Lionel TMCC Crane Car problem

DDB-

 

Reset the TMCC address and feature setting on the crane to see if that clears things up using the procedure outlined in the manual. The blinking green light indicates commands are being sent to the unit, so that's a good sign.

 

As an aside, the crane will not rotate if the lever is not engaged on the rotation gears. You can access this lever via the large sliding door on the right side of the cab.

 

-John

Be careful NOT to try to rotate it by hand with the lever engaged!

These are sort of PITA to repair, I would send it to Lionel or take it to your LHS if they are a repair station.

 

Bill

You just said a mouthful Bill!   I was inside mine once, I hope not to have to do it again!

 

AcelaNYC - I have gone through the "Assigning a new ID# to your crane car" on page 5 of the manual several times. Is that the "Reset the TMCC address and feature setting on the crane" process you suggested ?

 

Thanks

DDB-

 

Yes, that is it. Which ID # did you assign to the crane car?

 

-John

I used 13 as the ID#

DDB-

 

If you haven't done so already, try assigning the unit another ID (other than 99) to see if things resume working.

 

Judging by the wiring diagram (available from Lionel here) there could be a fault in one of the circuit boards or in the turret itself, but at this point I can only recommend sending it in for service. The TMCC crane is an amazing piece, but it has too many moving parts and wires cramped into a very very compact space.

 

-John

 

AcelaNYP John - I tried a few different #s but no change. I agree - looks like I will have to send it out. Lionel gave me this location when I got the RA# Lionel Ohio in Canfield, OH

 

 I noticed that the user manual says how to use it on a conventional layout - I tried that but no difference, no lights came on. How would you control it on a conventional layout anyway?

 

Thanks for your help!

DDB

I have the same exact problem.   I will try to reset the feature code and see if it works.  I suspect the motor board does not work anymore.  I checked on Lionel's web site and they have the part for $100.  If the outriggers work like the do on mine the unit is getting commands.  The out rigger board is is on the bottom and is seperate from the motor board.  I love the crane wished it worked.

Hello jimmysb - thanks for replying. Sounds like we are having the same problem. "Lionel" says there is no reset code except changing ID #s

 

I gave up yesterday and sent it to Lionel Ohio for repair, $60 plus parts. I will post the solution when (if) Lionel tells me what it is.

 

Thanks!

DDB

Mine broke about 10 years ago and has been sitting on the trestle on the layout the whole time since then.   I just started operating the trains again this winter.  I will getting it running again.  It is one if the best items lionel has ever made.

 

Do not ever let the boom string loose. It tangles pretty easy.  I made that mistake and had to restring it from motor pulley.  The string is tied off at the motor pulley in two places.  It actually is a continuous run from the motor pulley through all the pulleys and the back.  This is done so the string can self equalize on the left and right.  Pretty cleaver design.  Anyway to restring it I had remove the motor pulley, cut the string, restring it and tie it off at the pulley.

This is the cardinal rule with the crane car. It's an amazing piece and one of my favorites (especially when paired with the matching boom car), but one wrong move with slack lines guarantees at least an hour's worth of repair time.

 

-John

Amen on the boom string.

 

I initially made the mistake of getting a crane without a boom car. Then next year Santa brought me a boom car. What a difference the sounds make! I especially love the startup sound.

Well, 2 weeks and $160 later I have a working crane car. Sent it to Lionel, they replaced the 691CRAN01 PCB/MOTOR DRIVER BOARD for $100 plus $60 labor.

 

So I'm "happy".....

 

Thanks for all your suggestions and comments!

DDB

DDB-

 

I'm glad it was fixed and all is well!

 

-John

Really, the only way to get your crane fixed is to send it back to Lionel.  I have the original Pennsy version and it gave me on/off operation for years.  I finally sent it in, got it fixed for about the same cost and it operates flawlessly since.  Trying to fix it yourself leads to restringing the cable as mentioned, which took me till 2 am one time.  Lesson learned.