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| Mammoet branded box. |
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| As always, it
looks great in red and black. |
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Wheel chocks at the back. |
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| Detailed
graphics add realism. |
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| Fly jib mounted
for transport. |
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| About to self
ballast. |
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| Full
counterweight fitted. |
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| Top section is
very thin. |
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| Full main boom. |
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The Grove 4100 L-1 has a maximum capacity of 100 tonnes),
and a maximum system height of around 78m.
This model is in the colours of the Dutch specialist
Mammoet.
Packaging
The model comes in a Mammoet branded box sleeve which
encloses expanded polystyrene trays.
The review model had
no defects or missing parts. A forward mirror is
provided for the carrier cab but the design of the model
does not facilitate its attachment.
There are a number of
parts to the model and it is surprising that no
instructions are included with the model.
A Mammoet Collector Card with unique serial number is
included.
Detail
The carrier chassis has the drive transmission modelled
in plastic. The plastic wheels look good with
highlighted hubs, and the large tyres have a good tread pattern.
The carrier
cab looks very good and the graphics are sharp. It
lacks a tying-off point for the hook at the front so
realistic transport poses are more difficult.
There is a realistic UK number plate.
Behind the cab there are excellent fine mesh grilles and
there is a Mammoet fleet number. The engine area
has a detailed exhaust and the carrier deck has textured
surfaces. At the rear a set of wheel chocks is
modelled.
The outriggers are
two stage with the inner sections being tough plastic
with a poor colour match. They have chevron graphics applied
to the posts and, the outrigger pistons are smooth when extended,
and they have plastic pads.
The crane cab has a windscreen wiper and lights, and the
grab rails are metal. There are some very sharp
tiny graphics which give the model a realistic look. Inside, the detail is good.
The counterweight is fully sectionalised.
The large main boom ram has a plastic jacket with a colour match
which is very slightly off. The boom has detail on the lowest boom section
including cable drums. The top section has Mammoet
graphics but it it has a very thin profile. There are metal
sheaves in the boom head.
The swingaway jib is a nice metal lattice casting with a
plastic telescopic section which has an excellent colour match. All sheaves are metal.
The hook block has three sheaves. A single line hook
would have been a worthwhile inclusion.
Features
The axles
are modelled as linked pairs with reasonable steering
angles. However, the real crane's axles 3 and 4
can be steered independently. There is working
suspension.
The outriggers extend and the
pistons screw down. Plastic pads clip on securely. The outriggers
can just about support the crane wheels-free, but there
is bending visible in the beams.
The crane cab tilts and can hold any pose.
It has an extending step.
The counterweight is fully segmented.
The handrail at the winch folds up and down.
The boom is raised using the very large ram
which has a
locking mechanism which is tightened using a supplied
key. It works well enough if fully tightened but
it can be a little uncertain .
The telescopic sections extend and lock into
place when full extension is reached.
The winch drums can only be turned by finger on
the drum, and the brake is by means of friction rather
than a positive lock.
The fly jib can be installed and
has a telescopic inner section. It is hydraulically adjustable for setting offset
angles.
Quality
This a typically robust Conrad model.
Some of the plastic parts would have benefitted from a
better colour match.
The paintwork is very good as are the graphics.
Price
It is fair value for a limited edition.
Overall
This is a good looking crane model in Mammoet
colours. .The standard of detailing is very good
and most of the functionality works well. A set of
instructions would help a novice collector.
Footnotes
The model appeared in May 2022 and was a limited
edition of 300 models. |
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| The parts. |
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| Profile view.
A chain (not included with the model) is tied on to a
cab step to attach the hook. |
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| Decent
steering angle. |
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| Excellent mesh
grille behind the cab. |
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| On the road. |
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| Detail behind
the carrier cab. |
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| Seven section
boom. |
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Tilting cab. |
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Angled and telescope jib. |
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