 | | Picture sleeve. |  |  | | Out of the box. |  | | The crane looks good when set up to lift. |  | | Nice track tracks and frames. |  | | The tracks can be retracted for transport. |  | | It is a great model combination if combined with suitable trucks such as the Goldhofer Low Loader and Ballast Trailer. |  | | Chained securely into position. |
| The Liebherr LTR 1100 Telescopic Crawler Crane is one of a fairly small group of machines of this type offered by crane manufacturers. It is capable of lifting 100t at 2.5m radius, and 0.8t at 60m. The maximum height of lift is 83m.
Packaging
The model comes in a two piece expanded polystyrene box held together by the usual Liebherr house design picture sleeve. It has a few pictures of the real machine, but no details about it. The review model had no defects or missing parts.
There were no instructions provided with the review model and this is surprising given the relatively large number of parts when taken out of the box. Experienced collectors will have little problem assembling the model although anyone receiving it would certainly appreciate an instruction sheet and some details about the real crane. Instructions have been published on the Conrad website (see the Footnotes at the end of the review). These are quite good and so presumably they were not ready in time to include with early batches of the model.
Detail
The tracks are metal and are mounted on detailed track frames which include steps to allow the operator to climb into the cab. The frames have details representing rollers although there are no actual moving parts. The main sprockets have the Liebherr name embossed on them. Between the tracks, the main frame has hydraulic jacks which can lift the crane to enable the tracks to be attached and detached. The jacks are screw threads with plastic pads. Metal ballast boxes sit between the tracks and these have lifting lugs which could be used to pose a lift with suitable chains.
The crane cab is the same casting as used on the Liebherr LTM 1200 model with plastic grab rails on the outside, and has the same good internal detail. Moving around the crane body there is a typical level of detail for Conrad, with panel handles and grilles represented within the casting. Additionally there is a metal grab rail and exhaust pipe, and stepping plates at the rear.. At the back there is a built-in winch and a second one which pins into position. The counterweight attachment mechanism is fully replicated with plastic lifting gear and metal chains. The counterweight slabs are nicely modelled with the lowest section having the Liebherr name proudly in relief. Although lifting lugs are indicated in the casting detail, they are not useable.
The boom is a six section telescope with all sections having the 'Oviform' profile. A control cable drum is modelled on the side of the boom and two plastic brackets are included which allow the fly jib to be stowed when not in use. At the boom head there are plastic pulleys and it is slightly disappointing that these are in moulded pairs meaning that they will not roll freely when raising or lowering the main hook. Fixing eyes allow connection of the short fly jib which is a well made metal piece with the hinge assembly being plastic.
Two good metal hooks are supplied. The main hook has three sheaves but again these are a single plastic moulding. The other is a single pulley block. Also included with the model is the Liebherr 'flag' which is supplied with a number of Conrad Liebherr models.
Features
The hydraulic jacks can be screwed down to lift the crane body.
The metal tracks roll well and are on spring loaded sprockets which allow them to be removed. The model offers a great deal of flexibility as not only do the track frames extend and retract, they are also removable so can be displayed being transported separately.
The cab can be tilted in the same way as the real machine.
Both the ballast boxes and the counterweight are fully removable, with the counterweight at the rear being configurable which is an excellent feature of the model.
The usual crane functions all work, with the crane rotating well and being stable. The boom lift cylinder is stiff so any angle is held well and the telescoping sections are smooth and lock off at full extension. Operation of the winches is by using a finger on the serrated drum edge and both winches rely on friction to act as their brake and this is adequate for most poses.
The fly jib can be attached or carried on the side of the boom.
Quality
The LTR 1100 is a very good quality model. It is well made with relatively little plastic, and the paintwork is very nice too. The graphics are crisp, if perhaps a little spartan compared to modern models from other makers.
Price
The model is good value for what is offered.
Overall
This is the kind of crane model that you come to expect from Conrad. It is very solidly engineered with enough detail to make a very pleasing model. The design decisions which have led to the model having removable tracks and counterweights are to be commended.
Overall, this is a highly recommended model.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at BAUMA in April 2007. It was available at retailers from January 2008. An instruction sheet is available for download from the Conrad website here. A version of the crane in Dornseiff red was shown at the 2009 Nuremberg Toy Fair.
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|  | | The parts inside the box. |  | | Parts from within the bags. |  | | The counterweight blocks lifted into place. |  | | One of the ballast boxes between the tracks. |  | | The fly jib and main hook block. The lifting chains are not included with the model (see here). |  | | Tilting cab and tracks extended. |  | | Without the tracks the crane fits easily on a low loader. |  | | The LTR 1100 is well suited to steel erection applications. |
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