahoney from Seattle has listed #157. My son and I had the pleasure of owning #157 for many years before selling it to Steven in 2011.<br />
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This dolly has great pedigree as it was once owned by the man who brought us 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory', 'Roots' and TV's 'Welcome Back Kotter'. The previous owner was none-other than Oscar-winner, David L. Wolper.<br />
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No doubt, #157 is about the most complete Mini-Crab you can find. Steven was able to track down all the options offered by Colortran. In addition, Steven had a hydraulic company go through this dolly with a fine tooth comb and update the hydraulics. This dolly is up to specs and will give the new owners many years of trouble-free service.<br />
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<br />Greg and Christine Zarykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01437878989875643762noreply@blogger.com0