Cranes Etc Reviews
Cranes Etc reviews models, and books related to models and real machines.
For model reviews the Cranes Etc Model Rating System has been used and this is described below.
| Model
Reviews |
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| By type | By model maker | Recently added |
| Accessories Concrete Pumps and Mixers Cranes - Crawler Cranes - Mobile Cranes - Ring Cranes - Tower Demolition Equipment Earthmoving Foundation Equipment Heavy Haulage Historic Models Materials Handling Mining Trucks |
Brami Classic Construction Models Conrad Motorart NZG Preiser Ros Sword TWH Universal Hobbies Unknown WSI |
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| Book
Reviews |
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 An Illustrated History of Cranes Machinery in Miniature |
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Cranes Etc Model Rating System
The Cranes Etc Model Rating has been devised to produce an objective standard against which die cast construction models from the major manufacturers can be assessed.
The rating system seeks to derive 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 Model Rating is intended to broadly reflect the interests of all collectors.
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. This website generally reviews die cast models of 1:50 scale (1:87 tower crane models are also reviewed).
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.
Models are also classified depending on their rating score into the following categories:
Unclassified - No particular recommendation which does not mean the model is bad, just that it is not distinguished compared to its peers.
Recommended - Generally with a rating in the range 62% - 74%.
Highly Recommended - Generally with a rating of 75% or more, where the model does not become a Cranes Etc Top Ten model.
Top Ten - The highest accolade for a model reviewed by Cranes Etc. Models retain their status as a Former Top Ten model if they are later relegated from the Top Ten.
The Model Rating is described in the following table:
| Category | Max Score | Description |
| Packaging | 10 | The main function of packaging is to protect the model
during storage and transportation. Marks will be lost under
this heading if any review model is received damaged. Marks are also
awarded for - Attractive boxes - Detailed, clear instructions - Fact sheets / information on the full size machine |
| Detail | 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 - Engine detail Detail also implies that the model is a faithful representation of the full size machine. Deviations from the original machine loses marks. |
| Features | 20 | Higher marks are awarded for additional features of value to
collectors, for example: - Moving parts - Opening doors - Accessories - Tools for use during assembly / operation |
| Quality | 25 | Marks for quality are judged on the overall finish: - Quality of casting - Quality of paintwork and decals - Minimal plastic parts. - Metal tracks, rather than plastic - Parts which fit together well, where separate pieces are involved |
| Price | 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 the average price for the model on German websites at the time of the review. In this way the assessment is relative to other models rather than based on an absolute price in a particular country. |
| Total | 100% |
