Problems with the operation of Lionel reissue of American Flyer #583A Electromagnetic Crane (49819)

Hate to break the news, but the problem is in the design . The idiots put 4 quadrants under the cab with a full house of ball bearings --- no place for the balls to roll !!  & on top of that they put a tacky grease in there. The belt drive will not over power the grease & the balls having no place to roll. Same belt as used on the repro barrel loader, after sitting the belt will not work properly. Have to take the snap ring off the bottom of the cab assembly , clean out the grease & install only one ball bearing in each quadrant. Heaven help you in putting the assembly back together.

Good Luck !

Bob G.

Sorry to hear of your difficulties. Not to sound like a recurring grumpy-dump but for most AF operating accessories, permit me to post again that one is usually better off obtaining Gilbert originals in decent shape. The originals are often better engineered, operate better, and original and repro parts are readily available if needed. With a few exceptions (e.g., Gabe, Track Gang) the cost differential to get an original over a reissue is not great. As Exhibit A, compare an original Louie the Loader with the reissue. I rest my case.

Respectfully,

Bob

@Bob Guckian posted:

Hate to break the news, but the problem is in the design . The idiots put 4 quadrants under the cab with a full house of ball bearings --- no place for the balls to roll !!  & on top of that they put a tacky grease in there. The belt drive will not over power the grease & the balls having no place to roll. Same belt as used on the repro barrel loader, after sitting the belt will not work properly. Have to take the snap ring off the bottom of the cab assembly , clean out the grease & install only one ball bearing in each quadrant. Heaven help you in putting the assembly back together.

Good Luck !

Bob G.

Bob, thank you for the guidance.  BTW: do you have a recommendation for new grease?  Chris

No grease  needed

Bob G.

@Bob Guckian posted:

No grease  needed

Bob G.

Bob, I need a little bit more guidance.  I am not sure that I found the snap ring that releases the cab assembly.  I removed a C-clip at the end of the shaft that goes through the plastic gear box/belt housing.  However, it didn't release the cab assembly.  Is there another snap ring or C-clip that I am missing?  By the way, I can see all the ball bearings.  What were they thinking?

It's the  big c clip ( 3/8ths or so ) in the middle of the unit.  The hard part of reassembly is the washer under the c clip i spring loaded !

  Bob G.

@Bob Guckian posted:

The idiots put 4 quadrants under the cab with a full house of ball bearings ...

And you're clearly not one?

As an idiot engineer myself, although not employed by Lionel, I'd like to thank you for you unqualified support of the Lionel engineering team.

Those of us professionals who practice the discipline of engineering appreciate positive, constructive criticism when it's warranted.  In this case it definitely appears to be.

Thanks for being constructive and, most importantly, positive.

Mike

@Bob Guckian posted:

It's the  big c clip ( 3/8ths or so ) in the middle of the unit.  The hard part of reassembly is the washer under the c clip i spring loaded !

  Bob G.

Bob, with your additional input, I was able to disassemble and reassemble the crane.  You're correct about reinstalling the large C-clip. It was a real bear.  I found that by strategically positioning/rotating the spring, I was able to get just an enough give in the spring to slip on the C-clip.  Honestly, this is not a task that I want to repeat anytime soon.  I have attached a few photos to help those who may search for this thread in the future.  You will note that I used masking tape on the tower and base to prevent the motor bracket from scratching the finish.  I also used masking tape to stabilize and fix in place the cab after I removed the extra ball bearings.  Again, the worst by far was the reinstallation of the C-clip.