 | | The box. |  |  | | Manual. |  | | Luffing jib pivot is a complex part. |  | | Fixed jib can be set at an offset angle using metal hydraulic rams. |  | | Rigged with a short fixed jib and Y-Guy connected. |  | | Winching up the luffing bridle. |  | | Looks impressive being erected. |  | | Handrails on the luffing pivot A-frame. |  | | Realistic profile. Fine mesh on the A-frames. |
|  Comment on this model.
The Liebherr 1500-8.1 mobile crane was launched at the BAUMA Exhibition in 1998 and by 2013 over 400 had been sold making it a very popular heavy mobile crane.
The fly jib can be fitted in many fixed or luffing configurations. A maximum system length of 145m under hook can be achieved.
Packaging
The model comes in a Liebherr-branded box with the model held within two expanded polystyrene trays.
There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.
The model includes an assembly manual. It has a parts list and clear photos showing the assembly of the maximum length configuration although some details, such as it should be mounted on the 50m boom (not the 84m boom), are not mentioned.
It would have been good if the manual had included some reprints of the Liebherr documentation showing the variety of possible configurations.
Assembly of the jib is straightforward, although connection of the luffing gear form the crane is problematic as it is difficult to keep the thread properly reeved on the pulleys. Some parts require thinning of paint thicknesses to enable connection of pins and handrails.
Detail
The kit is very detailed with accurately modelled components throughout. Metal pulleys are used, and there is metal mesh used for various walkways and platforms. Connections are generally made using brass nuts and bolts, and in some places, pins.
The heaviest lattice section is in metal and also includes hydraulic hoses along its length.
A number of the lattice sections are modelled in plastic rather than metal and this is probably a compromise to reduce the weight of the jib, which is around 1.6m long in its biggest configuration. The plastic parts are strong and well made but there is a perceptible colour difference to the metal parts.
Some of the hydraulic cylinder jackets are plastic and these have a much more noticeable yellow colour than the rest of the kit which is a pity.
Features
The main feature of the kit is the sheer variety of configurations that it is possible to build. In addition the parts also make good transport loads.
The hydraulically controlled section which allows an offset fixed jib has metal cylinders secured by grub screws and it works well.
The full luffing jib is prone to a gently bending profile, which is probably greater than the real jib. One aspect of the luffing jib is that it uses the winch and luffing gear supplied on the LTM 1500 base model. In practice this is difficult to use as the thread is not the best and has a tendency to jump off the pulleys. This is particularly true during assembly. However the sequence used on the real crane can be replicated where a winch line is used to tow the luffing bridle to the A-frame.
Also the kit would have also benefitted from a single sheave hook block to provide variety to the ones supplied with the crane which on the large size for the jib.
Quality
This is a very detailed kit which is well made and the parts fit together well. However a number of the lattice sections are plastic.
The paintwork on the metal parts is very good. However the plastic parts have a different look from the metal parts under some lighting conditions.
Price
The kit is relatively pricey, but it is a big kit and offers lots of flexibility.
Overall
The LTM 1500-8.1 crane is a stand-out model and it is fitting that the jib for it has been made as an add-on accessory. It scores for high detail and flexibility, but the small colour differences in the plastic and metal main lattice parts will annoy some. The kit would be better if the plastic parts were painted to match the metal parts. With that said, the kit does allow impressive displays to be achieved and at the maximum the overall model can be nearly 3m tall.
Footnotes
This kit first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2014 and was generally available at the end of the year.
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|  | | The tray has many parts tightly packed. |  | | The parts make good transport loads. |  | | Top section is plastic, lower one is heavy duty and made of metal. |  | | Lifting a tower crane section. |  | | Dolly for the luffing jib. | |
|  | | Jib top. |  | | Impressive set up. |
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