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| The base is fixed onto a substantial plinth with heavy blocks as ballast. |
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| Mast sections make a good haulage load on a Talbert Trailer. |
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| If you have the space, tower crane erection can be posed in 1:50 scale. Here it is posed with the big Grove GMK7450, the Grove GMK3055 and a Talbert Trailer. |
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| Mast sections include modelled connecting pins in holders for joining sections. |
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| 'I feel perfectly safe - it's only a model after all'. |
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| Counterweight slabs all have lifting eyes. |
TWH 047 - Potain MDT 178 Tower Crane
Model Review February 2008
Features
Any tower crane model depends on being able to stand straight and be strong enough to withstand a degree of handing when erected. The screwed connections on the Potain mean that a strong model results and combined with the heavy base weight it feels very stable. To help get the mast precisely vertical the pads on the cross-shaped base are adjustable.
The mast height can be set at any combination up to the maximum of 13 sections that are supplied. The mast sections are all identical except the topmost one which has a slightly different arrangement of ladders into the reducer section.
All the main tower crane functions can be operated. The crane turns, and the hoist, trolley and derrick can all be worked by using the supplied key, and they work well. Operation of the hoist can be on two falls or four falls of rope and this is set by using a pin in the hook block.
Other features include the opening doors on the cab platform, and the concrete skip.
Much of the model can be split down for transport like the real crane although this requires some adjustment to the model in terms of the rivets on the main jib mentioned earlier. The cab mast cannot fully fold for transport as per the original and the counterweights can only be displayed in the full configuration because of the support system employed. It would have been better if each counterweight was supported separately on the counter jib such that a part loaded configuration was possible along with a shorter main jib. The counter jib also does not have the ability to fold for transport like the original.
QualityBy comparison with other 1:50 scale models reviewed by Cranes Etc there is very little to complain about with this model. The level of detailing is very good, and the quality of the castings and model engineering matches the best of modern standards.
The paintwork and lettering are to the standard of the rest of the model and the review model had no defects in this regard. There is hardly any plastic used at all.
By any assessment this is a high quality model.