Gantry Crane Issues

[Justraincrazy]

Help! Our Bethlehem Steel Gantry Crane 24134, purchased new, has developed a couple issues. The rotational motor and electromagnet raise/lower motors both make shrill noises while rotating in both directions. These motor/geartrain noises are getting worse and worse. Meanwhile, now the rotational movement and magnet lift/drop movement seems sporadic - sometimes the motors run but we get no motion, other times the motion is fine, but the motor noise remains. The accessory has been seldom used, but is a centerpiece installed over the river at the center of the layout. Is it time to remove the crane and lubricate the motor/gear units? Are these units similar to the much older gantry crane units I've seen exploded views of in my repair books with motors and clutches - they certainly appear different from the outside. Before I unwire and remove the crane, which will be difficult as it's built into the scenery, I want to be prepared. Anyone have any experience with this crane?

[TrainLarry]

The newer units use can motors and a gearbox. They also have an 'o' ring that may need to be replaced. Definitely take it apart and check/lubricate it.

Larry

[Plate Rail]

The  6-12862 drum loader uses the identical gearbox.  The gears can be greased through an access hole without pulling the gearbox apart.  A little oil on each axle pin will also help improve performance.    A little lube turned an overheating, noisy, almost seized mess into a perfect operating accessory again.

Bruce

[Justraincrazy]

I want to thank you both for the replies. These convinced me to pull the centrally-mounted crane up as far as I could on our 6x16 layout to flip it over and lube it as you described. Five minutes work with a little Labelle and it's as good as new. I'm so scared to overlubricate that I seldom put more than a touch on anything. I guess I'll have to change my ways! Thanks again, I can hear my boys running the crane in the train room now, I'll give them a few minutes extra before I send them up to bed.