 | | Terex branded box. |  |  | | On the road. |  | | One counterweight is permanently attached. |  | | Rigged with the hook. |  | | Cab decoration is good. Metal pulleys in the boom head. |  | | Fly jib stows on the side of the boom. |  | | Metal outriggers. |  | | Lifting a load. |  | | The pads are not supplied with the model. They are part number NZG 7871. |  | | Brass pulley in the top of the fly jib. |  | | Ready to lift. |  | | Fly jib on. |
| The AC 200-1 is a nominal 200t capacity five axle crane (also available in six axle configuration in some countries) originally from the Demag stable, and now a staple of the Terex brand. For photos of the real machine click here.
The model was first introduced in 2003 as NZG 514. In 2008 an updated version was introduced as NZG 730. This further updated version was introduced in 2012 and the review model is in the colours of Merkel, a German crane hire company.
Packaging
The packaging for this model consists of a good quality outer sleeve with a photo which shows the 6-axle variant of the crane rather than the 5-axle version modelled. Inside, there is a two piece polystyrene tray containing the model. Inside, the model is carefully wrapped. No instructions are provided but assembly of the few parts is straightforward.
There were no missing parts on the review model although their was bad scratching of the paint of one of the wheel arches. A replacement model was obtained.
NZG also provide a pair of cotton gloves with the model to prevent finger marks.
Detail
The underneath of the carrier is purely functional with no detailing, The wheels have good tyres and the metal wheels are good with a different hub design on the front axle. The driving cab has windscreen wipers, mirrors, and the headlights are painted on. There are beacon lights on the roof. The cab interior details are simple, and there is a fine loop at the front of the crane for attaching a hook during transport.
Location points are provided on the carrier body for loading the counterweights during erection, and there are textured surfaces on the top surface and sides.
The crane body detail is also good with wipers on the cab and very good metal handrail and stepping details. The cab windows are better on this new version of the model with realistic window seals.
The counterweight consists of three pieces. One is intended to be permanently attached, and the other two make up the full counterweight but the larger piece is not realistic and is combined from several parts on the real crane.
The main boom is in seven sections. A folding fly jib is provided and has well formed latticework. The pulleys are metal and separate and this is the main change to the previous version of the model. It is certainly an improvement. The Merkel colour scheme is really smart and the quality of the graphics is very sharp.
The metal hook block is very good and in keeping with the size of the crane, however it is too large to be realistic hanging from the fly jib.
Features
The front and rear pairs of axles steer. Each pair is linked together and they steer well in tandem so most of the steering modes of the real crane can be replicated.
The outriggers are very good. They each have two stage metal outrigger beams which pull out and the metal pads lower with a robust screw mechanism.
The crane cab can be tilted a little.
The main counterweight is attached to the crane body by a pair of screws. When attached the overall effect is good, and the crane can rotate fully without a problem. However if the counterweight is removed and rested on the carrier using the locating lugs then the crane body cannot rotate as it is fouled by the counterweight. This appears to be scaling problem and in reality is of little practical consequence because it does not prevent the crane being posed in almost every possible way. When in transport mode the model still has one counterweight plate permanently attached. A skilled collector can probably remove it by undoing the hidden screws.
The boom cylinder has been drilled with a hole so that it can be pinned when erect to prevent boom sag. Thoughtfully the hole is in the plane of the boom so it is not visible for most practical purposes. The boom is a seven section telescope and extends well, although fully extended it needs to be carefully set up to avoid sideways lean.
At the boom head the folding fly jib can be attached by pins and this is straightforward to do. However the jib has no intermediate pulleys so fully extended is the only option. With the fly jib attached a big model results and it stands nearly 1.7m tall.
The winch is operated using one of the tools NZG provide for the purpose which works well. The hook rotates from the block and this allows more flexibility in posing lifts.
Quality
The paint finish is high quality as are the graphics apart from the damage on the review model mentioned earlier. It is a very heavy model reflecting the high metal content.
Price
It is very good value for a five axle crane.
Overall
This model has been around for a long time and shows its age a little in terms of details and features. The revisions on this version are small but worthwhile, and it looks very attractive in Merkel colours. It is a recommended crane model.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2003 as model number 514, and was revised as model 730. This version of in the colours of Merkel was a limited edition of 300 models. The model in Terex colours is reviewed here..
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|  | | It looks good. |  | | Profile view. |  | | Tool box at the rear. |  | | No detail underneath. |  | | Smart wheels and tyres. |  | | Merkel colour scheme is very attractive. |  | | It poses well with a ballast carrier. |  | | The Cranes Etc team arguing about the name of the German Chancellor. |  | | Outriggers are strong enough to lift the model. |  | | Boom top detail. |  | | Bend in the boom is realistic if it was carrying a load. |  | | The hook is too large for the fly jib really. |
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