 | | Large shipping container. |  |  | | Second layer. |  | | Toolkit and manual. |  | | Boom sections can be used as transport loads. Here an East flat trailer does the carrying. |  | | Heavy track frames. |  | | Excellent detail on the cab. |  | | Impressive tyres. |  | | Substantial boom and fixed mast. |  | | Detailed lattice work. |  | | The boom is very straight in diecast. |  | | The straps for the luffing jib were not equally tensioned because of a slight twist in the strut. |
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The Manitowoc 18000 crawler crane can lift 750 metric tonnes (825 US ton) when rigged with the optional MAX-ER ballast attachment. Without it the capacity is 600 tonnes. The maximum boom and jib combination allows lifts to around 180m high.
This version of the model is updated from the one introduced in 2005 with the main difference being that some of the boom sections are diecast rather than brass.
Packaging
The model comes packed in a very large shipping box measuring some 77 x 45 x 45cm (30 x 17 x 17in) weighing around 20kg (32lb). Inside there is an inner white box which has a simple label on the end and it contains three separate polystyrene trays holding the many parts of the model.
One handrail section had become detached during shipping and was reattached and there were a couple of fixing screws short in the packaging.
The manual in this version of the model is different from the first version and only consists of instructions for the model, with no information about the real crane. The assembly instructions contain some high quality pictures of the model including a parts list for the pieces in the box. The only thing missing is a description of the very smallest parts in the model, namely screws and rods used to join some of the main pieces together. As there are subtle differences between some of these parts a novice collector would take time trying to work out what goes where, so a small items parts list would have assisted.
The DVD included with the first version of the model is not included with this one, but the excellent toolkit is included. It consists of scissors, pliers, screwdriver and tweezers as well as a couple of needles for reeving and a pair of cotton gloves. The kit also includes a tool for operating winches in the crane body. The main box also includes a few spare crawler track links.
The assembly of the model is straightforward although the fit of some of the parts is tight. Much of the model is pre-assembled in the box but still quite a number of hours is required to fully erect and reeve the model.
Detail
This model is very detailed. The undercarriage and crane body are permanently assembled as one piece and although an experienced modeller might want to have a go at taking it to pieces, it is obviously not intended for this. The tracks are metal, and excellent, and the frames are finely detailed with rivets and include a couple of chains with hooks. Black counterweight slabs fit into trays slung from the under frame. These are well made and are complete with lifting eyes.
The operator's cab is fully detailed with windscreen wipers, grab handles and an unsilvered door mirror. It has a detailed interior complete with the 'Manitowoc' logo printed on the back of the seat. At the rear of the cab various notices are replicated with tiny writing.
The handrails and platforms around the model are metal and finely crafted.
At the front of the crane body two fine slewing motors are modelled complete with hydraulic hoses leading from their tops, and there are connection points for hydraulic hosing from the drums on the boom and fixed mast. Four hydraulic jacks which would be used for self-unloading are modelled provided and they slot into lugs on the crane body.
At the rear counterweight trays hang off each side and they have one slab permanently fixed in each tray. The slabs include step irons to replicate the ladder formed to allow slinging and unslinging.
An engine block is present inside the body and is complete with a rotating fan inside a radiator assembly. Hydraulic oil and fuel tanks are also modelled and it is here that some of the few plastic parts are found in the shape of exhaust pipes and pipe work.
The boom and jib sections of the crane are a combination of brass and diecast elements. The diecast boom sections are perfectly straight which is an improvement over the original model. However some of the more unique sections appear to still be brass as they are not geometrically perfect with implications for how the straps look when the model is erected as tensions become unequal. The whip line extension at the end of the luffing jib had a clear twist.
The connections are positive screw joints so there is no fear of the model collapsing, and the straps are metal and easily bent. Included detail such as winches are very good and are complete with hydraulic hosing which connects through into the main crane body. Pulleys on the model are first rate as they have spokes and turn freely on their axles. The boom and jib head have plastic 'Manitowoc' sign boards.
The MAX-ER attachment carries additional counterweights and it comes as a single item so does not make a viable transport load. The walkways and handrails are excellent and the step irons up the frame to the strap connection point are also impressive. There is some very good hydraulic hosing detail on the legs and the tyres are very good heavy rubber versions. The hydraulic rams for lifting the frame up have metal pistons and pads. The numerous counterweight slabs provided are the same high quality as those used on the crane body.
Two hooks are supplied. The main block is large piece with 15 pulleys and a very good swivelling double hook. The whip line is a single metal piece.
Features
The crawler tracks roll extremely well even on a smooth surface and are tensioned by spring-loaded idlers in the track frames.
The four jacks have pads which can be unscrewed but because of the way the jacks are fixed, they cannot lift the machine.
The cab tilts and also has a neat sliding door.
The MAX-ER attachment has wheel assemblies which rotate to allow the unit to be towed, or to move in a circle when the crane rotates. The pendant connections at the top of the MAX-ER are spring loaded in order to ensure tension in the straps.
The crane rotates well under load.
To operate the model a tool is provided for the winches in the crane body. The winch drum for the moving mast has a good working brake mechanism. When the tool 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. This is a fine system but actually it is unnecessary on the model as supplied since the moving mast is permanently riveted into its operating position. The other drums are all free rolling with no brake whatsoever and it is a surprise this issue has not been addressed on this revised version of the model.
The model has been designed to be erected in its full configuration and in places connections are riveted and this prevents the model being displayed in other configurations such as without the jib. It appears it would have straightforward to make minor amendments to the model to make this revised version more flexible but the opportunity has not been taken.
Quality
The quality of the casting is pretty much first class with very fine detail appearing throughout the model. Some of the lattice work was not perfect on the review model.
The paintwork and graphics is very good throughout.
Price
This model is good value overall given the size and quality of what is offered.
Overall
TWH hit the mark in terms of a 'museum quality' model because of the high level of detail and the 18000 looks great. However in terms of functionality this version is not an improvement on the previous version because of the loose winches and restricted configuration possibilities. Overall it remains an outstanding detailed model.
Footnotes
The first version of the model appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February 2005 and was delivered later that year. This revised version was made in a run of 300 models in 2012.
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|  | | Plain inner box. |  | | Top layer. |  | | Bottom layer. |  | | Straight diecast boom section. |  | | A complicated and detailed model. |  | | A large and heavy model. |  | | MAX-ER with its pads down. |  | | Single line hook on the whip line. |  | | Heavy main hook. |  | | Fully erected it is a very impressive model. |  | | Luffing jib head. Whip line head geometry is twisted and poor. |  | | Fixed strut has one riveted connection preventing a non-luffing configuration being built. |
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