T-Repro Dorfan No. 70 Crane Parts

Hi everyone,

I am looking for two items in standard gauge. The first one is not critical but I wil like to have it anyway. It is the wiring diagram for a Dorfan #3930 engine. The second is a must have. It is a set of replacement body halves for the same #3930 engine. I know that they are/were available at one time. I just missed out on three bodies on a eBay auction. I could have just screamed when I missed out on it.

Anyone with either the bodies to sell or info about where I could obtain a set please contact me at hudson5344@aol.com.

Thank you for sny any help you my be able to give me.

1. asmith1440 posted:

   Thanks for the repair advice.  I'm a bit hesitant to repair these load-bearing supports - not that I intend to pull up tree stumps with it (or haul around a 408e as here: http://tcaetrain.org/articles/...rfancrane/index.html), but it would be nice to make use of it as more than a display piece.  

   ...and with parts availability being what it is, I just might be stuck.

    

   There is this about it - with the broken diecast, it's a perfect replica of a Dorfan product! 

    

   Andy

   Did you ever get your crane repaired?

Steve

Hi Steve: Nope - I did not go down that route, but got fully refunded for the purchase. I actually went through the refund process TWICE with different auction houses. Both cranes were shipped in their original packing, both arrived with broken supports, and I returned both for refunds. If I ever decide I really need one of these, it'll be WITHOUT shipping!

Too bad, a very cool accessory.

Steve

Steve,

Have you considered JB Weld? I did it on mine and am very happy with the results. I had two clean breaks on one leg and had to fill in a void where the casting crumbled. If the break is clean and the pieces fit back together nicely, JB Weld can be a pretty strong hold. It takes at least 24 hours before the joint can support weight independently. I don't recall how many of your legs broke. I would consider laying the crane down and repairing legs disconnected from the crane. I did mine while attached to the crane, because the other three legs had enough support.

George

It's a shame no one has reproduced these support legs. Many have broke over the years.

John Wheeler had some made for his personal project but had extras made. As of York he still has some.

Steve

I had the same problem with the Smith Metal Works Standard Gauge turntable.  UPS broke two before I drove up to pick up the third and last from Bob Thon.  The Dorman cranes are beautiful, but the legs are fragile!

Unfortunately, those legs are the. Achille's Heel of an otherwise great accessory, both originals and repros. I once received a new repro crane some years ago with a broken support leg, which apparently occurred during shipping, although it was properly packed, and the box showed no sign of damage. The OGR Forum member seller gave me a full refund. Naturally, it was a HUGE disappointment, but I decided to not try again!

If I ever find one at a good price with legs broke legs.  I would use angle aluminum angle to make 4 replacement legs, thewn paint them. My not looks as nice, but will work

Maybe someone could manufacture some duplicate cast aluminum legs to serve as replacements?

You could call T Rperoductions LLC at 1-800-825-4287 and see if they still have the molds to make new ones.

Tinplate Art posted:

Maybe someone could manufacture some duplicate cast aluminum legs to serve as replacements?

Duplicated cast aluminum legs would probably cost way more than the item is worth. Mold for the rivets abd cut outs plus the machining.
As I mentioned before is to make all four legs out of aluminum angle stock. Drilling out the mounting holes and if you want something fancy, one could always drill large holes through the angle on both sides to make it look like this below then paint to match.
Going to keep my eyes open for a damaged crane

Would injection molded high-grade engineering plastics such as the BASF polymers, Luran-S or Vestilene, have sufficient strength? It could also be molded in the correct color and the cost would be less than cast aluminum and would look great! Maybe it even could be done on a high quality 3D printer?

Tinplate Art posted:

Would injection molded high-grade engineering plastics such as the BASF polymers, Luran-S or Vestilene, have sufficient strength? It could also be molded in the correct color and the cost would be less than cast aluminum and would look great! Maybe it even could be done on a high quality 3D printer?

It would look great in plastic. Injection mold cost vs total sales would be a problem, unless someone makes a rubber mold and uses a two part resin with the dye to match the color. There may be two molds needed as the way the angle/mounting are situated.