Model Railway Forum

Thanks TWD, I have one of those on my layout as well, not powered though. I rather like cranes.

Walkingthedog wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 1:03 pm ....................... I rather like cranes.

Me too

Cranes have been a necessary part of the railway scene since the very earliest day and therefore every model railway ought to have at least one. The Tri-ang / Hornby hand crane R127 / R6004 is a remarkably good model (for its age) of a Cowans Sheldon 6.5 and 10 ton hand operated crane the prototype of which dates from 1935, and examples of which was still in use in the 1980s and which a few have been preserved.

Early hand cranes like the one shown in the first post above were supplied to virtually every railway company and exported to railway companies around the world. Jibs at first were a wooden baulk stayed by iron rods but later versions had a steel jib which allowed greater lifting capacity. The large spoked gear wheel was a significant feature, which was necessary to increase muscle power into the ability to lift 5 tons or more. They were used in goods yards where there wasn't a fixed crane available, or on the permanent way to lift material, or occasionally for clearing up damaged rolling stock after an accident. As locomotives got heavier larger cranes were needed to deal with accidents so steam cranes were introduced, but the hand crane remained a useful vehicle well into the 20th Century. There are about 30 preserved around the county and well worth searching for when visiting a heritage railway or museum.

I now have a wagon mounted crane. Thank you Brian1951 for the wagon and chassis. Quite enjoyed making it. Kept breaking bits off the crane, I’d had it for a long time.

Looks very good Brian. Can’t beat a bit of proper modelling.

Thank you Steve, you should try it sometime. Oh I do believe you have.

Very good Brian, i like it.

Thank you.

Nice model Brian.

Very nice Brian, well done.