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| The clamshell closed. |
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| The clamshell opened. |
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| Using the clamshell to pick up very soft 'bales'. |
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| The differences on the boom from the crane version. Two reels and a line guide on the 10ft boom section, and a small pulley on the 40ft section. |
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| This version has an additional extension on the boom head. |
TWH 050 - Manitowoc 4100W with Dragline /
Clamshell / Magnet
Model Review April 2008
The boom top section is excellent, and is a superb representation of the 'open throat' design. At the tip there is an extra extension piece compared to the crane version which contains a couple of large pulleys. Metal pulleys and Manitowoc sign boards complete the boom top. The main boom sections are also slightly different from the crane version. The 10ft boom section has a couple of reels to support the clamshell and magnet attachments as well as a line guide, and the 40ft boom section has a small pulley to support operation of the clamshell and magnet. Also this version of the model does not have the 4½° offset boom top of the crane version.
Pendants are string and have
metal connections and a good job has been done to keep the lengths of pendants
the same. The pendant connections between lines are riveted rather than
screwed meaning that to display the model with a short jib means the rivets have
to be drilled or cut out.
A number of attachments are supplied. The dragline bucket is all in metal and is very well made with supporting chains and convincing detail in terms of perforations and bucket teeth. The tie-off points are good and produce good clean connections.
To support the clamshell and magnet a metal hook block with a single free rolling sheave is provided. The hook has a working safety catch which is an excellent feature.
The clamshell is all metal and fairly heavy. It is also well made and is ready reeved with the operating string. The structure is very well replicated and the whole arrangement is held by two chains. Unfortunately the loops at the ends of the chains are just a little too small to sit on the hook properly.
The magnet is a realistic looking piece, with a working clamp for connecting the power line. Some replica cable is provided to connect the magnet to the reel on the boom, but this does not extend to the generator which gets placed behind the gantry. The generator is a fine model in its own regard with mesh platforms and mesh guards. The engine block is a fine casting and has excellent detail including a fan and pipe work.
Features
The track frames are screwed and detachable from the main undercarriage and can be refixed at a slightly narrower transport configuration, although this was not tried on the review model.
The
counterweight is supplied as a number of pieces which push-fit together and fit
to the crane body. With a little
effort the crane can be posed in a realistic travelling configuration on a
suitable low loader.
In addition to the sliding
doors and opening chain case there is an opening hatch on the roof which allows
a view into the engine compartment. Below the grille on the operator's side this
version of the model has a small flap which opens to reveal the batteries.
The model functions all work
well. Rotation of the crane is
smooth. The luffing and winch drums
are operated using keys which inserts through holes in the bodywork and these
work fine, not slipping under load.
The dragline bucket pulls and empties well and the clamshell opening mechanism is very smooth, with all control being through use of the winches. The magnet is interesting in that it actually contains a real magnet so the model can be posed holding ferrous material.