Antarctic Nazis, Part 3: Herdegen's Locker, Chapter II - Professor Trygg

Another amazing tale from the inner sanctum of 'Commander Herdegen's Locker'..... prepare to be astounded:

Commander Herdegen's Locker, Chapter II - Professor Trygg (2023)

Running Time: 10 min (Approx.)

Chapter I replay:

Commander Herdegen's Locker (2023)

Running Time: 12 min. (Approx.)

 Apart from live action and still images, photography is entirely stop motion/miniatures and keyed plate backgrounds. We're not goin' into much other detail. We (maybe-maybe not) developed a (simple) process or two that we're keep'n secret - like a magician not divulging his magic. Or, more appropriately, the 'sacred geometry' secrets of the ancient cathedral and temple builders. 

The 'Colossus' sequence is paean to virtuoso 'Ray Harryhausen's' brilliant 'Talos' segment from the classic 

film 'Jason and the Argonauts' (1963): 

(Internet Image)

(YouTube Video)

When this trailer unexpectedly sprang up on the TV tube back in the day, that short glimpse of a sword wielding giant straddling the bay and hoisting the ship out of the water had us in front of the set every night for the rest of the week poised for another glance. No "on-demand", home video nor internet replay available back then. And if ya' didn't catch the flick first run at the theatre, it might be ten years before ya' finally got to see it once or twice a year on television.

Disclaimer: We obtained rights to use of all the soundtrack symphonics and effects - we thank the folks over at Pond5. A background plate or two we obtained on-line from sites tabbed as royalty free. Both videos are "experimental" works for on-line/private viewing only. No monetary compensation is involved.

Western Pennsylvania Ice (Cinema Part 12)

 Figured that we'd re-post this video here considering that it went the way of the website:

Western Pennsylvania Ice (2001)

Running time 40min. (Approx.)

 For more information, there's a previous post from 2019, retrievable by clicking here. A bit vintage considering that it's twenty-three years hence. At least one of the boys is no longer with us. The 'Tunnel Cliffs' have long ago been reclaimed by the mining company. 

A giant tin gate has since been constructed at the old 'Irishtown' mine entrance. Think that the site is posted 'No Climbing' now, anyway. The road leading into "Krahlak" has been gated - still, only about a half mile walk in. But, may be posted as well. Now'days winters around here are mostly rain, anyway.

Such is life. Bet that currently there's an ice climbing app you can play on your phone, though - don't even have to get up off the couch.

Pulled a few images from the archives of even earlier times. Nearing top-out at the 'Gun Club' above ('84) in good conditions. Bluewater 11mm rope. Stiff plastic Koflach mountain boots. Wool duds and mitts. No ratcheting-type ice screws. Lowe 'Foot-Fang' rigid crampons - those things were a bit of an innovation over the (subsequently obsolete) hinged strap-on crampons for steep vertical ice. Could relax your calves, too.  Leashed straight-shaft picks and hammers. Still gets the skin to crawling watchin' guys torquing modern picks on stiff dry-tool routes. Didn't take much to snap those old picks. Particularly 'Forrest' tools. Ya' had to be careful just levering them out of an overstuck ice placement. Broke several that way. Recall that on this route this day we broke a pick lower down. Always carried a hammer as a back-up (left hand in the image). Steep Grade 4 ice was a big deal. 

Climber Glenn Thomas on 'Layton Falls' (Grade 3) here. He's got some hinged strap-on crampons. Forest fixed shaft tools. 

Bit of top-roping fun at 'Irishtown' on some sketchy-condition ice. Forrest tools. Forgot to bring the gaiters so had to roll the pant legs - always sliced the heck out of the cuffs stumbling around in crampons. Must be cold this day - got out the wool hat.

More TR fun along Meadow Run up in Ohiopyle SP ('84). Lowe Hummingbird Hammer w/ tubular pic in left hand. 

Didn't take too many photographs back in the early days. Was more concerned with not killing ourselves. Wish we had been a bit more extensive with the photography.