How many pieces are in the Cargo Crane?

Cargo Crane contains 282 pieces.

When was the Cargo Crane released?

Cargo Crane was released in 1995.

🏛 9V

Set #4552

Cargo Crane

The Cargo Crane is a classic LEGO 9V set that captures the essence of railway operations.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Intermediate build Great for LEGO train enthusiasts and collectors looking to add a vintage piece to their layout
Build: 282 pieces · about 3 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $38.50 list price · 13.7¢ per piece
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★★☆ 4.5 community rating from 49 ratings

Fans appreciate the nostalgic value and functional crane mechanism, making it a fun addition to LEGO train layouts. Some find the 9V system outdated, but the set remains popular among collectors for its classic design and playability.

$38.50

Best Price

$30.00

You Save

22% OFF

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Cargo Crane is a classic LEGO 9V set that captures the essence of railway operations. Released in 1995, this set features a functional crane that can load and unload cargo from train cars, adding a realistic element to any LEGO train layout. The use of the 9V system gives it a special charm and makes it a nostalgic piece for many LEGO train enthusiasts.

This set is perfect for LEGO train collectors and those looking to expand their railway layouts. The build is straightforward, making it accessible for builders of various skill levels, and the play features offer hours of fun. Its vintage appeal and functional design make it a standout piece for display.

Skip this if you're primarily interested in modern LEGO sets or don't have a 9V train system. The set's reliance on the older 9V system might make it less appealing if you're not already invested in that ecosystem. Consider newer train sets like 60198-1 or 60336-1 for more contemporary features.

✨ New

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🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

282

Pieces

⏱

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Functional crane mechanism adds playability
Classic 9V train system integration
Simple yet effective design captures the essence of a cargo crane
Includes train workers minifigures to enhance the play experience

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

↑ Trending up since release

B+

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Cargo Crane (4552-1) presents a solid investment opportunity due to its age, rarity, and the enduring popularity of the LEGO train theme. As a retired set from 1995, its value has steadily increased over time, and this trend is likely to continue, especially among collectors seeking to complete their 9V train layouts. The set's condition, completeness, and the presence of the original box significantly impact its value. While the 9V system is somewhat outdated, its nostalgic appeal and the set's functionality make it a desirable addition to any serious LEGO collection. However, potential investors should be aware of the risks associated with older sets, such as yellowing of white pieces and potential fragility of the plastic.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

The Cargo Crane stands out as a specialized addition to a LEGO train layout, offering a unique play feature compared to standard train sets. While sets like the 60198-1 Cargo Train offer modern features and Power Functions, the 4552-1 provides a nostalgic and functional element that appeals to collectors. Consider the 4552-1 for its vintage charm and specific cargo handling capabilities, especially if you're invested in the 9V train system.

2 Minifigures Included

Train Worker - Red Vest, Blue Legs, White Helmet, Moustache

4 parts

Train Worker - Red Vest, Blue Legs, White Helmet, Sunglasses

4 parts

The set includes two classic train worker minifigures, one with a moustache and the other with sunglasses, adding to the vintage charm of the set. These minifigures are typical of LEGO train sets from the 90s.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 282
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 105 unique parts, 274 pieces
Minifigures: 2

The official piece count includes the 8 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 169685 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Minifig Hose Nozz...

Part #: 194c04 1× Light Gray

Glass 2 x 3 for H...

Part #: 2348b 1× Trans-Dark Blue

Hinge Vehicle Roo...

Part #: 2349b 1× Yellow

Crane Arm Outside...

Part #: 2350b 1× Red

Crane Arm Centre,...

Part #: 2351 1× Black

Tile Special Roun...

Part #: 2376 2× Black

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 6× Black

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 4× White

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 2× Yellow

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 2× Yellow

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 6× Black

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 2× Red

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 1× Black

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 6× Yellow

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2432 1× Black

Hinge Bar with 3 ...

Part #: 2433 2× Red

Bracket 1 x 2 - 1...

Part #: 2436 2× Black

Part #: 2446 1× Dark Gray

Headwear Accessor...

Part #: 2447 1× Black

Brick 1 x 2 x 5 w...

Part #: 2454a 2× Green

Brick 2 x 6

Part #: 2456 1× Yellow

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2458 2× Yellow

Wheel Skateboard ...

Part #: 2496 1× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 2540 1× Yellow

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 2540 1× Light Gray

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2555 1× Black

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2555 1× Red

Wheel Holder, Pla...

Part #: 2655 1× Light Gray

Technic Pin with ...

Part #: 2780 4× Black

Hinge Train Gate ...

Part #: 2873 1× Red

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2877 8× Green

Wheel Holder, Tra...

Part #: 2878c01 6× Black

Train Coupling New

Part #: 2920 4× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2921 2× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 2926 2× Black

Train Wheel Small

Part #: 2927 4× Black

Lever Small Base ...

