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Demag AC 700-9 All Terrain Crane

Maker:  IMC Models
Model No:  31-0186
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  December 2019


IMC Models Index
Mobile Crane Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10) 10
Detail   (max 30) 28
Features   (max 20) 19
Quality   (max 25) 22
Price   (max 15) 13
Overall   (max 100) 92%

Footnotes


Demag AC 700-9 All Terrain Crane  [Youku Video]
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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.
Smart cab and very good steering angle.
Tilting cab, with highly detailed console.
 
Lifting the counterweight tray with the included chains.
Lifting slabs with the included chains.
Ready for work.
The SSL provides good tension.
Maximum boom extension.  Excellent profile.



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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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.
 
On the road in its lightest configuration.
Axle six raised out of service.
Smart outriggers.
Impressive counterweight.
Detailed carrier deck.
SSL in action.
Impressive display.
Thin walled boom sections.