Cranes Etc Reviews
Cranes Etc reviews models, and books and software related to models and real machines.
For model reviews the Cranes Etc Model Rating System has been used and this is described below.
Cranes Etc Model Rating System
The Cranes Etc Model Rating has been devised to produce an objective standard against which die cast 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. Cranes Etc generally reviews die cast models of 1:50 scale, and some in 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 as overall standards improve.
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.
Outstanding - Generally 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 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 - Tools for use during assembly / operation - 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. Significant deviations from the original machine loses marks. |
| Features | 20 | Higher marks are awarded for additional features of value to collectors, for example: - Moving parts - Functionality - Opening doors etc - Accessories |
| 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 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. |
| Total | 100% |