I cannot figure out how the loose end of the string attaches or ties on at the pulleys end.

I've been having a real issue with this over 2 past nights and more than 3 hours of frustration trying to figure it out.

I have the string through the main pulley w/ the black hook, then there is the assembly above it with another wheel/pulley. I can see where the string that comes out of the superstructure goes around the 4L liftarms with ends on them, but there is some loop you have to put in the string on the loose end of the string. I can't figure out how to make a knot with a loop open, all I can figure out how to do is put some loose over and under to make a loose loop. But, the big question and the instructions are extremely unclear as to what to do with the loose end with the loop. I tried tying it to the other side string (the one that comes out of the superstructure), but that didn't work. Doesn't help they used a yellow background and absolutely no blowup pic (as they didn't really do that in instructions on older models) as to what to do with the open end piece of the string. I'm completely confused, and am a seasoned Technic adult builder. The string in the 90's was so bad that it just frays and I've had to cut off small sections when I try different ways. On the 8421 Crane the open end of the string attaches to a perpendicular pinhole/axlehole part.

Any help is very much appreciated.

Thanks, Eric

To make the loop, tie it round a pencil with a double knot then remove the pencil to leave a loop. Then, on step 18 of the instructions (page 46) hook the loop onto the 2L axle placed on sub step 3. The string does not pass through the loop. If you look closely at sub step 4 you will see that that's where the loop is attached. Hope this helps.

Edited February 18, 201510 yr by allanp

To make the loop, tie it round a pencil with a double knot then remove the pencil to leave a loop. Then, on step 18 of the instructions (page 46) hook the loop onto the 2L axle placed on sub step 3. The string does not pass through the loop. If you look closely at sub step 4 you will see that that's where the loop is attached. Hope this helps.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

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To make the loop, tie it round a pencil with a double knot then remove the pencil to leave a loop. Then, on step 18 of the instructions (page 46) hook the loop onto the 2L axle placed on sub step 3. The string does not pass through the loop. If you look closely at sub step 4 you will see that that's where the loop is attached. Hope this helps.

It worked, thanks very much allanp. I don't know about how many fans have built this crane, either the original 8460, or the newer 8431 and 8438, but Lego really should have been a little more clear on exactly how to run the strings, and how to tie the knot or put it in place. That's one thing I don't like about Lego is the fact that they use very little to no writing to explain a more complicated step in a model, and the many, many years I've been into Technic I've rarely encountered anything I couldn't eventually figure out. I do realize they print the instructions and they are used for all countries and a lot don't speak English, but still...blow up the substeps to clearly show. If the parts we're not all black, including the string, then it would have been easier to do. I'm glad I am a member here and 9 times out of 10 can get a reply for something I don't understand clearly.

Edited February 18, 201510 yr by DarkShadow73

Just a quick tip in case you didnt know this, but if the string is the larger version then you can melt the end of it with a lighter or on a stove element and help keep it from fraying any more.

Glad I could help

Just a quick tip in case you didnt know this, but if the string is the larger version then you can melt the end of it with a lighter or on a stove element and help keep it from fraying any more.

That's a good tip, I always do that.