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| Demag
branded box. This is the Collector's Edition. |
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| Book, manual
and key chains. |
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| Looks real. |
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| Poses well with
a suitable truck. |
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| Transport loads. |
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| Smart cab and
very good steering angle. |
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| Tilting cab,
with highly detailed console. |
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|
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| Lifting the
counterweight tray with the included chains. |
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| Lifting slabs
with the included chains. |
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| Ready for work. |
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| The SSL
provides good tension. |
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| Maximum boom
extension. Excellent profile. |
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The Demag AC 700-9 is a 700 tonne class all terrain
crane. It has a main boom length of 60m, and a
maximum system length of 149m.
This version of the model is the Collector's Edition,
which was made in a run of 285 models.
Packaging
The model comes in high quality packaging with an outer
shipping carton enclosing a large Demag-branded box. The model parts are wrapped in soft
paper and held within
expanded polystyrene trays that are clipped together and
not taped.
The review model had no defects, but was short of one
screw.
This edition of the model comes with a book describing
the development of the real crane and it has many
excellent photos. There are some technical details
too although some more configuration and load chart
information would have been interesting too. The
build
manual for the model is very comprehensive with clear
steps describing the assembly and features, and only
reeving diagrams for the hook blocks are missing.
There is an excellent parts list.
Tools are supplied to assemble and operate the model,
and many of the bags of small parts are numbered making
it easier to follow the instructions.
The Collector's Edition also encloses an engraved key
chain fob with the owner's name and the unique number
within the production run. Also included is
an AC 700 key chain.
Detail
The chassis is highly detailed with the transmission
and steering present although not all parts are
physically linked. The tyres are very good
with a fine tread pattern and they are mounted on nicely
detailed wheels.
The driving cab has a rope for hitching the hook whilst
travelling, and other details include a nice grille at
the front and a tiny graphic in the side windows. Door
mirrors, windscreen wipers and beacon lights complete
the external detail. The seat backs have Terex on
them which is a hangover predating the takeover of Demag
by Tadano, and this will no doubt change on future
versions of the model.
Behind the carrier cab the engine area has textured
surfaces and a nice mesh grille, and there is a
highlighted filler cap on a tank. The exhaust pipe
has a hole in it. The sides of the carrier have
highlighted bolt heads and tiny graphics to give an
authentic look.
The outrigger assemblies are robust and well made.
They are metal with chevrons and tiny graphics, and
circular metal pads can be clipped on for storage, or
used together with metal spreader plates which have
useable lifting lugs. The outrigger pistons have
smooth faces.
At the rear of the carrier the lights have plastic lenses,
and there is a number plate holder which has Demag on it
as this is a generic model.
The crane cab has a diamond plated access platform
outside with metal handrails and the interior detail is
excellent with a busy computer console. Small graphics enhance the
detailing around the crane and this includes a tiny sign
in German which is perfectly legible and sharp.
The counterweight tray has useable lifting points and
the winch and luffing gear for the fly jib is reeved up
in the factory. The counterweight slabs also have
useable lifting points.
The main boom rams are excellent metal parts with thin
white lines. Detailing on the boom includes a couple
of spooling drums and access platforms, and the graphics
are high quality. Pendant bars for the Sideways
Super Lift (SSL) are stored for transport. A
ladder can also be hung at the front.
The inner telescope sections have a
realistic profile with thin walls, and the overall boom
geometry is excellent. At the boom head the
sheaves are metal, and painted white. Hoist rope
tying-off points are modelled.
The SSL is well made and is nearly all metal. Only
the hoist guide rope part seems a little awkward on the
model.
Two hook blocks are included, 3 sheaves and 7 sheaves, and
they are very good metal parts. Also included are sets
of lifting chains and these are welcome additions to a
crane model. They can be used particularly when
the crane is self-ballasting, although not all chains
were the same length on one set in the review model.
A Demag-branded load plate is also included.
This edition of the model also includes holders for
carrying various parts during transport. These are metal
frames and they are another welcome addition to a crane
model.
Features
The axles steer independently with the exception of axle
six which is fixed as per the real crane. The
achievable angles are very good. The crane can also be posed with crab
steering if required by raising axle six out of service
and this works well on the model. There is sprung
suspension on each axle.
Handrails can be added to the crane body when in working
mode.
The outriggers can be extended and pads lowered, with
the crane able to be supported wheels-free, and the outrigger
beams remain reasonably straight. The beams can be
locked in their folded out position.
The operator's cab can be rotated from the transport
position and raised to provide clearance when the crane
slews. It can also be tilted to a good angle.
The counterweight system can be fitted in various
configurations, including being mounted on the
carrier deck during self-assembly.
Raising the boom is easy as the locking mechanism on the
main boom rams is by means of using a supplied key
tightening screws and
this works very well.
Telescoping the boom is smooth and easy with a spring
clip to lock each boom section. It has locking
positions at 45%, 90% and 100%.
A key is used to operate the main winch and it has a
positive brake system. Access to the winch is
enabled by a removable panel held in place by magnets,
and this is a high quality solution to avoid unsightly
holes in the crane body.
The SSL works well with the SSL winches being stiff
enough to provide good tension on the boom.
Foldable access platforms on the boom provide support
for the SSL top sheaves.
The crane can be displayed in a variety of transport
modes from the lightest configuration (no front
outriggers and no SSL), to fully loaded.
Various parts can be carried on the supplied trays on a
suitable truck.
Quality
This model is well made and high quality.
It is beautifully presented.
The paint finish is slightly thick in places but overall very good, and the
many small graphics are
sharp.
Price
It is good value, with the additions in the
Collector's Edition being worthwhile.
Overall
IMC Models has made an excellent job
with this model of the Demag AC 700-9.
Clearly, the aim has been to set a very high standard,
and this has been achieved. The book and carrying
frames in the Collector's Edition are top notch and
hopefully these will be available in future coloured
editions of the model, or separately.
Footnotes
The model first appeared as a Collector's Edition in Mammoet livery. This Collector's Edition in Demag
livery was released in December 2019. A standard
edition without the book and other parts was also
released. |
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|
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| Parts neatly
wrapped. |
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| Very impressive
fully loaded for transport. |
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| Large spooling
drum. |
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| Trays for carry
parts on a truck. |
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|
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| On the road in
its lightest configuration. |
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| Axle six raised
out of service. |
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| Smart
outriggers. |
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| Impressive
counterweight. |
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| Detailed
carrier deck. |
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| SSL in action. |
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| Impressive
display. |
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| Thin walled
boom sections. |
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