 | | The box. |  | | The winding handles on the winches distract from the look on one side. |  |  | | Body has reasonable detailing. |  | | Boom head with large plastic pulleys. |
| This is a model of a high duty cycle crane used for duties such as excavating with a dragline.
Packaging
The model comes in a small densely packed box which is in the usual Liebherr style of a picture sleeve enclosing polystyrene trays. A single sheet of instructions is provided for the rope reeving, which is a little tricky for the luffing rope. The review model was undamaged.
Detail
Commencing with the undercarriage, the plastic crawler tracks are each mounted on a track frame with moving sprockets at each end. These are the only moving parts. The tracks themselves look quite good, although are not as convincing as metal tracks.
The crane body is a simple casting. The cab has a metal grab rail and there are hinge and door handle details. On top there is a plastic lamp and inside there is a seat and controls for the operator. Moving around the body there is a plastic ladder and on the roof there is an air intake and exhaust pipe. The winch drums, although plastic, look effective. The A-frame is particularly good as it is hinged and can be folded flat for transport.
Turning to the jib, it comes in four sections which are joined using pins which push fit together. This arrangement works quite well although the jib may not remain true if more jib sections are inserted. The bottom section of the jib is excellent as it includes the guide mechanism for the dragline rope and this is modelled very well. It also has a fixing point for the luffing bridle so again the model can be rigged in transport mode. The luffing stop bars are similarly good and are spring loaded. At the jib head are two large plastic pulleys which are slotted into place and are not free rolling. The luffing bridle is of a high standard and has a working tension equaliser for the pendant lines. These lines are also excellent with interlocking connectors for each jib section length.
The dragline bucket is detailed and very good. It is recommended that jewellery clasps are fitted to each winch line to provide a quick hitch facility to the dragline bucket or for use as a crane.
Features
The tracks move quite freely and the crane rotates well. The winches are operated by plastic handles on the right side of the body. These function well although the luffing pulleys are not free rolling enough for the jib to lower under its own weight.
The model can be displayed in a variety of jib lengths and with or without the dragline bucket, and it makes a convincing display when stripped for transport on a low loader
Quality
The model is well made with a number of good details. There is a an amount of plastic used but this does not detract much from the visual impression. Paintwork is of a good standard as are the graphics.
Price
The model is good value for what is offered.
Overall
This is a pleasing model and offers a good variety of display options although the winch handles on one side of the crane body are obtrusive.
Footnotes
The model was introduced in 1996. The model was also available in a version without the dragline bucket as Conrad model 2731. Extra jib sections were sold separately.
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|  | | The parts inside the box. |  | | Very good swivel for the dragline control. |  | | The A-frame folds flat for running in transport mode. |  | | Excellent luffing gear with a working equaliser and pendant lines with eyelets. |  | | Rigged for demolition duties with an old fashioned drop ball. A lead fishing weight is used here - it is not included with the model! |
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