I just discovered this thread. WOW! Cranes are something that have always been quick to get my attention. I have a crane project posted in the Construction Equipment section here on this site. I'd suggest you at least post a heads up there to your topic. Mine's 1/24 scale, and is also rather freelanced, but follows 1/1 general practices. Take a look?
http://www.rctruckandconstruction.co...read.php?t=203
I can see where we could share some ideas, if you're willing. You sure have a lot of nifty looking hardware there, and it's coming together nicely! Dan