Can I replace the stock controller that came with the Modern Era (6-12834) Lionel Gantry Crane with a Post War 165C Controller?
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Short answer, not easily.
Long answer, not as a direct drop in replacement. The 165/182 cranes used a different circuit and mechanism from the gantry cranes (282, et all.).
If you wanted to, I am sure you could rewire a 165C controller to work with a gantry crane, but it is not as simple as splicing the cables (I believe the gantry crane has one less solenoid and, therefore, one less wire and a simpler controller.).
Regards,
Appreciate the timely reply. Fact is, I'm in the process of re-building my layout and neglected to allow for an area to mount a controller. Since I aim for easy access by 3' - 4' visitors, and my knowledge of electrical wiring is limited, I'm thinking it might be safer for me to add a small base/platform to my bench work to accommodate the original controller.
I would recommend a complete inspection of the gantry crane assembly and controller, check the 5 wire ribbon wire for cracking and flexibility, oil the motor wick and grease the gears also remove the plastic controller cover and use electrical contact cleaner on the three brass contact strips. Prior to reapplying the plastic cover to the controller connect the controller to the Lionel transformer or substitute, neutral to neutral, power to 14 volt supply on transformer, cycle all three levers. If performing correctly reapply the plastic cover on the controller. I just went through this procedure on my crane Model 182R, the origional instructions are on the web search Lionel Gantry Crane Model 182R.
