Gantry Crane and freight yard

The freight yards and LIRR train are long gone by 2018, although there are some photos from a few times in the past, and many diagrams of the tracks and businesses along them, collected by train enthusiasts (some of whom enjoy running mathematical computer simulations, it's a thing).

Johnson Avenue runs along the left vertically in this diagram, and the diamond-shaped plan labeled Goldberger Doll Co. is 538 Johnson, therefore the map must be from later than the 50s. The paper bag company is still across the street it seems. 

this is a Bob Emery map of the Varick yard

On the map is marked #1 Traveling O. Head Crane, #3 Scale track and #4 Scale house, all noted as being "Crane | New 1923" to the left of the numbers.

Looking closely at these photos I'm comfortable saying this is the same crane, with some apparent alteration over the years.

1950s, 538 on the right (as Goldberger Doll)

looking south on Varick, those two cars are probaby stopped at Johnson Ave. 538 is somehow just off the left.

around 1923 538 on the right, as Englander Spring Bed

I think the model needs the crane

There is a notation in the right middle of the track diagram: "Varick Ave. Yard -- removed 1963 & LIRR F(?)t houses along Varick Avenue torn down also."