How well does the log loader work that Lionel made, the older metal ones, that lifted the logs up a conveyor belt and then plopped them on a car? Thanks, Jake
The long gray ones? They seem pretty robust and fairly reliable. The biggest issues with them are the drive belt and the motor. The motor was the same ones used in the 736 Berks and due to the positioning, need to be cleaned well so that they run right. Oil and or grease has a tendency to get into the motor and that makes it run loud and poorly, requiring more power to run.
Jim
I think the postwar number for that one is 364 log loader. They are pretty decent. The only one I ever owned was a little bit of a beater and even with a new red belt, it would slip and not consistantly deliver the log up the incline to the dump zone. There is a fair amount of adjustment built in to the old ones to correct my issues, I just couldn’t get mine straightened out tomy satisfaction.
Don’t know about the new ones though.
I personally like the older 164 log loaders (ones with the twin chains and hooks red roof and green base.
Dennis
I have two issues with my 364 (it’s an old one). One is that once the logs are dumped, the weight of them prevents the first couple logs from catching and moving up the belt. The second is that the logs, once they start going, do not always make it all the way up. I changed the belt and tried to clean the motor and lube it, but that did not seem to help. It seems to me that the motor assembly might be mounted slightly crooked. But I don’t know how to adjust that since the connection piece is welded to the frame.
If anyone else has any suggestions for improving the operation, please let us know.
You logs are too slippery. Seriously. Wipe them down with some rosin or the like. The newer glossy stained logs are the worst on the 364.
Rob
I have one on my x-mas layout right now, It works just great, nothing ever goes wrong with it. Yes, logs need to be roughed up a little. Very nice for any layout. Needs alot of space though and a RCS track. Just make sure you have a nice working log dump car.
getting my 364 fine tuned because the logs just slide. I think its the belt that is the problem. From what I hear this is pretty rare and they are very good accessories.
I also have the 164 log loader that is way out of scale but is a great accessory. Never have any problems with it and provides a lot of action.
If you dont care about scale then go with the 164, but if you want a more realistic looking accessory go with the 364. Since your asking about the 364 only… I would say its a good buy.
Roughing up the logs a bit definitely helped. Good suggestion!