Blue not red. Red is to permanent.
Remove the cylinder from the crane. Someone may have used red Loctite on it and you need to go on that assumption. You need to get the cylinder and rod up to 375-400 F to kill red Loctite. Easy way is to put it in an oven at 400 for about 20 or 30 minutes then let it cool until you can handle it then get some penetrating oil down to the threads. I like Kroil but use whatever you have. Let it work for an hour or 2. Place as much of the rod as you can into a vise with it wrapped in a piece of thick leather. A little bit of rosin on the leather helps grip the rod if you have some. Place empty brass in all chambers and turn the cylinder and remember it has left hand threads so turn clockwise.
