It's here!
I set up a little diorama on the kitchen table with the crane being the centerpiece, I'll probably add a video later.
The style and colors fit in perfectly with my Lionel accessories. An the crane operates smooth as butter and isn't even that loud (especially compared to my 165). The paint is in fantastic shape apart from 2 almost un-noticeable dings on the base. The whole thing towers above everything else, I can't wait to take it to one of our displays.
This was one of the main reasons I wanted one of these, the mechanical controls are a very cool leap above the little plastic button controllers Lionel and American Flyer had. The little miniature metal handles with their mesh gears give it a cool industrial feel, and the exposed gears are cool to watch. I'm sure a little boy in 1929 would have been absolutely enamored with this toy.
Another thing I liked about this machine over the 165 (apart from obvious size and detail) is the fact that it does not raise & lower the hook when the crane is rotated.
The gear to rotate the cab came loose so I'll have to add a drop of superglue, then I'll probably make a quick video of it operating.
