Lionel Intermodal Crane

Just found the Lionel manual. It states, '...works best with O and )-27..."  

What do you consider an O scale load?  It has a 7oz lift capacity, and as long as you don't exceed that it should be fine.

 

I made several mods to mine so it would pickup the Lionel and MTH containers and semi-trailers, the arms wouldn't latch on the Lionel containers and they didn't open quite wide enough.

Standard O Lionel cars/loads.I would be interested in your modifications. I just won one on eBay.

I detailed what I did in a thread here someplace, there was a discussion on IM cranes.

OK, thanks. I'll look for the thread. 

Here you go.

 

https://ogrforum.com/t...modal-crane-question

 

Thanks!  Great info and ideas.

would this unit work on a bnsf maxi stack cars??? I know it would work on the straight track how about on the cruved track????

It won't work on a curved track, it's designed to work on a straight track.  I didn't have any maxi-stack cars when I was testing, but if the dimensions are right. 

 

One issue with the maxi-stack, if they're not loose, the crane obviously can't loosen the top container by itself.

 

thanks there

On Sun, Nov 30, 2014 at 8:01 AM, O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum <
alerts@hoop.la> wrote:

John....I reopened your thread to which you linked above just in case others would like to comment...

 

Alan

Thanks Alan. 

 

The IM crane is a neat accessory when it works right.  I think there's a market for higher quality versions of accessories like this.  Just imagine if the crane had prototypical speeds and no problems with control.

 

I wish Lionel would re-engineer and do this accessory right with the following:

• Metal Gears
• prototypical speeds
• arms down when lifting scale trailer
• arms up sideways when lifting scale containers
• 10 lb lift capacity for containers and trailers
• nylon fishing line and/or superflexible wire for lifting cables[whichever is stronger]
• Railsounds to mimic the reving of the prime mover above the cab
• LED spotlights and driver cab lights
• a generic decorated Mijack crane with stickers for various RR logos to personalize [a la Walthers Mijack]

Agreed. 

I'd add geared drive motors for the transit wheels so that you could position the crane properly with the jerking that goes on trying to get it into the exact desired position.

yes I agree lionel needs to make a little better when did lionel stop making these???