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| The box. |
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| The parts out of
the box. |
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| Rear view. |
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| Underside view.
|
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| Excellent
graphics. |
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| Rigged for
travelling on site. |
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| Opening engine
compartment.
|
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| Graphics on the
outrigger beams, and the pistons are solid.
|
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| Ready to lift. |
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| The RT540E being
carried on a
Doll
Semi Trailer. |
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The Grove RT540E is a rough terrain
mobile crane used in general construction.
The real machine can lift a maximum of 35 tonnes, and has
a boom length up to 31m. A swingaway extension jib
adds another 14m of reach.
This model is in the colours of
Michielsens, the Belgian craneage company.
Packaging
This model comes in a Manitowoc style box, with the model
held between a pair of expanded polystyrene trays.
There were no defects or missing parts.
It comes complete with a small reprint of the Grove Product
Guide, which is a nice touch, and a simple instruction sheet
which describes some of the features of the model.
Detail
The crane is mounted on good quality tyres with a realistic
tread and these are mounted on detailed hubs. The
carrier is really well detailed with the outrigger pistons
looking like pistons instead of just screw threads. The engine area is excellent with superbly
etched grilles looking particularly convincing. Other
details such as ladders, handrails and other equipment are
all very authentically reproduced.
The high standard of detail continues on the crane body,
with the cab having windscreen wipers and mirrors, and inside
the cab the controls are replicated. It also includes
a fire extinguisher, textured floor and numerous internal
notices for the driver. On the opposite side of the
body there is a removable panel which gives access to the
hydraulics and it is here that a particularly complex and
detailed piece of modelling is found. In fact the
hydraulics are really good on this model with the lines
to the drive motors for the winches also modelled.
The boom is a four piece telescope which is nicely made
with the Michielsens name on every boom section. The
collars at the top of the intermediate boom sections are
plastic and there is a slight colour variation to the
metal parts. A metal hook block is provided and
this is already reeved in the factory, although it did
not hang correctly on the review model and was re-reeved.
Also supplied
is a lattice extension jib and this can be attached to the
boom top with pins. It also has a telescopic extending
section. The only issue with the fly jib is although
it fixes well when the boom is retracted, it does not hang
properly if the boom is extended without the fly jib, and
it then tends to flap around a bit.
Another part included in the box is a second hook block
which is welcome as it allows the crane to be displayed
with a hook on the fly jib and one on the main boom.
The only issue is that a single line hook would have
been more appropriate.
Features
Both axles steer independently and a shallow lock can
be achieved.
The outrigger beams extend and the pads can be lowered, and they can hold the full weight of the crane.
The cab features an opening sliding door, and there is an
additional opening flap which gives sight of the engine
within. A removable clip-on panel reveals detailed
hydraulics connections. Underneath the carrier deck there
is an opening box which reveals the batteries inside.
The other functions of the model work well. The crane
rotates and the boom can be set at any angle. The
main boom cylinder is not very stiff and it can be
pinned at a steep angle. Two winches are modelled.
A nice touch is that the boom features a working angle indicator.
The fly jib can be attached, and the telescopic section
can be extended and pinned in place.
Quality
This is a good quality model with impressive applied
graphics, with some of the warning notices being
absolutely tiny. The paint and graphics is not quite up
to the quality of previous TWH models. There is
very little plastic used.
Price
The model is reasonable value for the quality offered.
Overall
It is good to see this model in new liveries and this
Michielsens version looks smart and will be somewhat
rare in the limited numbers made. The detail level
is great and it is highly recommended.
Footnotes
The first version of the model appeared at dealers in August 2009.
It has been produced in a number of colour variants and
a version in red and white is reviewed
here. The
Michielesens version was produced in a limited run of
150 models.
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|
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| The model
inside the box. |
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| The crane in
configuration for being loaded. |
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| Fly jib pins to
the side of the boom. |
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| Opening cab
door and battery compartment underneath.
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| Twin winches
and mirrors, and very small graphics. |
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| Outriggers out
and crane working. |
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| With the cover
removed, the hydraulics can be accessed. |
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| Graphics on
each boom section. |
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| Lifting a small
beam on the fly jib. |
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| An impressive
load.
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