TWH Model Reviews

Not a real life configuration, but handy for all those little lifts around the house. To display the model this way requires drilling out of rivets in the boom head and in the moving mast ties (seen hanging down in the photo).

The Manitowoc 18000 is a 750 metric tonne (825 US ton) capacity crawler crane, one of the largest in the world. This model is 1:50 scale and is the first model of a very large crane mass produced by a model making company other than Conrad. For a relatively new model company such as TWH, it is an ambitious step forward in their product line.

The model is made in China and distributed by TWH in the USA. Outside the USA distribution is by NZG and it appears in their catalogue as model 618.

The model comes packed in a truly huge box measuring some 77 x 45 x 45cm (30 x 17 x 17in) weighing around 20kg (32lb). An outer plain cardboard box encloses an inner white box which has a simple label on the end.

Inside the box are three separate polystyrene trays holding the many parts of the model. Individual parts are well wrapped with the crane and the MAX-ER counterweight carrier having plenty of protection. It is needed too because the fine details contained on the model inevitably lead to some delicate parts which could be easily damaged. On the review model the packaging looked after the model well, with the only issue needing attention was some of the handrails and ladders which needed to be gently bent back into a true position.

A large 74 page spiral bound manual comes with the model. It is entirely in English so perhaps is not so friendly for collectors in some parts of the world. The manual is essentially in two parts; the first 58 pages are essentially a reprint from Manitowoc product information brochures and the rest is given over to the model assembly instructions.

The real crane information in the manual is good as it describes the main components of the machine and gives interesting diagrams showing how the crane is built up on site from the various parts. Also included is a full set of performance data including lifting charts and boom and jib combinations.

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 building of the model is illustrated through nine steps. It is straightforward to follow the sequence although assembly of the boom and jib is complicated by the size of the pieces and a few 'stand back' pictures showing the total model at various stages, not just close ups, would help collectors not used to model building. After completion of assembly the final stage is reeving and for this clear diagrams are provided although as always this part of the process can try the patience, particularly for the multi line main hook.

It is pleasing to report that a lot of effort has gone in to providing a quality assembly manual. However, perhaps in recognition that the manual is not 'alive', TWH have not left it at that. For this model a DVD is also provided to help the collector. It contains film of the model going through its various stages of assembly and this is the most useful part. Reeving is also shown but this adds relatively little to what is in the manual and you could not correctly reeve the model looking at the DVD alone. Also on the DVD are some photos of the real crane and contact details for the model maker. The DVD, although relatively simple, is a worthwhile addition to the model.

Also included in the box is a toolkit in its own plastic carry case. The kit 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. Strangely, the kit also includes 'superglue' but it is not apparent what this is for as it does not seem to be required for assembly. The only thing missing from this kit is some space to keep the smaller parts such as screws should the model not be erected to its maximum capability.

So, the model includes very comprehensive information and tools to help get the model built, what is it like in practice? The first point to make is that although the model consists of a huge number of separate parts, much of it is already assembled when it is in the box. Boom sections are already joined together, and all the pendant lines are joined up. Only the final connections need to be made. Also the undercarriage and crane body are made up and the moving mast is already reeved. Assembly does not pose much of a problem although fitting together the larger pieces is tricky as some of it is done in the air because some parts are permanently joined when detachable connections would have been better. More on this later.