 | | The box. |  | | All wheel steering is effective. |  |  | | All metal fly jib complete with metal ladder. |  | | 'Yeah, I've pinned the fly jib, what do I do next?' |  | | Boom head detail. |
| The AC 35 is one of the family of Terex Demag cranes, although this crane originates from the Terex PPM stable rather than Demag. It is a two axle crane and the model comes with a folding fly jib extension.
Packaging
The model comes in a good quality box with Terex graphics and photos all round. Inside is a two-piece polystyrene case. Thoughtfully NZG indicate on the casing which half is top and bottom, and provide finger-sized notches so that case is easy to remove from the box. The model itself was well protected with wrapping and arrived undamaged,
There are no instructions provided and none are really needed although a picture showing how to rest the fly jib for transport would be helpful as it is tricky to find the best position.
Detail
The first impressions of the model are good. Windscreen wipers, mirrors, beacons and grab handles are all modelled well - particularly the grab handles. The windscreen wipers have to be fitted on which is slightly fiddly. Lights are painted on and the cab interiors are satisfactory. The only downside is the crane body pieces which are hollow inside and this can be noticed from some angles. The outriggers are robust and the pads are good.
A first for this model is the provision of a diecast detachable step ladder which hangs on the fly jib during transport. Other nice touches are the steps into the main cab and the detail on the crane platform. A loop is present on the front for the hook to fix into during transport.
The hook block is very good with a brass pulley and a hook which rotates from the main block.
Features
All the main crane functions can be replicated so the model can be posed any way you like. Both axles steer, although there is a problem with the front axle in that the steering is constrained by the tyres touching the bodywork so that a hard lock cannot be obtained.
The main boom cylinder has been drilled with a horizontal hole so that a pin can be inserted to prevent the boom sagging although this detracts from the look a little, and no pin is provided.
The folding fly jib is very well made and has a brass pulley. It takes a little trial and error to sit the this jib for transport on the brackets from the main boom. In fact it does not sit too well, resting in part on one of the beacon lights. Fixing the fly jib to the boom head with pins is easy. As usual NZG provide a couple of metal tools to use to operate the winch and this is much better than having permanent winding handles which would detract from the look.
Quality
This is a quality model. The paintwork and graphics are good / very good as is the casting, and the use of plastic is limited. The outrigger beams are metal and plastic pulleys are limited to the boom head.
Price
The model is good value for the quality and details offered.
Overall
It is a very good model overall.
Footnotes
The model was introduced at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2004. In July 2005 three special livery versions were introduced by NZG: Laukant, Scholpp and Markewitsch. A run of 100 models in 'Nederhof' livery has been produced. Two further liveries were announced in October 2005, 'Feuerwehr' (red) and 'THW' (blue). In December 2005 a version appeared in Mammoet colours. In March 2006 versions appeared in 'Blansjaar' (red) and 'P&K' (yellow) colours. In 2007 a version in the green colour of the UK hirer 'Lawsons' was produced in a run of 200 models. A slightly revised version of the model was announced at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February 2008 and given model number 712.
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|  | | The model in the tray. |  | | Spare wheel and number plates on the back. |  | | Quality detail around the cab. |  | | Rigged for lifting. |  | | A very nice model. |
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