 | | Plain box cover. The crane was obviously photographed on a very foggy day. |  | | The swinging counterweight mechanism. |  |  | | Simple straightforward details. Mast ladder is plastic. |
| The BKT Tower Crane is one of a number of tower crane models made in this scale by Conrad. For photos of the real machine click here.
Packaging
The model is packed in the usual 2-piece moulded polystyrene casing with a cardboard sleeve holding together the two halves. The sleeve is plain white with no pictures or text. The review model arrived undamaged. An instruction sheet is provided although it is in German only and has no pictures.
Detail
The base of the mast consists of a crosshead of beams which sit on four separate 'feet' representing concrete. The base ballast is two solid blocks which fit onto pins on the crosshead. The mast sections are finely cast and connect using four small pins at the end of each section. These are a tight fit. In fact so tight that it can be difficult to join the sections together. Once connected, the sections are true. The mast sections contain one-piece plastic ladders which add to the look. These mast and base sections are the same castings as used on model 2012, the Potain MDT Topless Tower Crane.
The machinery platform and first jib section are delivered as one piece. The second piece of jib is joined by an interlocking connection which keeps the line of the jib quite well. The machinery platform has good detail of the motors for the scale. The luffing bridle does not have enough pulleys to be realistic but this does not detract too much.
The hook is good and much more realistic than many Conrad tower crane models. Handrails are reasonable for the scale.
Features
The real crane has an unusual system with a fixed link between the jib and the counterweights such that when the jib luffs out, the counterweights are mechanically moved out also to help retain balance. This is well modelled and works well. The counterweights are five individual pieces which hook on. Again this is good, although the balance of the model would have been improved if these were a little heavier.
The hook and jib winches can both be worked using the usual Conrad plastic winding handles.
Quality
Casting and paintwork are of a high standard. The jib sections are cast as a two sides of a triangle; the underside is 'hollow'. Plastic is limited to the ladders, the cab glass, name boards, and the pulleys. The tie between the jib and the luffing bridle is string with crimped on connectors, and this is a good system.
Price
The model is reasonable value.
Overall
This is an interesting model and well executed on the whole. There are enough mast sections to build up the crane to a height which looks realistic.
Footnotes
The model was introduced in 1998. The initial colour scheme was yellow and black as pictured here. BKT was taken over by Potain, and the crane was renamed the Potain MR 175, and the model changed to an all yellow colour scheme. In 2006 a modified version was introduced which had the curved Potain 'Vision' cab.
|
| |
|  | | The parts in the tray. |  | | Reaching for the sky. |
|
