Any thoughts on which ones are the best operators? I keep lookling at cranes from the old tinplate 165 to the current TMCC and I wonder if any have serious flaws - like a weak gear - or a really fussy mechanism? Which one is the most bulletproof?
They just look like way too much fun not to have one on the layout.
I have one of the original 282’s and have been running this for years with no problems. It’s easy to hook up and provides a lot of play value!!!
The 282 has a reputation for being finicky, but really works pretty well.
I have mine hooked up to an AIU on DCS, so that I can run it from the DCS handheld. Pretty neat to be able to stand anywhere on the layout (carpet/floor layout) and be able to control the crane. Pretty neat to be able to operate a piece of equipment designed and built when I was a mere sprout from 21st century electronics too.
I’d like to see a scratchbuilt ship to train gantry crane. Would be about 8 feet tall. Make it operational. Also like to see operational side loaders and straddle loaders.
Then I’d be sorely tempted to go Modern.
But the old Hurley cranes, at least some of them, are still on the job.
How about the modern reissues? #2316 or #12922
I figure I can add a magnet to a non-magnetic crane…
I have the Bethlehem Gantry crane # 24134 that picks up coal and does an excellent job. Had to experiment with different medium and found that the coal that comes with the bathtub gondolas worked the best.
Laz 57
While not in the same class, the Marx derrick crane that straddles the trains is a real favorite of mine - all hand operated: turning the crane, lowering and raising the hook = but it works well.
I have a 182 which I’m very happy with. I have overhauled it and find that it is an easy mechanism to work with and there are no touchy adjustments. I have seen nice complete ones in the $125.00 range on Ebay. Be sure the proper controller comes with it because it will be very difficult to buy one separately.
If you get a postwar 282, be sure to get the redesigned one, which i believe carries the designation 282R.
Jim
Yeah, get the 282R. I have the early (282) version. It has a hard time spinning left due to the clutch assemble. But, it works good for me, and I recommend it for any layout.
Thanks for all the info guys! I’m on the hunt.
I just purchased a 12922 with the same thought about adding a magnet. Did you have any luck doing so? I would also be interested in how to motorize the frame. I don’t seem to see much out there but maybe I am looking in the wrong place.