Tell me more ×
LEGO® Answers is a question and answer site for LEGO® and building block enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 7 down vote favorite

As I kid I was always confused by the description of the 7823 Container Depot 7823 Container Depot in the Lego Catalogues:

..."The crane can be raised so container ships can be loaded."

An example can be seen in this scan of a 1988 UK catalogue.

Now as an AFOL I am still confused by this. I still have the set from my childhood and although the end of the crane gantry does hinge up, it doesn't give the crane any extra reach. I suppose it is possible that the train track could be removed and the base plate be placed right next to the 'dock side' to use the crane to load/unload ships, but even then is it really necessary to raise the end of the gantry? There is already a lot of height clearance even without the gantry end raised.

Can anyone shed any light on what the Lego Group meant by this description?

share|improve this question
2  
I think by 'crane' they are referring to the hook. The hook can be moved by rotating the winch tied to the string. Looking at the instructions there doesn't appear to be any other possibility. – Ambo100♦ Jul 22 '12 at 20:03
1  
@Ambo100 - I understand your thinking here but why would they specifically mention 'container ships' rather than just talk about the cargo on the rail cars? Also, they don't mention 'lowered' only 'raised, this fact coupled with the otherwise seemingly pointless hinge on the end of the gantry still makes me think they are referring to this ability to raise the hinged end of the gantry. Maybe there is a 'Lego scene' out there somewhere in an old catalogue or instruction book that shows this set loading a container ship that would solve the mystery? :-) – mcqwerty Jul 22 '12 at 20:33
At least the same catalog does have a cargo ship. I assume raising the hinged part allows the crane to stick out further and maybe reach far enough to load a ship, but it's strange anyway. – Joubarc♦ Aug 13 '12 at 9:26

Know someone who can answer? Share a link to this question via email, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.