 | | The box. |  | | The lid. |  |  | | Interesting complexity. |
| The AC500-1 is a 500 tonne capacity mobile crane which has been modelled by Conrad and is reviewed here. To see photos of the real machine click here.
This accessory set is the luffing fly jib which extends the height and reach of the crane.
Packaging
The kit comes in the same style box as the crane with just a banner indicating that it contains a luffing jib. The parts are packed within the two parts of the tray. The review set had no defects or missing parts.
Detail
The lattice sections are well made and fit together using Conrad's preferred plastic bolt system. Detailing of the parts is simple. Ten additional counterweight slabs are also included, five for each side, which makes ten on each side when added to those supplied with the crane model. However the maximum used by the real crane is only eight on each side.
The pendants are plastic and are adequate for the purpose although metal or an alternative design providing straighter alignments would be better. With the jib at the maximum length the angles of the luffing gear do not look right suggesting that overall length of the pendants supplied with the kit is too short. The luffing bridle and pulleys are plastic and higher precision parts would give more confidence given the loads applied to the jib when erected.
A nice rubber tyred wheel is provided at the jib head to allow the end of the jib to be supported as it is raised after being assembled on the ground.
Features
The great feature of the kit is that many configurations of jib can be assembled right up to the massively long full jib, with the model some 3m high with the main boom fully telescoped out.
Fixed (non luffing) jib configurations are also possible.
The various sections also make excellent transport loads.
Quality
All of the metal parts are of a robust quality and are painted well. The plastic elements are functional.
Price
The price is reasonable given the large amount of parts provided.
Overall
This kit adds to the base model to produce a huge and magnificent display. However care is needed during the assembly as the loads on the model are significant. It is a recommended kit to anyone wanting to create an impressive model.
Footnotes
The kit was first seen at the BAUMA exhibition in 2001. |
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|  | | The bottom tray. |  | | Attachment at the boom head. |  | | The crane rigged with a short jib. If all parts are used the jib is over twice as big. |
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