Culvert Loader and Unloader issue UPDATE 7-26s

Don,

I purchased the same units.  I haven't hooked them up yet so I am anxious for the replies you get also.

Larry Williams

Don, I do not have these units but I seem to remember watching a video put out by lionel that shows the operation of the units and some tweaks to help its operation.

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uhMEBkXJhc  I did not have time to watch the video again to make sure it was the right one.  Hope it helps.

Justin

Hi Don (and Larry):

I have the Bethlehem culvert loader and unloader (TMCC recent re-issue this summer). The main problem I have had is that the loader is somewhat sensitive to light - mine blinks like a gondola is in position when it isn't. The video comments that these sensors (I believe they are infrared) can be sensitive to light. I usually take a flashlight and shine it on the sensor, the blinking stops, and the unit functions as it should from then on. This blinking happens about 30-50% of the time.

As far as the mechanics, I must say that my pair works flawlessly. I was amazed as I realized how complicated they seem to be. I did watch the Lionel video prior to installation but don't know if that made a difference. The video does give a lot more information about how to adjust the travel of the crane portion.

BTW be careful of the height of your consist and locomotives. I barely missed taking out the whole thing with an intermodal double stack, and the #3751 Northern barely clears with the standard smokestack and will not clear with the accessory smokestacks. It is amazing that I haven't already had to have the loader repaired!

Good luck with it, Don! I really enjoy them.

Bruce

Sorry Don, last post wasn't much help. When they work well (I was lucky) they really are a nice accessory addition. Less problematic than my Icing Station or my Horse Corral.

Regards,

Bruce

Here are some recent threads on the loader/unloader.

Allan

Hi Don!

Did you ever get your problems resolved?

Bruce

I don't have them. But I had the originals with the N&W set back in 1957.

They rarely worked well. Particularly when PRRBill was involved.

I guess Lionel wanted you to have not only the look of the originals, but also the feel of the originals.

Good luck getting them to work better.

Gerry

Thanks to all that responded.  I did watch the Lionel video and got some good ideas to try but am on vacation now in Boone, NC until Tuesday.  I have not had an opportunity to try any of the fixes.  I was a little confused about how to correct the light sensor issue but once I have a chance to work on them, hopefully I can figure it out.

I will let you know how it works out.

Thanks again for the help.

Don

I had a chance to check out the loader and unloader tonight and after some tweaking, I was able to get the loader to work pretty good, at least with the light in my work area at various levels.

I was unable to get the unloader to work at all.  After connecting the power and arranging the car to the correct position to where the overhead lights would blink, I activated the switch, it sounded as though the motor would get a quick pulse of power, but no movement.  Further activation of the switch would get no response.  If I cut power off and then back on, the quick pulse would be heard but once again, no movement.  With this item, I am beginning to suspect a defective board.

Anyone else experienced this problem?

Thanks,

Don