In the new catalog, the gantry crane is presented as remote control only operation. From where does it get the power to operate?
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Does it have the usual levered control panel? Is that what is meant by "remote Control"? If so, then 2 wires connect to the control panel and a cable goes to the crane. If TMCC, then I don't know. I suspect the arrangement would be similar.
Chris
LVHR
It is command controlled. No wired controller. I wondered about power as well, especially since this unit is mobile (With the right tracks...which I have).
The power could be fed from the tracks.
Pete
The Gantry Crane in the new catalog is part of the 'Plug and Play' line of accessories they're introducing so assume the power comes from the P&P system. Don't have the catalog in front of me but it uses a special track section, a lock-on device and associated wire/cable.
Not sure about Plug and Play since the crane can be wheeled along special tracks or simply straddle existing track. Check out the catalog picks. Odd.
The catalog states that it will be used on a track section that is NOT supplied but available from other manufacturers or made by the users. I suspect it will be via track power as others have suggested.
Originally Posted by johnstrains:
The Gantry Crane in the new catalog is part of the 'Plug and Play' line of accessories they're introducing so assume the power comes from the P&P system. Don't have the catalog in front of me but it uses a special track section, a lock-on device and associated wire/cable.
You guys are probably right. But it is specifically shown in the Plug and Play section with the P&P label at the top of the page.
Guess we'll find out. Or somebody will. I have no interest in this one.
I think track power makes sense since it's command control only. I do intend to find out, I want one! Just hoping they don't price it out of my reach. Ross and Gargraves make the special track referred to in the catalog. I didn't know about that track, had to ask about it here on the forum.
Just curious if anyone has found any new info. on how the crane is powered.
The Bucyrus Erie model looks sharp!
Power is picked up via the wheels on the track.
The wheels straddle the track which contains the power for the layout. The wheels of the crane can ride a parallel set of tracks, of course, but it still begs the question of how the crane is powered.
Attach power to the tracks that straddle the main line. I believe there is an aux Power connection under the crane if the track power option is not available.
Originally Posted by POTRZBE:
The wheels straddle the track which contains the power for the layout. The wheels of the crane can ride a parallel set of tracks, of course, but it still begs the question of how the crane is powered.
You put power to the two outer rails on this piece of track
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Originally Posted by SantaFeFan:
Attach power to the tracks that straddle the main line. I believe there is an aux Power connection under the crane if the track power option is not available.
Jon
I have a different question. Putting whatever warranty issues there might be aside, how difficult would it be to modify this crane to work in conventional mode. Reason I ask is that we are thinking of getting one for the club layout, but during our open house shows we only run conventional.
Originally Posted by tr18:
Originally Posted by SantaFeFan:
Attach power to the tracks that straddle the main line. I believe there is an aux Power connection under the crane if the track power option is not available.
Jon
I have a different question. Putting whatever warranty issues there might be aside, how difficult would it be to modify this crane to work in conventional mode. Reason I ask is that we are thinking of getting one for the club layout, but during our open house shows we only run conventional.
It would be just easier to find the older version on ebay or at a dealer that still has one in the back that was TMCC / Conventional and just use that in conventional mode with the 3 levers which are a lot of fun. I often see them or the or just conventional versions at train shows.
The downside is the crane is not going to move down the tracks without the hand of god helping it.
If this is important to you, a few years ago, there was an article in one of the train magazine which featured an article where someone used a small motor and a metal rod to push / pull it along which could be done to a post war or modern crane.
I'm sure someone at your club may have that article in their collection.
As stated in my earlier post to this thread both Gargraves and Ross make the track (shown in tr18's post above) needed for the gantry crane.
My order for one of these nifty items was placed a few months ago, before the order deadline, and I am eagerly awaiting it's arrival.
"The downside is the crane is not going to move down the tracks without"
my interpretation from catalog was that the crane would be self propelled.
Originally Posted by Forrest Jerome:
"The downside is the crane is not going to move down the tracks without"
my interpretation from catalog was that the crane would be self propelled.
That quote was referring to the conventional/TMCC one being discussed by pmilazzo two posts above. Not the new command one.
Oops. My bad.
I also have one on pre-order. Looking forward to adding it to the layout.
Ive never used either. But you only have two feeds on the new ones, the tracks.
So to run "conventionally", I think you could use relays, or (modified(?) e-units.
8 commands=2 e-units I think. 4 positions each.
With DC voltage, I think you can cut that to one with a remote polarity switch.
Each position change should have the polarity preset before power is added.
E.g. in DC,Polarity=direction & cycling the power off/on for pos.#1,2, 3, 4.
on= Pos.#1=gantry
off / on= Pos.#2=swing
" " = Pos.#3=boom
" " = Pos.#4=cable
" " = Pos. #1 again
Originally Posted by SantaFeFan:
Power is picked up via the wheels on the track.
Thanks Jon! Always great to get the facts from the source.
This is going to be one great item! Sure to be a crowd pleaser with kids of all ages at open houses!
Originally Posted by Lionel Grandpa:
I also have one on pre-order. Looking forward to adding it to the layout.
I have pre-ordered many items over the last few years and was never really in a hurry to get them. Just when ever they shipped was fine. This is item different, I am really looking forward to getting the Legacy command control gantry crane and wish it would hurry up and get here! More like a kid waiting for Christmas on this one. I also think this will be my grandson's favorite item when it gets set up.
