Cranes Etc Rating System
The Cranes Etc Rating has been devised to produce an objective standard against which diecast models can be assessed. The rating system gives a percentage score for a model review by considering a number of characteristics of interest to collectors as a whole. Individual collectors will have their own preferences but the Rating is intended to broadly reflect the interests of all collectors. Other relevant products such as books and DVDs are also rated and classified using the badges below.
The scoring system does not seek to differentiate between different scales as it is a matter for individual collectors to determine what scales they collect / find acceptable. Cranes Etc mainly reviews diecast models of 1:50 scale, but also 1:87 and other scales.
A model would not be expected to score less than 50%. However over time the expectations of models will increase as model makers improve their offerings and for this reason the year in which the review was made is relevant. An older model reviewed today would likely score lower than in its year of introduction as overall standards have improved.
Models are also classified into the following categories:
Unclassified products have no particular recommendation, which does not mean the product is bad, just that it is not distinguished compared to its peers.
 |  |  | | Models with a rating in the range 62% - 74% | Models with a rating of 75% or more | Models with a rating above 80% or more, depending on model type |
Early model reviews may have Outstanding ratings with lower percentages as these were the top models reviewed at the time.
The Rating for models is described in the following table:
| Packaging (max 10) | The main function of packaging is to protect the model during storage and transportation. Marks may be lost under this heading if any review model is received damaged in transit. Marks are also awarded for
- Attractive boxes
- Detailed, clear instructions
- Tools for use during assembly / operation
- Fact sheets / information on the full size machine | | Detail (max 30) | Higher marks are awarded for model detail. Examples:
- Details within the casting; bolts, grilles etc
- Hosing to hydraulic cylinders
- Windscreen wipers, mirrors etc
- Lights - Cab controls
- Ladders and steps
- Graphics
Detail also implies that the model is a faithful representation of the full size machine. Significant deviations from the original machine loses marks. | | Features (max 20) | Higher marks are awarded for additional features of value to collectors, for example:
- Moving parts
- Functionality
- Opening doors etc
- Accessories | | Quality (max 25) | Marks for quality are judged on the overall finish:
- Quality of casting
- Quality of paintwork and graphics
- Minimal plastic parts.
- Metal tracks, rather than plastic
- Parts which fit together well, where separate pieces are involved | | Price (max 15) | The mark for price is an assessment of the value for money having regard for the packaging, detail, features and quality as described above. A high mark means the model is good value, a low mark means poor value. The pricing level considered is based on the Manufacturers Retail Price where available, or if not available the average price for the model on German websites at the time of the review. | | Overall (max 100) | The overall rating out of 100%. |
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