 | | NZG historic model box. |  |  | | The parts out of the box. |  | | The crane travels on a simple axle. |  | | Good detail with the counterweight made to look like separate individual blocks. |  | | The jib is fully triangulated and is actually made of two lengthways pieces. |  | | Contents of the bag when the crane is supplied as model 664. |
| The Form 6 was one of the very early cranes produced by the Liebherr company in around 1950 and represents the heritage from which it has since grown. This is one of the series of historic models produced by NZG.
Packaging
Unusually for a Liebherr model it is not packed in the typical house style picture box. Instead it is contained in one of NZG's historic series box with a drawing of the model on the outer sleeve. Inside, the crane is contained in a pair of conventional expanded polystyrene trays. The review model was well packed and undamaged.
An instruction sheet is provided which has clear pictures, but the text is all in German. A separate sheet has English, French, Italian and Spanish translations. The model is fully strung out of the box so there is no work to do here. Given the historical significance of the real crane perhaps it is a pity that a short brochure of information was not provided to compliment the model.
Detail
For the crane a short section of metal trackwork is provided and this has nicely rendered wooden sleepers (ties) with the rail spikes detailed also.
The undercarriage of the Form 6 is a single cast piece and has nicely modelled ballast blocks to simulate the weight which provides stability for the crane. The level of detail continues through into the crane itself where the bulk of the counterweight is loaded. T he casting of the structure at the base is of fine quality with beam sections having flange and web features. The winch drums have toothed gear wheels representing the original drive mechanism and the pinion for the hoist is also modelled. Small warning notices complete the detail.
The main structure is a metal tube which has a very good plastic ladder and safety cage attached. These lead to the cab which copies the spartan qualities of the original. The plastic used in the windows is fine although it is a solid piece horizontally just at the level of the bottom of the windows and in some conditions it reflects and makes the inside of the cab not seem quite right. Adding to the detail there is also a small capacity board on the front of the mast.
The jib is a pleasing piece which replicates the lattice work of the original effectively. It is actually made of two castings with the underside being a discrete section attached to the top two sides. There are some nice metal pulleys at the mast end of the jib. At the jib tip there is a hoist cut-out bar.
The hook is nicely modelled and comes with a set of lifting chains. Also provided is small metal barrow which provides a load for the crane.
Features
All the normal functions of the crane work. It moves along the tracks and rotates easily. The two winches can be operated by the supplied keys and they work smoothly although the hoist winch really needs a load on the hook to lower properly.
The crane can be posed in transport mode with the travelling axle fixed. As an alternative pose the erection of the crane can be simulated but only to a degree as the model is not particularly stable except when the mast is close to vertical.
Quality
The quality of the manufacture in the crane is very good with all castings having good detail where appropriate. Paintwork and graphics are also very good and add to the impression that this is a high quality model.
Price
The price of the crane is reasonable.
Overall
For anyone interested in historic models of this type, this crane is a desirable model to own, and the quality of the model means that there is no disappointment for the collector. As a historic model some more information on the original machine would have been a good addition. The crane offers a variety of poses either in transport or operating modes.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February 2007. This crane is also sold as a set with the Scania L60 Truck as model 664.
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|  | | The model is well packed. When sold as model 646 the Scania L60 Truck is not included. |  | | The crane being transported. The Scania L60 is included when the model is sold as a set as model number 664. |  | | The crane being erected. As shown the crane is just at the tipping point. |  | | Good, simple and clean lines. |  | | A small wheelbarrow provides a load and therefore tension for the hoist rope. |
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