 | | The usual Liebherr picture box. |  |  | | Fine details at ground level. Excellent equipment cabinet. |  | | Metal trolley has brass pulleys. |  | | A very high class model. |  | | Brass pulleys at the end of the jib. |  | | Excellent casting within the counterweight slabs. |
| This model is the latest in a long line of Liebherr mobile tower crane models which stretches back to the previous 32k, 28k and 21k models. The earlier models had been made by Conrad. To see photos of a version of the real machine on crawler tracks click here.
Packaging
The model comes in the normal Liebherr style box and the polystyrene trays are helpfully marked 'top' and 'bottom' so there is no danger of the model dropping out when the two trays are separated. Inside the model is extremely well wrapped with foam sheeting and tape. As the model is completely rigged care has to be exercised in removing the packaging if scissors are used to ensure the ropes are not cut. The review model was undamaged.
An instruction sheet is supplied with the model which unusually is in five languages; German, English, French, Italian and Spanish. The instructions are essentially accurate although the pictures show two extra silver pins which are not provided and do not seem to have a use. Also there is no reference to the removal of the road tyres. Most importantly, the instructions omit to mention that the clip (part 4) at the base of the mast has to be removed to allow the telescoping of the mast to occur.
Detail
The first impressions of the model are very good indeed as it appears to be very detailed and intricate.
Commencing with the undercarriage, the wheels are attached to frames which are pinned to the turntable base and it is an easy matter to remove them to detach the travelling gear. The pins are very small so care has to be taken not to lose them. T he tyre treads are more detailed than usual and they are mounted on small plastic hubs, which look good. The frames and tow bar are all finely cast.
The turntable base has folding outriggers with the usual screw jacks which bear down on tiny excellent metal pads. The base of the crane has a very well detailed electrical cabinet with some stunningly rendered detailed graphics for instruction notices. A number of pulleys are used in the base and they are all brass. Excellent detail continues with the counterweights which are made up of four separate pieces which are fitted to the piece permanently fixed to the base unit. Each piece represents two or three concrete slabs and has the word Liebherr cast in to each slab. They also have step irons to form a ladder and the top section has lifting eyes.
Turning to the mast it consists of a two stage telescope. There is a very good ladder and operator's platform, and a detailed plastic capacity board is attached to the front. The pendant lines which control the erection are wires with brass crimpings and a very good job has been done to keep paired lengths the same so that all wires are taut.
The telescoping jib is a tour de force. The outer jib is beautifully cast and is fully triangulated on all three sides and this achieved by having the two sides cast as one piece and the underside is a separate casting fixed in place. The inner jib has been made in the same way. Tiny brass pulleys are used throughout. The trolley is metal with brass pulleys and the very good metal hook also has brass pulleys.
Thoughtfully, a very good metal concrete skip has been included, complete with lifting chains.
Features
The two winches which are used to erect the crane and operate the hoist are of an excellent spring-loaded variety with integral brake and are turned by means of the tool that NZG supplies with the model.
Erection of the model from the travelling position works extremely well as does the telescoping mast. The telescopic jib is operated by a small turning on a winch and it works perfectly with the inner jib moving smoothly in or out to any desired position. Another remarkable piece of scale modelling and precision engineering is the trolley. It can be positioned anywhere along the outer jib. With the telescopic jib extended, the trolley can also be placed on the inner jib as small spring clips pop out to engage the narrower track.
Quality
The quality of the casting and the precision engineering within this model sets a new standard for a relatively 'mass produced' construction crane such as this. Paintwork and lettering are also of very high quality.
Price
The 32TT represents excellent value for money.
Overall
This is an almost faultless first class model and in all respects a dramatic improvement on previous tower crane models of this type. A variety of posing opportunities are provided from travelling mode to different combinations of mast height and telescopic jib. The inclusion of the very good concrete skip accessory make this an interesting addition to the display cabinet.
Footnotes
This model first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2005.
|
| |
|  | | The model is well packed in the box. |  | | Capacity board and operator's platform. Very good step irons on the counterweight slabs. |  | | Concrete skip adds to the model and keeps weight on the hook. |  | | The jib sections are triangulated on the underside. |  | | 'The remote control is a bit large!'. The tool for operating the winches. |  | | Spring clips inside the trolley allow it to travel onto the telescopic section. |
|
