Question about Walthers self propelled, powered crane

[Anonymous]

Does anyone own one of these cranes? It is a Walthers (powered) HO self propelled crane.



From what I understand, the rigging of all the cables is very extensive. What I would like to know is how well do one of these actually run on the track. Though it is self propelled, the actual crane parts have to be operated by hand. It would really be something if someone sold a crane that not only was self propelled, but that all of the crane operations on it were powered as well.

Anyway, I would just like to get some opinions as to weather or not this particullar crane runs pretty smooth on a track, does it have flywheels like engines do? All opinions will be greatly appreciated.

John

[lupo]

Hi John,
It looked OK, but then I let it run . . . . . . . .
Out came a sound I only heard just before my electric drill passed away!
it sounded and smelled like a cheap 1960's locomotive
pardon my technical english for what is following, I'll try my best:
traction is provided by a very small (1/2 inch) electromotor wich is placed in the cab, with a small gear driving a big gear at a 90' angle wich is in the turning centre of the crane, this gear is connected with a small gearbox driving two wormwheels that are inbetween the trucks which are driving 1 axle of each of the 2 trucks. Could not discover any flywheel. It is one very noisy contraption. and does not run smooth

pickup is provided by two copper springs on the axles, one in each truck, pikcing up current from both axles.
Although the box says "Ready-to-run" the model is not build up,
you have to put up the boom and rig it yourself, add extra detailing parts.
overall looks of the model is nice.
Hornhook couplers are packed with this model ( it is fitted with bachmann E-Z mates )

imho the drive is really flimsy, and noth worth the extra money,
MSRP = $54,98 for a powered unit and $ 29,98 for a dummy version.
( btw I payed about $30,= for the powered unit at one of the net shops )


ROCO makes a digitally operated crane:



available at walthers ; http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/625-46800

[BRAKIE]

We have some of these cranes at the club..Some run fairly smooth while others run and sound like a old brass diesel with a KTM drive made in the 60s[:(]..Sadly this seems to be the norm.[:(]

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the information. I sort of figured as much. However, the Roco crane does sound interesting. I think what I need to do is to attend one of the model railroad shows the next time they are in my vincinity and maybe see one of these things in action, and then make a decision.

[Allen Jenkins]

Just keep proding the manufactuers, and they will get it right. the technology is out there, somewhere. What your asking for, is after all, a robot. It will happen, and at first it will cost, and then the cost will go down, with mass production. acj.