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| The box.
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| MC 96 tray. |
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| Posed as a
load. |
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| Underneath. |
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|
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| Tough looking
machine. |
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| Detailed track
frames.
|
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| Impressive
model. |
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| Detailed
hydraulic connections. |
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| Impressive boom
head with metal wheels. |
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| Extra
counterweight in crane mode. |
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| Rigged as a
crane. |
|
The MC 96 is a duty cycle crane optimised for repetitive
foundation activities. Depending on configuration
it weighs around 120 tonnes. When used as a crane
it can have a maximum capacity of up to 130 tonnes at 4m
radius.
The BC 35 HDS-T Trench Cutter is configured to a width
of 1.2m with 1.5m cutting wheels and has a hose drum
system. This version also has a rotation device
for the cutter and so has the ' T ' designation.
Packaging
The packaging consists of an outer sleeve enclosing two
sets of trays, one of which holds the MC 96 and one
holds the BC 35 HS-T.
There were no missing parts
or defects on the review model.
A very good instruction book is included with
the model and it has parts lists, written instructions
in German and English, and reasonable annotated photos.
However it does not cover the MC 96 in crane mode.
There is no information about the real machine.
Detail
The MC 96
crane has good quality metal crawler tracks with
detailed pads but there are no working rollers on the track frames.
The cab is plastic but the interior is good
with the joysticks clearly modelled. The crane
body is metal including the
removable side panel which allows access to the winches.
Casting detailing on the body is very good with grilles and
panel handles, and small graphics add to the look.
The model features the optional walkways of the real
crane and these are metal. Each side has an add-on access ladder and these
are soft plastic. The handrails around the top of the
body are metal, but their plug-in connection to the body
is weak so it can be fiddly to get them aligned
straight. The plastic exhaust pipe is good and there is textured walkway on the roof.
This version of the model lacks a separate cover plate
for the hydraulic connections which can be used in crane
mode. One is included and permanently fitted to
the cutter system.
At the rear the counterweight is a single large block
with six smaller blocks which can be optionally added.
They are easy to knock off however and some collectors
will prefer to insert a central pin (not supplied)
through the holes in the blocks.
The A-frame is metal with
a solid metal pulley block. Separate pulleys would
be much better. The
pendant connection has the equaliser modelled but it is
not functional which is a pity as it would have evened
the tension in the two pendant lines. The wire ropes
are good though, with interlocking connectors and nut and
bolt connections.
The boom sections are all metal. They are nicely
cast with riveted walkway mesh and tiny black bolts to
make the connections. Two boom heads are
supplied. One is for crane operation and it is a
very nicely made metal part with big pulleys. Out
of the box it has two pendants fixed. A large metal hook is supplied with
two pulleys.
The BC 35
HDS-T trench cutter comes with a special boom head for
the MC 96. It is an impressive large metal part.
The rigid cutter frame is modelled in metal with
discrete bolt head details and sharp graphics. The
steering plates and cutter heads are plastic but they
are detailed and have a good colour match to the
metal parts. Inside the frame the detailing is
very good including the inclinometer box and mud pump
which are in plastic.
The connection of the hoist ropes to the cutter is an
issue because the rope cannot be reeved through the
cutter top so the ropes have to be directly knotted
together which does not look so good.
The hose
and cable drums are metal parts with really good
detailing. The hoses and cables have a nice
softness and they pose realistically. A
length of hose runs away from the machine and it has a modelled valve. Hydraulic lines run to a
connection plate which fixes to the front of the MC 96.
Features
The tracks roll well and are mounted on extendible
frames. The extensions are fairly loose so care
has to be taken to align the tracks in parallel.
The crane rotates smoothly.
The boom can be raised and lowered although because of
its weight it soon unbalances the model, so a fairly
upright pose is required.
The crane counterweight is detachable as are the
walkways so it is possible to pose the MC 96 as a
transport load.
The three winches are operated by plastic keys which are
stored behind the removable panel. They do not have
positive brakes but there is enough friction to hold
moderate loads.
The hose and cable drums of the BC 35 HDS-T rotate
smoothly.
The trench cutter can be held and raised and lowered on
two winches even though it is relatively heavy.
The cutter rotates on its connection so that panels
which are angled to the crane can be excavated.
The cutter wheels rotate.
Quality
This is a nice quality model with a high metal
content.
Plastic has generally
been used appropriately with a good colour match to
metal parts.
The paint and graphics are very good.
Price
It is good value given the complexity and flexibility of
the model.
Overall
This is another interesting Bauer foundation model.
It looks great on display and the overall quality is
improved compared to previous versions.
Footnotes
This model first
became available in September 2018.
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| Profile view. |
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| BC 35 HDS-T tray. |
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| Parts list
inside the manual. |
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| Crane as a
load. |
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| Removable panel
gives access to the winches. |
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| Large cable and
hose drums are metal. |
|
|
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| Detailed cab. |
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| The profile of
the hoses and cables is very good. |
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| Detailed boom
and pendant connections. |
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| Impressive
cutter. |
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| Slight flexing
of the boom at the connections. |
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