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| Review of 2022 Editorial January 2023 |
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2022 is the year that much of the world finally saw past the worst of the Covid pandemic. However, not before the Nuremberg Toy Fair at the start of the year was cancelled once again. China's zero Covid policy appears to have continued to significantly affect the supply chain with deliveries impacted. But 2023 was also a year for the triennial Bauma Exhibition, and although it was delayed it took place in October. As usual for a Bauma year there were many new models released for the construction sector and on the whole it appears OEMs remain committed to having replicas made of their machines. Perhaps two notable exceptions were Volvo (who also did not exhibit at Bauma), and Sennebogen, with only one new model. Looking forward to 2023, the ConExpo Exhibition is scheduled for March, although as this follows so quickly from Bauma maybe not much can be expected. Also Manitowoc will not be at ConExpo which is a surprise as it is their 'home' show. Many of the models announced at Bauma with limited availability should become generally available in 2023. On to the Cranes Etc Awards, and once again they are based only on the models reviewed by Cranes Etc during the year. Innovation of the Year No award for 2022. Model Company of the Year As a Bauma year there were many new releases. Conrad had a reasonably strong showing with a number of the models being updates. The big Kobelco demolition excavator and Wolff 166B tower crane models were highlights. IMC released a fleet of Tadano crane models, and the resin Gottwald AK 680-3 was a highlight. Diecast Masters continued to expand its range of truck models and started a new 'Heritage Series' based on older machines. WSI had relatively few non-truck models released in 2022, but the Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 mobile crane model looks to be a highlight. Weiss Brothers added two further models for Komatsu Mining. Overall, NZG Models had the strongest year. The 1:18 scale range was developed further, and a new 1:12 scale Mercedes-Benz G Class 4x4 was introduced. On the construction side, there were new releases for Liebherr, including the big LR 11000 crawler crane and R 9600 mining excavator, and a wide range of models for the Wirtgen Group. Winner - NZG Models Model of the Year This award goes to YCC's RF 2-axle Trailer. This model was up to YCC's usual very high standards, and although it was a first trailer model for YCC, it had some fantastic detailing including working leaf spring suspension, real looking timber deck inlays, and tiny tie-down loops. It was also thoughtfully designed by having alternative king pins to suit tractor models of a number of model manufacturers. This model represented a Taiwanese trailer, and it would be very interesting to see what YCC could do with a European or US trailer. Winner - RF 2-axle Trailer by YCC Models Cranes Etc |
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