Part #: 298c03 6× Black

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 7× Yellow

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 1× Blue

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 4× Yellow

Brick 2 x 8

Part #: 3007 2× Black

Brick 1 x 8

Part #: 3008 2× Black

Brick 1 x 8

Part #: 3008 2× Yellow

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× Red

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 4× Black

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 3× Yellow

Part #: 3022 1× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 2× White

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 3× Yellow

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 1× Red

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 6× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 2× Blue

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 3× Black

Plate 6 x 16

Part #: 3027 1× Black

Plate 6 x 12

Part #: 3028 1× Yellow

Plate 4 x 6

Part #: 3032 1× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 2× Red

Plate 4 x 8

Part #: 3035 1× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3037 1× Yellow

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 2× Yellow

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 1× Blue

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 1× Red

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 1× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 1× Red

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 2× Yellow

Tile 1 x 2 with T...

Part #: 3069bpr0043 1× White

Hook, Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 3127 1× Light Gray

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 3297 2× Yellow

Turntable 4 x 4 S...

Part #: 3403c01 1× Red

Plate 1 x 8

Part #: 3460 2× Yellow

Plate 1 x 8

Part #: 3460 2× Black

Brick 1 x 3

Part #: 3622 2× Black

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 2× Black

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 2× Yellow

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 3651 2× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 2× Yellow

Technic Pin witho...

Part #: 3673 2× Light Gray

Technic Axle 6

Part #: 3706 2× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 2× Yellow

Part #: 3795 2× Black

Plate 2 x 10

Part #: 3832 1× Black

Part #: 3962a 1× Black

Tool Screwdriver ...

Part #: 4006 1× Black

Train Buffer Beam

Part #: 4022 4× Black

Tile Special 6 x ...

Part #: 4025 2× Black

Window 1 x 4 x 3 ...

Part #: 4033 1× White

Glass for Train W...

Part #: 4034 1× Trans-Clear

Window 1 x 2 x 3 ...

Part #: 4035 2× White

Glass for Train W...

Part #: 4036 2× Trans-Clear

Seat / Chair 2 x 2

Part #: 4079 1× White

Part #: 4181 1× Green

Door 1 x 4 x 5 Tr...

Part #: 4182 1× Green

Glass for Train D...

Part #: 4183 2× Trans-Clear

Hinge Vehicle Roo...

Part #: 4214 1× Yellow

Technic Plate 1 x...

Part #: 4262 3× Black

Technic Plate 1 x...

Part #: 4262 1× Light Gray

Technic Plate 1 x...

Part #: 4263 4× Red

Technic Bush 1/2 ...

Part #: 4265b 2× Light Gray

Technic Pin 1/2 w...

Part #: 4274 1× Light Gray

Hinge Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 4276b 2× Black

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 4286 4× Yellow

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 4286 2× Black

Tool Hammer / Mal...

Part #: 4522 1× Black

Cone 1 x 1 [No To...

Part #: 4589 1× Blue

Cone 1 x 1 [No To...

Part #: 4589 2× Yellow

Cone 1 x 1 [No To...

Part #: 4589 1× Red

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4623 1× Yellow

Hinge Tile 1 x 4

Part #: 4625 2× Black

Part #: 4872 1× Trans-Light Blue

String Cord Thin ...

Part #: 56823c75 1× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 6019 1× Light Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 6019 1× Black

Cone 2 x 2 x 1 2/...

Part #: 6039 4× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 1× Trans-Clear

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 4× Trans-Yellow

Panel 1 x 1 x 1 C...

Part #: 6231 4× Red

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 6583 3× Yellow

Vehicle Base, Tra...

Part #: 6584 1× Black

String Reel Winch...

Part #: 73037 1× Yellow

Brick Special 2 x...

Part #: 73090b 1× Black

Magnet Cylindrical

Part #: 73092 4× Black

This set offers a good selection of basic bricks and plates in black, yellow, and red, useful for expanding train layouts and creating custom cargo cars. The inclusion of train-specific parts like wheel holders and couplings makes it a valuable source for train builders.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay

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Walmart

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$36.57

Target

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$38.50

LEGO (US)

✓ In Stock

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$38.50

LEGO (CA)

✓ In Stock

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$55.00

💎 Notable Parts

Green Brick Special 1 x 2 with Grille (8x) $1.60

Black Wheel Holder, Train with Wheels [Complete Assembly] (6x) $6.00

Black Magnet Cylindrical (4x) $2.00

Black Train Coupling New (4x) $4.00

Yellow Tile 1 x 4 with Groove (6x) $1.80

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$15.40

💡 MOC Potential

🏙 Expand the crane into a larger dockside scene

🚗 Create a mobile crane vehicle

🏙 Design a railway maintenance depot

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

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Inventory Statistics

105

Unique Parts

282

Official Piece Count

274

Cataloged Inventory Pieces

Minifigures

The official piece count includes the 8 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Inventory Version: 1

Missing a piece? Use the Missing Piece Checker.