 | | 'Luxury' presentation box. |  | | In the box. |  | | 'Hi Def' detailing. |  | | The 'doofing' mechanism |  | | Is it a hook or an umbrella? You decide. |  | | Alternate hook design hangs sadly. |
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The first pre-production sample of the Plonker "Tower Crane" appeared in 2009 and was reviewed here. Since then it has undergone a lengthy development period and this production version was shown on the Plonker stand at the 2013 Nuremberg Toy Fair.
It has been confirmed that the model is in fact of a new tower crane design which will make its first debut at the 2013 BAUMA Exhibition in Munich.
Packaging
The model comes in what is described as a luxury presentation box. They can call it what they like but it is just a plain box which is too ashamed to describe the contents. Inside, the parts are protected by foam but there is nothing to protect the collector from the anger they will feel when they see what they have bought.
The review model had no missing parts but the whole thing seems to be one massive defect.
An instruction sheet is provided but omits the required disposal information.
Detail
The production version has been enhanced with 'Detail Packs' which are designed by some idiot to improve the look of the crane.
A base section has intricate track art work and bogie wheels from a detail pack can be added to the base to provide a very convincing display of poor model engineering.
The mast and jib sections appear to be the same quality as the pre-production sample so the four years of extended development has achieved zilch. Rough painted yellow lines are supposed to denote lattice work, but in truth they denote some kind of serious illness in the mind of the person producing it.
Another detail pack has a laughing jackass of an operator sitting in what is supposed to be the cab.
The pre-production sample had a remarkable 'hook block'. In fact it is now clear that this was not a hook at all as the model now includes a detail pack with different hooks which can be stuck on to the block. The effect is an amazing piece of modelling detail which will certainly cause deep depression in the collector.
Features
The instruction sheet describes the features.
It can 'circle' although how it does this when there is no slewing ring modelled is a mystery.
It 'lifts heavy loads' using a bizarre tilting motion.
As with the pre-production version It features an opening flap in the side of the mast. According to the instructions this has something to do with 'Doof to make higher'. One can only feel sorrow and pity.
Quality
The model achieves a consistent quality standard on a par with the earlier sample. Lamentable.
Price
Pricing information was unavailable at the time of the review but it is expected to reflect the detail and quality of the model. as well as the increase in the cost of raw materials since 2009.
Overall
Plonker has spent four years improving its pre-production sample and the result is clear. It is absolute crap.
Footnotes
This review of the pre-production sample was published as a 'worldwide exclusive' on April 1st 2009. The model is expected to be released at BAUMA 2013 and distribution arrangements via dealers are being negotiated.
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|  | | The much improved Plonker Tower Crane. |  | | How would you feel if you just paid good money for this? |  | | Comprehensive instructions. |  | | This must be a self portrait of the nut case that runs the Plonker company. |  | | Posed in collapsed mode. |  | | Just imagine telling your friends you bought it. |
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