 | | The box. |  | | Twin winding drums. Solid counterweight block. |  |  | | 'I don't fancy the climb up the ladder'. |  | | No hiding place in the operator's cab. |  | | Start of the erection sequence. |
| This is a model of a mobile tower crane. This type of crane has always been very popular in Europe, and is usually found on smaller construction sites.
Packaging
The model is supplied in the usual Liebherr picture box. Inside the model is enclosed within a foam jacket, and the review model was undamaged. Instructions are provided which explain the erection procedure, which is also simplified as the model is pre-rigged so there is no complicated reeving to do.
Detail
The undercarriage consists of a turntable section with four folding outriggers each sporting a screw jack with a plastic pad. At each end of the undercarriage is a pinned, removable axle used for road transport. The tyres are good although they are of the shiny variety. Underneath, the model is marked 'Made in W Germany' which gives an indication of the age of the casting.
The crane section has various motors and electric cabinets modelled and these are in metal. At the rear the counterweight consists of a part fixed to the body and a second large block added when the crane is erected. The mast is a two section telescope and the operator's cab is push fitted into holes at the top or bottom of the mast as desired. The cab itself is a simple affair with a seat and a separate metal ladder section is provided which can be fixed to the mast when at maximum height to give access to the cab.
The jib is finely cast in two sections which are hinged together. They are of the typical two sides of a triangle type with the underside of the jib sections being 'hollow'. All of the stays and guys fixed to the jib are metal and this enhances the feel of the model. The trolley is plastic however, and the hook is a single piece with just an eyelet instead of a pulley which detracts a little. There is a plastic Liebherr name board which clips inside the jib.
Features
All of the expected crane functions can be replicated including the erection process, which works well. The handles used to operate the hook and the mast erection winch are of the spring loaded variety which operate by pulling to disengage the brake and then turning to operate. This is very good and far better than mechanisms which rely on friction only. There is a further small winch on the jib to control the folding of the jib.
Quality
The model is well made with little plastic. The paintwork is satisfactory.
Price
The model is good value.
Overall
As with all folding crane models, this is interesting to operate through the erection procedure and see the crane grow to full size from the transport configuration. It therefore has a number of display options, including part-erected. Overall this is a good model.
Footnotes
The model first appeared before 1993.
|
| |
|  | | A very basic hook. Make sure the string is on the pulleys provided! |  | | In travelling mode with the road axles fitted. |  | | Counterweight fitted, tower vertical and the jib starts to unfold. |  | | Nearly done. |
|
