I have the article from Classic Toy Trains from 2009 on how to move the crane with an 18v motor but the wiring instructions are vague.
Also the parts list is from radio shack and in checking the parts numbers they do not show up. Does anyone have plans on adding lateral movement to the gantry crane? Thanks as always.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Here's one way
Bob, thanks for the video. Just watching it is fun.
Hi Bob, I'm at work and your video is being blocked so I will have to watch it at home.
As for the Gantry crane project it must be one of the most popular projects in the hobby.
I am doing one also and it is coming along very well but I had a couple of issues to deal with like the seven volt gear motor assembly that I tried to use to drive it. It turned out to be far to weak to do the job. I started to hunt around for an 18 VDC motor and they where all over sevnty five bucks. I went to BJ's, that's one of those club stores and they had an 18VDC battery hand drill for twenty dollars. To me it was a no brainer so I brought it home. After taking it apart to get at the motor the chuck came out with it so I used it to drive my 1/4-20 rod. An MTH building was on sale to club members and it worked perfectly to cover the motor and chuck assembly.
I am almost at the point where I too can do a little video of it but you know how these projects go, everytime we are close to being done another great idea pops into our heads and off we go.
But I did print out your post so to keep it for future reference, I never know when I have to borrow an idea.
Didn't one of the guys at TAS (earnie?) develop a kit for this and for TMCC control?
There are scores of suitable motors on the bay that can be had for a few bucks. Just search on DC gearmotor. You will probably want to look for one that has an output speed of 100-300 RPMs. You can vary the applied motor voltage by +/- 50% in most cases without harm to adjust the speed. Most DC motors used in our trains are actually 12 volt motors and withstand 20 volts.
Example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-Gea...;hash=item2a1ef2b6b0
Knowing the the drive RPM and the thread pitch of the threaded rod you use for a lead screw will allow you to calculate how fast the crane will move.
TAS offered a chain drive system to move the crane. They were also working on a TMCC system that fit in the crane cab but I don't believe that was ever offered to the public.
Pete
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
