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Demag AC 650 Mobile Crane - Mammoet

Maker:  IMC Models
Model No:  410289
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  October 2024


IMC Models Index
Mobile Crane Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10) 9
Detail   (max 30) 28
Features   (max 20) 18
Quality   (max 25) 21
Price   (max 15) 11
Overall   (max 100) 87%

Footnotes


Demag AC 650 Mobile Crane - Mammoet video
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Mammoet branded box.
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On the road.
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Detailed chassis..
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Pistons on the outriggers cannot be fully retracted.
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Paired with a ballast carrier.
Axle 6 raised out of service.
Self ballasting.
 
Lifting a load.
Lifting with the Superlift.

The Demag AC 650 is a 650 tonne class all terrain crane. It was introduced by Mannesmann Dematic AG at Bauma 1998 as the successor to the AC 1600.

This version of the model is the colours of Mammoet, the Dutch lifting and heavy haulage specialist. 

Packaging

The model comes in high quality packaging with an outer shipping carton enclosing a large Mammoet-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 or missing parts.

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.

A numbered Mammoet Collector Card is included.

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 chain for hitching the hook whilst travelling, and other details include a realistic number plate and a fleet number behind the cab.  Door mirrors, windscreen wipers and beacon lights complete the external detail. 

Behind the carrier cab the engine area has textured surfaces and a nice mesh grille, and there are highlighted filler caps.  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 circular metal pads can be clipped on for storage, although the front beams do not close easily with them fitted so they are best left off.  There are 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 realistic number plate.  However, the rear outrigger pistons could not be fully retracted on the review model which hinders the appearance a little.  The model also comes with an additional rear carrier box attachment and this is a nicely decorated part.

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.

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 and detailing on the boom includes a couple of spooling drums and access platforms The graphics are high quality.   Pendant bars for the Super Lift can be stored for transport. 

The inner telescope sections have a realistic profile with thin walls, and the overall boom geometry is excellent. There are Mammoet graphics on the top boom section.  At the boom head the sheaves are metal.  Hoist rope tying-off points are modelled.

The Superlift is well made and is nearly all metal.  The hoist guide rope part can be fitted in working or transport configuration.

Two hook blocks are included, 3 sheaves and 7 sheaves, and they are very good metal parts.  Also included are two sets of lifting chains.  They can be used particularly when the crane is self-ballasting. 

A Mammoet-branded load plate is also included.

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. 

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.

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 Superlift works well with the winch being stiff enough to provide reasonable tension on the boom. 

The crane can be displayed in a variety of transport modes from the lightest configuration (no front outriggers and no Superlift) to fully loaded.  

Quality

This model is well made and high quality. 

The paint finish is very good, and the graphics are sharp.

Price

It is decent value, for a special limited edition model.

Overall

This is an excellent model of the Demag AC 650 and the Mammoet colour scheme ensures it is a highly collectible model.  It goes well with the matching ballast carrier.

Footnotes

The model first appeared in July 2024.  The IMC item number is 31-0286.  It was made in a run of 600 models.
 
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Parts neatly wrapped.
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Bespoke carrier box at the rear.
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Very detailed cab. 
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Detailed crane body..
 
On the road in its lightest configuration.
Nice mini diorama.
Detailed crane carrier.
The Superlift boom connection.
The Superlift.