 |
| Large box. |
 |
 |
| Bottom layer.
|
 |
| Middle layer. |
 |
| Nice crawler track
shoes. |
 |
| VPC-Max counterweight
extended. |
|
|
 |
| Lattice sections have
useable lifting eyes. |
 |
| Very good complex
lattice work. |
 |
| Luffing jib is a heavy
part. |
 |
| Full configuration. |
 |
| Configured with the
main boom only.
|
 |
| Lifting a Mammoet
generator. |
|
The Manitowoc
MLC650 Crawler Crane made its debut at the ConExpo
Exhibition in 2014. It has a maximum capacity of
650 tonnes, and its main feature is a Variable Position
Counterweight (VPC). This allows the crane to be
operated with maximum versatility and flexibility.
Packaging
The model comes packed in a
very large shipping box. Inside there is an inner Manitowoc
branded box which contains three separate expanded polystyrene trays holding the
many parts of the model.
There were no defects or missing parts on the review
model.
There is no information about the real crane, but a
comprehensive assembly guide for the model is
included. It is high quality and starts with annotated
parts lists for each tray. Assembly is then guided
through 39 steps which cover what is needed with the
exception of reeving diagrams for the hook blocks. Also
only the largest configuration of the crane is covered.
Many other configurations are possible.
The assembly of the model is straightforward, and tools are
provided to aid the task. A number of hours is
required to fully erect and reeve the model.
Detail
The track frames and undercarriage are assembled as one
piece, but it is easy to disconnect the parts. The tracks are metal, and excellent,
and the frames have a detailed casting. Steps and textured
platforms provide access to the cab.
The operator's cab is fully detailed with windscreen wipers,
grab handles and an unsilvered door mirror. It has a
detailed interior and at the rear of the cab various signs
are replicated with tiny writing.
The handrails and platforms around the model are metal
and very good.
At the front of the crane body three slewing motors are modelled
complete with hydraulic hoses leading from their tops. Four hydraulic jacks which would be used
for self-unloading are modelled, and the pistons are smooth
faced.
The counterweight arrangement is based on the VPC-Max
arrangement of the real crane. The sliding beam
has a nicely detailed actuator at the front. The counterweight tray
slots onto the beam. The counterweight boxes are
separate metal parts with lifting lugs and graphics
giving the weight, 10 tons.
The engine cover is plastic and the winches within the
body look good. Plastic covers fit over the holes
in the body which provide access for the winch keys so
that the look is not spoilt. The live mast has a
non-functioning erection cylinder and the sheaves at the
end are metal in common with the rest of the model.
The lattice boom and jib sections of the crane are nice castings
with excellent geometry. They are nearly all metal with
just a few pieces of internal bracing being plastic.
They include useable lifting eyes, mesh walkways and
ladders. At the jib head the whip line jib has
working rollers.
The connections are made with tiny black nuts and bolts, and the straps are
very thin metal and easily bent if not handled with care.
The boom and jib head have plastic 'Manitowoc' sign boards.
Three hooks are supplied. The main block is large piece with a very good swivelling
double hook although unlike the rest of the model the
block is not modular
so cannot be split down into two smaller blocks.
The second hook is a block with three sheaves. The whip
line is a single metal piece.
Features
The crawler tracks roll very easily
and are tensioned by spring-loaded idlers in the track frames.
The four jacks have pads which can be pulled down and pinned at
full extension.
The cab tilts and it holds a pose easily.
The crane rotates very smoothly.
The Variable Position Counterweight works very well, and
it is as much as a major plus on the model as it is on
the real crane, as it is possible to position the
counterweight to keep the model in reasonable balance
whether it has a load or not.
To operate the model two keys are provided for the winches. When the
key is pushed in, the drum presses against a spring and
away from a brake surface such that it turns freely when
the tool is turned.
The winch drum for the live mast is split in two, unlike
the real crane, but this makes it easier to maintain
tension in the ropes.
The winches work well. However if the boom or jib
are at a steep angle there is not enough weight on the
luffing ropes and so lowering has to be assisted by
easing down by hand.
The manual guides the assembly of the full model but
many other configurations are possible, just like the
real crane. This includes using parts as transport
loads.
The model looks particularly impressive with a suitable
load.
Quality
This is a high quality model with nicely made parts which fit
together very well.
The paintwork and graphics are equally high quality throughout.
Price
This model is good value overall as it is large and impressive.
Overall
Towsleys has produced a very good quality model, which follows
in the tradition of high quality crawler cranes made by
TWH Collectibles. The detailing and build quality are
very nice, but the high point is the flexibility of the
model, with most parts bolted rather than riveted, so
numerous configurations are possible.
Footnotes
The
model was marketed under the Towsleys brand name and was
engineered by Weiss Brothers. It was released in
March 2017 after having been announced at Bauma 2016.
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
| Top tray. |
 |
| Track
frames can be separated and they make a good load. |
 |
| Parts make good loads.
|
 |
| High detail. |
 |
| Nice counterweight
boxes. |
 |
| Luffing jib parts.
|
|
|
 |
| Very convincing model. |
 |
| Large
hook block is not modular. |
 |
| Counterweight slid in.
|
 |
| Very good geometry. |
 |
| Lifts well using the
Variable Position Counterweight. |
 |
| Impressive model. |
|
