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Post by Michael on Feb 1, 2013 16:13:42 GMT -5
I think knowing what I do know and having thought about it for a good amount of time here are some pros and cons (Kevin, or anyone else, please correct me or offer up counter-arguments where they apply) Pros: 1. The ladder was a perfect replica.
2. The ladder placement was correct in every sense.
3. One man did it without ever trying it before.
4. He carried a weighted sack coming out.
5. I think this shows that under ideal circumstances this can be done. That surprises me, but this experiment proves it. Cons: 1. The person who performed this was a trained Fireman for, I believe, at least 35 years.
2. There was a safety rope on him. Whether or not it assisted him I don't know. But I do know that when you aren't afraid you will fall then you have more confidence in the attempt and willing to take more risk you wouldn't normally make.
3. It was not done at night.
4. It was not done in the wind and rain.
5. I don't believe the pull toy was on top of the suitcase during this event so we don't know if it would have been knocked off or not. *Again, I wasn't there but Kevin was. So only he can say with certainty if my comments are legit or not.
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Post by john on Feb 2, 2013 3:24:44 GMT -5
The weather is and always has been an issue with me, Michael.
There's also the anxiety factor, as it's nearly impossible to work this into the experiment. Whoever did the snatch could not have been relaxed,--nearly impossible under the circumstances without Valium.
Also, watchfulness, which could only add to the tension, as whoever climbed the ladder was continually aware of, if alone, the possible movement of someone on the first floor (standing up, possibly preparing to go upstairs--and if not, having to listen (again, on a windy/rainy night) for a signal from a confederate, which would be distracting.
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kevkon
Lt. Colonel
Posts: 2,800
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Post by kevkon on Feb 2, 2013 6:21:48 GMT -5
Well, I'd say climbing in front of a camera and a crew is certainly an anxious experience. As for the weather, it would have made it more difficult but certainly possible. As for the fireman angle. So what? Firemen don't spend nearly as much time on ladders as tradesmen do. The rope was slack at all times. The rough surface of the wall actually helped stabilize the ladder. Bottom line; It could absolutely have been done by a single person. That is not a position I held prior to the climb.
Amy, I can see no way anyone could tell with certainty the handedness of the builder. In fact, most carpenters are somewhat ambidextrous.
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Post by Michael on Feb 2, 2013 8:43:09 GMT -5
Thanks Kevin.
I think the Fireman aspect is important because they train going in and out of windows under emergency conditions, extremely dangerous places, and rescue situations.
All of your observations here are important. The stucco point is something only one there would be able to realize. Do you think someone planning this crime factored the stucco ahead of time?
The other question is this... Did that experiment change your mind about 3 sections being used or do you find they still probably were?
Weather and darkness. But, as Kevin points out, its something that can be done. It's probably why in Sisk's Report he wrote impossible then stuck it out (impossible) and re-wrote extremely difficult in its place.
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Post by arthur45 on Feb 19, 2013 8:58:10 GMT -5
Obviously there exists a lack of knowledge about laddering skills possessed by painters and carpenters and roofers. Fear is not a factor for these folks - they may be more careful in their movements during adverse conditions, but guess what ? The kidnapper was only climbing to the second floor, with soft earth below. He knew he couldn't be killed, or even badly injured by a fall from such a low height (unless he was extremely unlucky). A good ladder man knows how to fall, by the way. People who don't use ladders everyday or have not observed experienced workers using them are not qualified to make any judgments about same, as are being attempted here. This is rank amateur detective stuff. Evidence at the scene (marks 30 inches below the window that clearly showed where the top of the ladder had rested, as measured with the actual ladder in two sections). There is no rational explanation for confusion as to how the ladder was used, especially when it is so obvious that the shutters precluded the use of all three sections. This is, parenthetically,more evidence of the slipshod manner in which the crime was planned. As for anything PBS' NOVA ever claims - pay them no attention - they have consistently over the years lied , hidden or disregarded evidence that would contradict their claims.etc. There simply is no possible way to perfectly "replicate" a ladder made 80 years ago, using wood not available today, worked with tools different than used by the kidnapper, etc, etc. A perfect replica is an illusion. More nonsensical stuff from NOVA. And remember, a replica ladder was made during the investigation and tested by many investigators, and none had any difficulty gaining access to the nursery or coming back down - Swazkopf even unintentionally replicated Hauptmann's fall, from the exact same part of the ladder. All ladders aside, the entry did not require an acrobat. It was a piece of cake. Doubts about the ability of a single person to perform the deed only exist in the minds of those determined to prove Hauptmann had an accomplice. I claim that simple logic and the crime scene evidence (the abandoned ladder and chisel) proves without doubt that there could not possibly have been two kidnappers. That idea flies in the face of reality.
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