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Raimondi MRT 234 Tower Crane

Maker:  CGMmodels
Model No:  -
Scale:  1:87
Review Date:  July 2018


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Tower Crane Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Individual ratings are not given for non-diecast model Reviews
Packaging    
Detail    
Features    
Quality    
Price    
Overall    

Footnotes


Raimondi MRT234 Tower Crane video.  [Youku video]
Raimondi branded box.
Metal blocks stabilise the bottom of the tower.
Nicely detailed cab.
 
Very straight jib.
Not all jib sections are separable.
The full model.
Overall geometry is very good.



Raimondi is an Italian maker of tower cranes. 

The MRT234 was introduced at the Intermat Exhibition in 2018.  It has a maximum jib length of 70m and can lift up to 12 tonnes, depending on configuration.

This model is in 1:87 scale, and it is in engineered plastic, with the metal parts limited to the counterweight and ballast blocks, and the pulleys and hook.  The model reviewed was a pre-production version.

Packaging

The model box is a Raimond-branded sleeve enclosing foam rubber with the parts inserted. 

There were no missing parts or defects on the review model.

The model comes as a kit and has to be assembled.  No assembly instructions were provided with this pre-production version although the final version may have some. However, it is straightforward to build the model.

Detail

The cruciform base has feet which were not perfectly level on the review model. The ballast blocks have metal inside.  There is some detail to represent layers of concrete counterweight blocks.

The mast sections are made up of 10 realistic length sections which are the same as the real crane.  Plastic ladder sections and platforms are included, although the ladders are vertical rather than angled.  The mast sections join together using small screws, and they give a robust connection.

Detail at the cab level is very good, and inside, the seat has joystick controls. Behind the cab there are hand rails and a cabinet.

The counter jib has a detailed structure, and it looks realistic. It is integral with the tower head, but can be separated from the slewing ring.  The Raimondi name board looks good. 

The jib is very straight and looks realistic.  A plastic trolley motor adds detail.

The trolley is also plastic and includes a basket, but only two pulleys are provided meaning the model cannot be reeved in four-fall mode.  The hook is metal and would allow four-fall reeving if it were possible.  Small metal pulleys are used on the model.

There is not enough rope on the drum to allow the hook to be posed much lower than approximately half-height.

Features

The tower can be built in a variety of heights. As the jib has not been modelled in all of the separate sections of the real crane only two configurations are possible.

The crane rotates although it is jerky rather than smooth.

The trolley can be positioned anywhere along the jib by hand.

The hoist can be operated using a supplied key, but there is no friction on the drum so it unwinds easily.   However there is too much friction in the overall system for the hook to operate smoothly.  Posing is limited by the short length of rope on the drum.

Quality

This an almost entirely plastic model, although for the most part the engineering plastic used is decent quality.

The paintwork is very good with detailed graphics.

Price

It is understood that it will be fully priced having regard that it is a plastic model.

Overall

I
t is very good to see a mass-produced Raimondi tower crane model.  It looks realistic on the skyline, although the functionality is less good, and collectors will have to note it is plastic rather than diecast metal.

Footnotes

The model first appeared at the Intermat Show in 2018.
 
Inside the box.
Screwed connections are fairly discrete.  Ladders are vertical.
Counterjib and counterweight look good.
Trolley and hook have metal pulleys.
 
Convincing appearance.