After some research I discovered the lot was part of a 1970ish triang RS602 freight set, quite interesting I thought.
The crane was generally in good order for its age, but I’ve had the brainwave to try and motorise its so I can simulate container loading/unloading operations.
It looks very much like a toy compared to modern display-only and operating container cranes but the latter are very expensive so I will persevere with it as a challenge of my model engineering skills as well as an expansion of my layout’s operational interest. The four point grappling hook can be temperamental so I am thinking of modifying it to use an electromagnet with metal added to the inside of the container roofs for more reliable operation.
