Looking for feedback on Lionel's command control Gantry Crane's #82022 Lionel Steel or #82097 Bucyrus

Hi Jeff,

We have two of these  It requires the Gargraves track to operate.  We hooked them up at 18 V as a siding so that we can turn power off and on.  Using the Cab 2 handheld, give it an engine ID and go to the setup (info) button and choose Crane mode.  

So far they have been flawless.  Moving up and down the track works well.  It takes a bit of getting used to to continually turn the red button to make them move, but once you get used to it, it is easy.  We had operated it in Cab1 mode for several months before discovering that Crane mode makes it run much smoother.  

Any of the movements, such as rotating the Cab, take a bit of patience and a light touch, less is more, but a bit of practice and you will get the idea.

There is also a Crane Sounds workhouse that adds the sounds (6-82035).

Have fun.  It is one of our favorite accessories.

Marti & Hubert

Thanks for the info, just what I was looking for!!

Jeff

My four year old grandson loves operating it with the CAB2.

Neal Jeter

I got one when they first came out. Works great and my grandson (now 13) still likes it. Lots of fun for all ages. I also got the work house that goes with it for sounds. Ross also makes a special 'gantry track' for it, along with Gargraves. They are different lengths.  

Thanks everyone for the info!

Hi guys, how many sections of GG track did you use for your crane to look & operate realistic?

Tommy

We have two of these cranes, so we have two pieces of the GG track (37” each).  That gives us plenty of room to play.  If you have room for two pieces, put in two.  If not, the one will certainly work.  We wired the outside rails separately from the track so that we could turn them off and on separately.  We use a BPC2 for all of our sidings and just made the outside rails of the GG track a separate siding.

Also remember, if you are not using GG track, it will take some transition pieces.  Ours is Fastrack, so we needed the Fastrack transition piece to Lionel tubular, then using the GG pins to replace the pins on the tubular.

Hi, We're using GG and have one crane track but thinking about two to give us plenty of workspace for loading and unloading gondolas.  We may have to chop a small piece of the 2nd crane track to fit but don't know.  What is a BPC2???

Tommy

Ross gantry track is 29" and Gargraves is 37",  you may not have to cut anything? They are similar in appearance, but not exact. I have one of each and may end up using them both connected together? For now I'm only using one section of it. 

BPC is Block Power Controller for use with Lionel command control equipment. For switching power to blocks, sidings, etc.

Thanks RTR, that 8 in. may be what I need. I'll look at it.

Tommy

I got one when they first came out and use it a lot. It is a terrific toy . I took a part one of the very long tubular tracks made by Lionel and laid it to tracks alongside my regular railroad track and wired that track from the regular railroad. Works like a charm, just keep the rails clean.