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| Erected and ready for work, the model is around 45cm 'under hook'. Here the model is shown with the telescopic jib extended. |
NZG 521
- Liebherr 32TT Mobile Tower Crane
Model Review July 2005
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| Erected and ready for work, the model is around 45cm 'under hook'. Here the model is shown with the telescopic jib extended. |
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| The usual Liebherr picture box. |
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| The model is well packed in the box. |
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| Fine details at ground level. Excellent equipment cabinet. |
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| Capacity board and operator's platform. Very good step irons on the counterweight slabs. |
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| Metal trolley has brass pulleys. |
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| Spring clips inside the trolley allow it to travel onto the telescopic section. |
This model is made in China and is in 1:50 scale. It is the latest in a long line of Liebherr mobile tower crane models which stretches back to the previous 32k, 28k and 21k models. The earlier models had been made by Conrad.
To see photos of a version of the real machine on crawler tracks click here.
Packaging
The model comes in the normal Liebherr style box and the polystyrene trays are helpfully marked 'top' and 'bottom' so there is no danger of the model dropping out when the two trays are separated. Inside the model is extremely well wrapped with foam sheeting and tape. As the model is completely rigged care has to be exercised in removing the packaging if scissors are used to ensure the ropes are not cut. The review model was undamaged.
An instruction sheet is supplied with the model which unusually is in five languages; German, English, French, Italian and Spanish. The instructions are essentially accurate although the pictures show two extra silver pins which are not provided and do not seem to have a use. Also there is no reference to the removal of the road tyres. Most importantly, the instructions omit to mention that the clip (part 4) at the base of the mast has to be removed to allow the telescoping of the mast to occur.
Detail
The first impressions of the model are very good indeed as it appears to be very detailed and intricate.
Commencing with the undercarriage, the wheels are attached to frames which are pinned to the turntable base and it is an easy matter to remove them to detach the travelling gear. The pins are very small so care has to be taken not to drop them. The tyre treads are more detailed than usual and they are mounted on small plastic hubs, which look good. The frames and tow bar are all finely cast. The turntable base has folding outriggers with the usual screw jacks which bear down on tiny excellent metal pads.
The base of the crane has a very good detailed electrical cabinet with some stunningly rendered detailed graphics for instruction notices. A number of pulleys are used in the base and they are all brass. Excellent detail continues with the counterweights which are made up of four separate pieces which are fitted to the piece permanently fixed to the base unit. Each piece represents two or three concrete slabs and have the word Liebherr cast in to each slab. They also have step irons in to form a ladder and the top section has lifting eyes.
Turning to the mast it consists of a two stage telescope. There is a very good ladder and operator's platform, and a detailed plastic capacity board is attached to the front. The pendant lines which control the erection are wires with brass crimpings and a very good job has been done to keep paired lengths the same so that all wires are taut.
The telescoping jib is a tour de force. The outer jib is beautifully cast and is fully triangulated on all three sides and this achieved by having the two sides cast as one piece and the underside is a separate casting fixed in place. The inner jib has been made in the same way. Tiny brass pulleys are used throughout. The trolley is metal with brass pulleys and the very good metal hook also has brass pulleys. Thoughtfully a very good metal concrete skip has been included, complete with lifting chains.
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