Hi guys, I’m not really that much into the classic toy trains other than I LOVE the accessories and envy the choice of Locomotives available. But on to my question… I want to build a gantry crane, like the 182, but in roughly 1:20 - 1:22 scale. I’m looking for dimensions, ‘exploded’ diagrams, in depth rebuilds, etc… to help me figure out how these operate, any help is appreciated! Thanks in advance guys! 
(bump)
Sorry, don’t have one, but I’m sure someone does…
Here’s the 282 portal gantry crane diagrams. http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=278
I have not found an exploded view of the 165 or the 182 cranes. I can measure if you like.
The 182 crane transmission is made up of a worm gear drive. Movement is controlled by celenoids (one each side) pushing gears into place on the worm gear.
Drop me an e-mail. It’s on my profile.
Brutus: Thanks for the bump. Spring clean up has me outdoors most of the time.
Kurt
Well, alot of what I need are dimensions for the cab/house(?) part of the crane…as well as the height of the base, so I can figure out what they’ll be when scaled up… so if you don’t mind, measuring would be awesome… I won a 182 on ebay today (been wanting one since i was little anyway), but it’s gonna be at least 2 weeks till I have it…so a jump start would be awesome.
The Lionel 182 Gantry Crane is not a 1/4" = 1’-0" scale model. Here are the dimensions nonetheless.
The cabhouse is 2" wide x 4-7/8" long at the center, and 4-3/4" at the side x 1-21/32" high at the center and 1-5/16" high at the side.
The base height is 6-3/4" high; The base is 5-9/32" square at the bottom, and 4" square at the top.
Kurt
Awesome, thank you very much sir!