Motorizing an LGB Matra crane

[Madman]

While I`m waiting for some parts for my drawbridge project, I started work on motorizing and remote control of an LGB 4042 Matra crane.  I was doing pretty good until I fried two, not one, but two R/C motor reversers tonight.  Fortunately that are not too expensive at about $13.00 each.  So I found a single R/C unit that will control the direction of two motors instead of just one.  Because I am housing the components in the tool cabinets of the crane, it saves on space.  The only problem is that If I order the unit, it will take about a months to get here. 

Here are some photos of my progress thus far.

The first three pictures show the motor mounting for the boom rotation.  The next pictures show the motor mounting for the hook motor.

 

[Madman]

A few more photos of other parts of the work

 

[ge_rik]

Looking really impressive so far, Dan. Really like the clever use of the epicyclic gearbox motors and the addition of the stabiliser legs. Will be really interested to see the finished crane in action.

Rik

 

[Madman]

Thanks Rik.

 

[mike]

that sir, is absurlutly ,utterly, brillent.. ???

 

[Madman]

So I received this motor yesterday.  I will be using it to raise and lower the boom.  The nut shown in the photo did not arrive with the motor.  You know what happens when you assume something.  Anyway, the seller advises me that the nut size or thread size, I`m not sure which, is M3.  My question, to you guys that are more familiar with metric sizing, is can you tell me what I ask for in the way of the proper nut size?  Here is a picture of the motor and also a sketch of the dimensions.

 

[ntpntpntp]

you need an M3 nut.

 

[chadwick]

Madman,

Your local ACE Hardware or "Big Box" store (such as Home Depot, Lowes, or Menards) should be able to help you.

They typically have various small quantity screws and nuts (including metric) in various "pull out" display boxes.

-Keith.

 

[Madman]

A bit more progress.  I managed to cobble together a yoke to support the motor that will raise and lower the boom.  At least that`s my hope.  I bent some brass and installed the motor.  I managed to find the M3-0.50 nuts for a buck and a half for 50 pieces.  Why I need fifty pieces is beyond me, but if this little screw drive motor works out, I have plenty of ideas for using more of them.  So when they arrive I will fashion the part that fits into the boom itself. 

 

 

[beavercreek]

What an impressive project Dan.
I am following closely so as to nick your ideas for my MOW crane in the future!

 

[trammayo]

Very ingenious! I wish I had the patience.

 

[Madman]

Some progress has been made on the Matra crane.  The small geared motors arrived and I have installed the boom extender drive.  I always plan everything out in detail, but trial and error prevails.  At this point I am ready to organize the wiring in one of the tool boxes.  Then a multi conductor cable will run to a battery and R/C equipped tool car, yet to be built.





 

 

[Gizzy]

An interesting project Dan?

I also like how you have converted your Matra crane from a 4 wheeler and fitted bogies....

 

[Madman]

An interesting project Dan?

I also like how you have converted your Matra crane from a 4 wheeler and fitted bogies....

I have found,, on my railway, that four wheeled bogies track better. LGB's four wheeled coaches and freight cars seem to give me some trouble now and then. I never could run their 335 mm long rolling stock that had only four wheels. There just isn't enough equalizing. So what i did for the Matra crane was to purchase an LGB US style four axle chassis and four wheeled trucks or bogies. The 300 mm chassis are a perfect fit for the 300 mm cars. Even the mounting screw holes match.

 

[Madman]

More progress albeit minor.  I have added weight to the counterweight housing behind the boom.  I found a bit too much forward leaning causing some strain on the rotting motor.  Now it operates more smoothly.