 |
| Sarens branded
box. |
 |
 |
| Very good
quality display case. |
 |
| This is the
pre-production version. |
 |
| High detail at
the slewing point. |
 |
| Detailed rear
end. |
 |
| Very detailed
ladder on the cab railings. |
 |
| Rope windings
look great. This is the pre-production version. |
|
|
 |
| Reeving is
complete on the moving mast. |
 |
| Traffic cone
installed. |
 |
| Looks great. |
 |
| Production
version - nameplate on the base. |
 |
| Production
version - branding on the tyres. |
|
The Gottwald AK 680-3 has a lifting capacity in the 1200
tonne class. It is a unique crane which entered
service in 1980 and is still working at the time of this
review. Based in UK, it also works
internationally. It is owned and operated by the
Belgian Lifting Specialist, Sarens.
This model is a limited edition made of resin and etched
parts rather than diecast metal. As such it has no
moving parts and is intended as a showcase model.
The reason for the choice of resin is economic, as a
limited volume model such as this in diecast would be
too expensive for the intended market.
The version originally reviewed was a pre-production sample.
The review was updated in January 2023 to reflect the
production version of the model.
Packaging
The model is delivered in a robust outer shipping carton
containing another outer carton. Inside that, the
model box is windowed and Sarens branded.
The review model had no defects or missing parts.
There is no information about the real crane.
Detail
The crane is mounted on a display base covered with soft
black material to highlight the model. The Perspex
display case is of thick material and serves to protect
the model dust-free.
An etched name plate is fixed to the base which has a
unique serial number in the run of 300 models.
The tyres are very good with a fine tread pattern and
they are mounted on nicely detailed wheels. There is
detailed Michelin branding in the tyre walls.
The driving cab has a towing hitch, and a UK number
plate. Other details include tiny graphics and
lights. Door
mirrors, thin windscreen wipers and beacon lights
complete the external detail. The interior detailing is
also of a very high standard.
The carrier deck has textured
surfaces and fixed ladders. Steps up to deck have
textured surfaces. Various boxes and tanks are modelled also. The large exhaust pipe
has a hole in it. The slewing pivot point has
numerous hydraulic hoses, and there is a road cone
included. The outrigger connection points are
robust, and are also uniquely numbered.
At the rear there is a spare wheel, and the lights are
finely modelled.
The crane body has excellent detail in the moulding, and
the Sarens graphics are very sharp.
The crane cab has excellent detailing. The
handrails have their connections accurately modelled, and the ladder also has
rung holes in the side rails. It has a diamond plated access platform
outside and the interior detail is
excellent with tiny control levers featured. High points
are the very thin protection bars above the
roof window, and two fine gauge roof aerials.
Viewed from above, the luffing gear for the moving mast
is fully reeved, and the rope windings on the winch
drums look great. A shiny steel coloured ope is
used. Gearing on the rear winch drum
is also modelled as are the rope rollers. The
hydraulic ram which controls the boom butt looks
realistic.
Features
As a resin model there are no moving parts.
The model is attached to the display base. As such it
maybe possible to detach and display it in a diorama but
extreme care would be needed in handling the model, and
the covering on the underside of the base would be
damaged.
Quality
This model is well made and high quality, and
comes in a good quality display case.
The colour finish and graphics
are excellent.
Price
It is not a cheap model, but it is a unique and
very highly detailed limited edition.
Overall
IMC Models has produced a superbly
detailed model of the AK 680-3. Although the use
of resin may not suit some collectors, it has allowed
the model to be realised. It is a great display
piece.
The production version of the model is of very high
quality.
Footnotes
The model's release date was Q4 2022. The
production run was 300 models. |
|
 |
|
|
 |
| Profile view. |
 |
| Very
impressive. |
 |
| Sharp graphics. |
 |
| Boom butt has
connection holes. |
|
|
 |
| On the road
configuration. |
 |
| Highly detailed
cab. |
 |
| Excellent
hydraulic ram for the boom butt. |
 |
| Long 10 axle
crane. |
 |
| Highly detailed
cab interior. |
 |
| Realistic UK
number plate. The front base support is a little
obtrusive in this view. |
 |
| Production
version - steel coloured rope. |
 |
| Production
version - aerials on the cab roof. |
|
