Have anyone here had experience with Roco digital cranes? Either stationary or a wreck crane? They idea is amazing! You can heve electromagnet, hook and bucket for sand loading. Looks like they’ve been out for a couple of yeras but I am surprised no one here ever mentioned one.
I’ve seen a few reviews - looks pretty cool. Roco also offer a joystick-type controller for them which wouldn’t be a bad idea - as it’s designed for the crane the function buttons are placed specifically to suit the model (rather than their positioning on a standard throttle).
I saw one in operation on a club layout several years ago, and I was quite amazed! Rather pricey at the time, at $250.00 I think. It should be noted that it only works on DCC, using the normal DCC controller.
Bob Boudreau
Looks like noone here actually owns one of these cranes [:)]
Anybody have any photos, or a link to them? I’m curious to see what this crane looks like, all though I think it’s a little pricey for me.
Noah
This site has pictures and even video.
http://www.polar.sunynassau.edu/~fanellis/cranes.html
I’ll post pictures in about a week, when my order arrives.
Noah,
Here’s a link to one of the Roco cranes they’re discussing, I think:
http://www.roco.com/grid.aspx?grid=Digital
Scroll about halfway down. Dimastep types faster than I do.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543
Thanks for posting those links. I like looks of it, but I think it’s a little out of my price range…
Noah
I watched one in operation at a train show a couple of years ago - quite impressive. And fairly easy to modify to look a bit more like a typical US railroad heavy crane. Confusing to control at first, with a regular DCC controller. The Roco controller I believe only works on a Roco/Lenz system.
No, it’s not cheap, but there’s a lot crammed int here for the price.
–Randy
Yes , I have one and they are fun ,send hours playing . $$$ yes 400.00 new , i got my for 175.00 used. don’t work on mrc 2000 .
If you want one, better get it now; as noted in another post Roco has declared bankruptcy.
Bob Boudreau
Hello all,
I have both the breakdown crane and the gantry crane. I bought both used, so they were more affordable. I also have the joystick, which makes the operation much easier. The breakdown crane has to be run on an isolated section of track. Both are built to Roco’s high standards, and are very fun to operate. Plus, visitors can be kept occupied for long periods of time having fun loading and unloading material!
John
Got my gantry crane today. Yep, it is sweet! Works like a clock so far. Too bad Roco will be gone soon.
On thing I am wondering though - how come noone else ever made DCC cranes? It isn’t that hard to make and even at the price Roco sells them they should sell good. After all if a lot of people can spend $300 on loco, why won’t they spend $300 on an operarting crane. You only need one anyway.