 | | Anonymous box. |  | | Standard Mercedes-Benz truck cab. There is no loop for the hook in transport mode so it is hooked under the front bumper. |  |  | | Cab has metal grab rails. Note the yellow paint on the cab is slightly off colour to the rest of the model probably because it is over painted on to grey. |  | | Tilting cab with modelled engine block. |  | | Fly jib can be set to have an offset angle as shown here. |  | | 'There's no prop shaft to the rear axles!'. Underside has some detail. |
| This is a model of Sennebogen's 40t truck mounted telescopic crane.
Packaging
The review model came in a plain white Conrad box similar to those used for some of their truck models although it is understood there is also a version of the box bearing the Sennebogen name and some graphics. Inside the box the model is wrapped by a foam insert. There was no damage to the review model.
No instructions are provided with the model. Assembly is limited to fitting wing mirrors to the cab, and brackets to hold the fly jib.
Detail
The truck chassis has some detail underneath with some prop shaft and suspension components modelled. The tyres are good and are mounted on shiny plastic hubs - perhaps a little too shiny for some tastes. Outrigger beams and pads are plastic and are adequate for the model although the front pair are particularly flexible because of their small section. Warning markers are applied to the outside of the outrigger beams and these look good.
At the front, the model has a standard Mercedes-Benz Actros cab which includes some simple lamp lenses inset to a plastic bumper. The radiator grille is also plastic. Other details include windscreen wipers and wing mirrors and there is a sun visor on the top of the windscreen. Inside the cab there is simple detail in terms of seats and a steering wheel.
The truck bed surface is all of the non-slip variety with a profiled surface. On the crane cab side an access ladder is modelled and a further ladder is laid on the deck on the opposite side but it is not removable. At the rear of the truck there is a towing hitch and the lights are painted on to a metal bumper arrangement.
The crane body has a good metal framed driving cab which includes thin metal grab rails. Within the cab there is some fine detail of the controls including floor pedals. The rest of the crane body is metal with the exception of the grey radiator box behind the cab, which is plastic. The counterweight is in two pieces held together with plastic pistons which have a screwed thread. Above the counterweight sits the winch which is a standard Conrad type turned by using a finger on the grooved outer edges of the winch drum cheeks.
The telescopic boom is a small section four piece telescope. Pulleys at the boom head are small separate pieces. Two plastic brackets clip into inserts in the boom to hold the fly jib. The fly jib is a single piece lattice jib which is a good, fully triangulated casting.
The hook is a standard metal Conrad three pulley block.
Features
Considering the truck first, the front pair of axles are linked together for steering. A reasonable hard lock can be obtained although at the extreme the second axle fouls the bodywork.
As with most Conrad trucks the cab tilts and the engine can be seen. The outriggers extend and can be screwed down.
All the usual crane functions can be carried out. In addition one of the counterweight slabs can be detached if required and carried on the carrier deck. The fly jib has a good mechanism to allow it to be set at an offset angle to the main boom with two fixed offsets available. It is also possible to vary the offset at any angle but this relies on friction within the mechanism to maintain the chosen angle.
Quality
The model is made to the usual Conrad standards with good quality casting and details. The paintwork and lettering are also of a good standard.
Price
The model is fair value for what is offered.
Overall
This is a simple and pleasing model which has been produced to a good standard. Although it does not offer anything new in terms of detailing or features, it can be displayed in a variety of poses and is a worthwhile and unusual addition a collection of mobile cranes.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at the Bauma exhibition in 2004 and was available thereafter.
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|  | | Rear includes a towing hitch. |  | | Fly jib sits well on the support brackets. |  | | Ready for action. |  | | Boom head and fly jib connection details. |  | | A solid offering from Conrad. |
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