'This is a big crane'.
MAX-ER attachment has excellent detail - hydraulic hosing and metal rams.
'Come hop on board'. Quality tyres and wheels.
Spring loaded pendant connection. Excellent step irons.
Overall impression is that this is a first class model .

TWH 005 - Manitowoc 18000 Crawler Crane
 Model Review February 2006

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Cranes Etc Model Rating


 

Packaging (max 10) 10
Detail (max 30) 27
Features (max 20) 15
Quality (max 25) 22
Price (max 15) 12
Overall (max 100) 86%

Price

The model is not cheap and so is far from a casual purchase.  Depending on the country, it is around 15% more expensive than the immediately comparable models, Conrad's CC8800 and LR1750.  The extra cost buys you a superbly presented model with full instructions and tools, and the level of detail sets a new standard for heavy crane models.

Overall the 18000 is very good value for money.

Summary

By any standard this is a first class model and is a credit to TWH and Manitowoc.  At the time of the model's introduction the level of detail is better than any other mass produced large crane model. This is complemented by an almost complete absence of plastic and the overall feel is of high quality.  The comprehensive instructions and accessories provided also sets a new standard.  For the heavy crane collector this represents a 'must-have' model.

However, although this model is of a top standard, it is not perfect.  The hand made brass boom and jib sections are not geometrically to quite a good enough tolerance so certain combinations of sections could result in a boom or jib which is twisted or curved.  In this sense die cast sections are superior. The winch drums certainly should have some kind of braking mechanism.   Also the dedicated crane enthusiast will be frustrated that TWH have decided to make a model that, out of the box, can only be configured one way and that is with a luffing fly jib.  With a little modification the fly jib can be removed, but how much better the model would be if it could be stripped down to components for transport so that the display options are multiplied.  In this respect the Conrad Liebherr LR1750 has the edge.

Overall, despite the reservations, this is an excellent model fully deserving of a high score in the model review ratings.

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Model Notes:
  • The model was displayed at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February 2005 as a pre-production prototype, and later that year at ConExpo. Deliveries to customers commenced in September 2005.
  • The model manufacture required 35 diecast moulds,  9 plastic moulds and 35 stamping tools to make over 700 parts that comprise the whole model.
  • A separate extension kit consists of three and a half sections of both boom and jib, with pendant bars.  These were produced in Manitowoc red in a run of 900 sets.
  • The versions produced were as follows
    • Manitowoc Red - run of 1950
    • All Erection (red) - run of 350
    • Aguado (white body and red) - run of 350
    • Demont (red body and white) - run of 350
    • Lampson (blue) - run of 500