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Liebherr 112 EC-B Tower Crane

Maker:  Conrad
Model No:  2026
Scale:  1:87
Review Date:  April 2005


Conrad Index
Tower Crane Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10) 8
Detail   (max 30) 16
Features   (max 20) 12
Quality   (max 25) 17
Price   (max 15) 9
Overall   (max 100) 62%

Footnotes


An impressive topless tower crane.
Liebherr picture sleeve.
Good lattice work on the underside of the counter jib.
Jib manufacture is very good.  Fully triangulated and dead straight.
This is a scale model of another variant of the Liebherr tower crane fleet.  This is the 'topless' version which has become more popular as more cranes are added to construction sites.  The absence of a tower above the cab for guying the jib and counter jib (hence the term 'topless') means that less height is required by another crane in order to over sail.

Packaging

The model is delivered in the familiar Liebherr style with a picture sleeve enclosing the expanded polystyrene trays holding the model pieces.  An instruction sheet is included which is printed in German, English and French.  The instructions are generally clear and should present little problem, even to a novice.

There are however some small errors of detail in the instructions.  They assume that the cab section and short tower above are one piece when in fact they are supplied as separate pieces.  No mention is made of fitting the trolley motor to the jib although the photos indicate where to do this.  Also it is assumed that the hoist rope is supplied separate to the model whereas on the review model the hoisting drum already had the rope on it.  These are minor points however and on the plus side the instructions are explicit about how the mast sections should be assembled bearing in mind the need to align the 'K' struts used by the climbing frame.

The review model was undamaged.

Detail

The base frame and mast sections are the same castings as used on the other Liebherr tower crane models in the series with the only difference being the base frame is painted grey.

The base section is fitted with plastic bogies and has upstanding pins on to which the four base ballast blocks fit.  These blocks are an improvement on previous models in that they are grooved to represent separate slabs of concrete.  The weight of this base arrangement steadies the whole model.

The mast sections join together by pushing together the sections which have tiny pins included.  This system works well but it can be difficult to join the sections if they are not lined up properly.  Mast detail is good although one section of the model actually comprises four sections of the real mast.  When joining the mast sections the orientation is important for realism as the lattice work differs on the various sides.  The side with the sideways 'K' struts should be on the side of the hydraulic ram of the climbing frame.  Unfortunately this latest version still does not include mast ladders as in some other tower crane models of this scale.  A capacity board clips on to the bottom of the mast.

The climbing frame is permanently attached to the cab section.  Although the climbing frame looks alright the walkways do not seem quite wide enough and the table for sliding in the mast section looks too high up the frame such that a scale mast section could not be slid in.

The cab is a big improvement on previous models with the internal structure of the tower now modelled and visible, and the cab side window is of the current Liebherr design.  Also the slewing motor is now metal instead of plastic.  The short tower section on top of the cab is a very good casting and contains two small pulleys to run the hoist line.

The counter-jib is excellent with a lattice frame on the underside and very good handrails.  The hoist drum is fitted into a casting which also has an electric equipment cabinet.  Operation of the hoist is by turning the drum with a finger - there is no unsightly winding handle to spoil the look of the model.  The counterweight is a single piece which is detailed to look like a number of separate slabs of concrete and is highly effective.  Support for the counter-jib is provided by two metal guy rods and these are a big improvement on the wires provided on earlier models.

The main jib sets this model apart from other tower crane models.  Provided in two pieces, this is the first tower crane jib which has a fully triangulated lattice rather than the two sides and open bottom of earlier models and represents a step change forwards in terms of casting.  It is also made to exacting tolerances as the jib is very straight when assembled and held together with the plastic pins provided.  A metal trolley motor is also provided which clips onto the jib.  The trolley is the same plastic type as supplied with Conrad model 2020 and it is a pity a metal version was not developed.  The hook is a vast improvement over the previous versions and looks realistic.

Features

The crane rotates smoothly and the trolley can be positioned at any point along the jib.  Raising and lowering the hook can be simulated. It is possible to display the model in a few different ways.  Three different heights are possible by using the mast sections provided.  The jib can also be erected using only one jib section and is a passable representation of a short jib crane.

Quality

The castings are very good and the fully triangulated jib section is very impressive.  The handrails impress and the use of metal in the counter jib guys gives a quality feel.  Paintwork and lettering are also good.

Price

This model is good value bearing in mind the improvements that have been made over previous trolley jib tower crane models.

Overall

This is very good tower crane model and the various improvements made compared to previous models means that at the time of the review this is the best trolley jib version available.

Footnotes

The model was introduced in early 2004 in time for the BAUMA exhibition.
 
Model is well packed in the tray.
New style cab has the internal mast structure modelled inside. The metal hook is a big improvement.
'Concrete' blocks at the base and a rating board which clips to the mast.