 |
| Kobelco
branded box.
|
 |
 |
| Very good
transport load. |
 |
| Raised on its
jacks. |
 |
| Detailed cab. |
 |
| Detailed cab
and textured walkways. |
 |
| Traffic light
indicator. |
 |
| Load plates are
included. |
|
|
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| Walkways on the
boom sections. |
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| Nice track
frames. |
|
The
Kobelco CKE1350G Crawler Crane is a 150 tonne
class crane. The version modelled here is the crane
aimed at the European market with an angular cab.
Packaging
It comes in a Kobelco-branded box. The model parts are
wrapped in soft paper and are held within clipped trays.
The review model had no defects or missing parts.
The
manual is printed in English and Japanese and is excellent. It describes
the model, with clear photos and instructions. A
large number of good quality tools
are supplied to assemble and operate the model.
Detail
The metal tracks are robust castings and the
track frames have lifting points and tiny graphics. There are no
working rollers.
There are four
translifter floats for use in self-assembly
of the crane. The
pistons have visible screw threads. Additional
carbody weights attach to the underframe.
The
cab has window wipers, and the
interior detail is good. Small graphics enhance the
detailing around the cab. Exterior walkways are
metal and have etched surfaces. They are removable
and plug into hole in the body. However, a
slightly loose fit means the walkways can sag a little.
The body has cast in panel details, and there are small warning sign graphics. Access ladders are metal.
At the front is a small
winch that would have looked good with some rope on it.
There is also an indicator light column.
At the rear the counterweight lifting mechanism is modelled and the
tray has small graphics applied. The separate
counterweight blocks are plain with securing eyes
modelled.
The boom
is of heavy construction and there are tiny graphics on
the sections.
Each section also has etched walkways. The boom
guys look good and they are joined by metal connectors.
A good job has been made of getting the length of guys
equivalent. The sheaves on the model are metal.
An auxiliary sheave head is metal. A five sheave hook block is included along
with two single line ball hook.
Two Kobelco load plates are also provided.
Features
The tracks are spring loaded and roll freely.
The track frames are removable.
The self-assembly jacks can be rotated into position
and the pads unscrewed to raise the crane.
Walkways and ladders are removable to narrow the
transport width.
The counterweight is removable. The counterweight
lifting system also raises although posing it placing
the counterweight would be difficult.
Raising the boom
uses a winch that has a positive brake. There is
not enough rope on the inch drum to fully service the
crane so extra rope has to be added by knotting some on
which is less than ideal. It would have been
better to have an oversize drum or thinner rope.
A key is used to operate the winches. They are spring
loaded with positive brakes. They are accessed by
removing side panels so the look of the model is not
affected.
The boom can be configured to any length using the
supplied sections as the guy ropes are also
sectionalised.
The model can be split into realistic transport loads.
Quality
This model is high quality with a high metal
content.
The paint finish
and graphics are very good.
Price
It is reasonable value.
Overall
This addition to the Kobelco portfolio
of scale models is high quality and looks impressive.
It is well made with a very high metal content.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in August 2026. |
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|
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| Tray and
manual. |
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| Multiple truck
loads could be modelled. |
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| The model is
just at the tipping point with the boom lowered. |
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| Very good
detail on top. |
|
|
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| Profile view. |
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| Boom guys have
equalised tension. |
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| Impressive. |
 |
| Convincing
profile. |
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