Need help with modern Gantry Crane

I have the exact same problem with my modern Lionel gantry crane. I believe the problem relates to the gears. Hopefully, someone on the Forum can share their knowledge and possible solutions.

Incidentally, I also have the Postwar Lionel gantry crane, which has run flawlessly on my layout for over 20 years.

Arnold

I've had the same problem, both with the operation and the lack of a diagram. It's been a few year now, but I just started taking it apart until I could get at the gears, being careful not to do anything with the "cables". What I discovered is that the grease Lionel used had solidified … and they used a lot of it. I had to literally pick and dig the grease out of the gears. I didn't have enough grease to properly re-grease it and that's probably why the counterclockwise rotation makes a grinding noise. I intend to disassemble it again at some point, maybe over the holidays.

I hope this helps a bit. Sorry that I don't have any pictures or a better memory.

It is probably the O-Ring belt slipping. I found replacement O-rings at Ace Hardware. Home  Centers should have them also in the plumbing dept. Have had to replace them on a couple modern cranes. Getting to the belts is a little work but not to bad. Just go slow and watch how it comes apart .

I have similar problem my Gantry Crane is New York Central Gantry Crane 6-12922 it operates perfect by means of its original remote control but hesitates to run with the AMC using TMCC when bypassing the diodes. This accessory is featured with two DC motors, since the power is AC, the crane original remote controller has incorporated four diodes that will change one of the poles from AC power to DC + o - power, depending on which side you turned on the lever of the remote.  It works nice this way, however when attempting running it through the AMC device controlled from the CAB1 remote it hesitates to run.  I have configured the AMC for the DC output  but only makes a humming  noise . If I connect it through the diode from the AMC output it runs, but I cannot change its rotating direction.

An electric diagram would be greatly appreciated, please send any link about it or any suggestions on this issue to connect it properly.

Thanks

@DGJONES and @Arnold D. Cribari, did you ever get your gantry cranes running? My son's 6-24114 AMC/ARC Gantry Crane wasn't rotating when I set it up yesterday, even though that motor was running. I carefully opened up the gearbox to find that, just like in @Jim Brenner's case, the grease on the worm and worm gear had hardened. Cleaning and regreasing them got the crane rotating as right (and left) as rain. NB: There are three plastic tabs used to hold the gearbox-case together. I was able to gently pry them enough to release them.

@Matt_GNo27 posted:

@DGJONES and @Arnold D. Cribari, did you ever get your gantry cranes running? My son's 6-24114 AMC/ARC Gantry Crane wasn't rotating when I set it up yesterday, even though that motor was running. I carefully opened up the gearbox to find that, just like in @Jim Brenner's case, the grease on the worm and worm gear had hardened. Cleaning and regreasing them got the crane rotating as right (and left) as rain. NB: There are three plastic tabs used to hold the gearbox-case together. I was able to gently pry them enough to release them.

Can testify, also!

Repaired my pair of this generation of gantries years ago, and three more for LHS customers.   Same problem.  Yes, it's a bit of work.  The tabs on the gear housing that Matt mentioned are a bit of a challenge, but the second+ redos were MUCH easier than the first.

After thoroughly cleaning the OE "grease" (,,,) from the gears and inside of the housing, I used LaBelle 106 Plastic Compatible w/PTFE (Teflon) Grease on the reassemble.  Since then both of my cranes (magnet and clamshell) have worked absolutely flawlessly every single time I turn on the accessory power.

As such, they're fun favorites for sure!!

KD

Glad to hear you were able to get it working. Mine is still okay, but I think I need to pick up some of the grease KD mentioned.

@dkdkrd posted:

I used LaBelle 106 Plastic Compatible w/PTFE (Teflon) Grease on the reassemble.

I used white lithium grease and I assume that the gears are made of Delrin or a similar plastic. It hadn't occurred to me that white lithium grease wouldn't be compatible. Is it?

@Matt_GNo27 posted:

I used white lithium grease and I assume that the gears are made of Delrin or a similar plastic. It hadn't occured to me that white lithium grease wouldn't be compatible. Is it?

It's not so much a compatibility thing, it's just long term what happens. Both grease types have high solids content- by name. One is lithium solids, one is PTFE. Both are suspended in what is likely natural oil derived- meaning refined-AKA distilled. The reason that matters is distilling is not "perfect" and natural oils contains different molecules of other products some being lighter oils and solvents, that given enough time and heat- evaporate. This leaves the solids with no liquid- again given a long enough timeline.

Now sure, one could talk about a situation where the oils and other compounds in a grease are chemically incompatible with a specific plastic or rubber type- but generally that's not what is happening in this topic.

Further, most likely the OEM grease Lionel used that is tan in color was Lithium grease from that time era.

Having become frustrated with the crane, I sold mine at a huge loss for someone else to deal with.

I hope you are able to get yours going again.

Happy railroading,

Don

@Matt_GNo27 posted:

I used white lithium grease and I assume that the gears are made of Delrin or a similar plastic. It hadn't occurred to me that white lithium grease wouldn't be compatible. Is it?

Best way to confirm would be to contact the grease company...or check their website (assumption, there) and see if there's a FAQ or similar contact/question provision.  Sometimes it's buried in the 'fine print' on the can, tube, cartridge, peg card,...whatever.

But, if the accessory is still operating well, you're probably OK.  The use of LaBelle products is one of those confidence-through-personal-experience items.  For a gearbox such as in these gantries, it was my first and best go-to at the time.  There's a lot of other good, compatible products out there, I'm sure.

OTOH, the Forumites have convinced me that Red 'n Tacky by Lucas is an excellent product for our hobby, especially in old PW gearboxes...which is what I now use for those old metal geared drives...such as the set of PW F3's I just resuscitated...after replacing few of the gears (Thank you, Jeff @ T/T).  Very nice, indeed!

At 79 years of age, I have my 'gravities', if you know what I mean!  Never too old to learn...within my growing list of limitations, of course,...

I remain...KD

BTW...RE assuming plastic composition of these accessory gears?...  I'd be willing to bet the preferred $$$-saving choice they would make would be less costly...like a version of Nylon.  Not so much an issue for the gear drive of the subject accessory, Nylon gears have been as baneful as zinc pest in the product history of this hobby...all scales.  Nylon is hygroscopic...properties affected by water.  Too much and/or too little.  (Anyone else experienced cracked nylon gears that had been pressed onto a knurled metal shaft through the last, oh say, 80+ years???)  Nothing to do with 'lubrication'.  A LOT to do with humidity changes...anywhere...anytime.  And...just like zinc pest...continuing to this day...unfortunately.   All about the $$$.  Of course.  Just sayin'.