up to? Oh nothing, just turning a Navy Airship (dirigible/blimp) USS Akron by the rudder on a railcar while the bow pivots on the mast

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/albums/72157643072667333

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/albums/72157667480712492

It must have been the most incredible experience to crew that airship.