|
|
| Opening cab doors. |
|
|
| The mast raised vertical. |
|
|
| Mast partially extended. |
|
|
| The swinging counterweight moves into position. The false counterweight provided with the model to aid stability is also shown fitted. |
|
|
|
|
| The working lift to the cab ready to go. |
|
|
| Lift nearly at the top. |
WSI 9004 - Spierings SK599 AT5 Mobile Tower Crane
Model Review June 2008
Features
The steering works in linked pairs with all axles except axle 3 steering. The mechanism is very smooth and a good hard lock can be obtained which looks realistic. Each axle is independently sprung with suspension that works and this is very good indeed.
Both doors of the driving cab open and
the hatch on the roof of the engine compartment is removable to allow the engine
to be seen
The outrigger beams extend and retract
and can be screwed down, and this feature works without showing screw threads so
is authentic looking.
The provision of plates for the outriggers enables
realistic poses to be obtained.
At the rear there is a folding
rack which works and it can be lowered to provide additional carrying space
The crane body features a pair of opening doors giving access to the crane engine, and the operator’s cab also has a working flap in the base which allows the operator to access the cab, although on the real crane this is located directly above the lift. Access to the cab is provided by means of a telescopic ladder and a lift. The telescopic ladder works well, extending as the mast is raised. The lift also works well and is operated using a winch at the mast top. It uses two guide strings to traverse up and down rather than using the ladder as a rail and as such this is a modelling compromise.
This is a very mechanically complex crane in real life and the model is similarly complex. Erecting the model however does not precisely replicate the original with certain connections having to be made by hand so it is not easy to pose the model in the erection stages of the original machine. Care is needed during the erection and dismantle operations as the mechanical parts are all a little delicate so at no time should the collector attempt to force anything. A pleasing feature is the swinging counterweight on the crane body which works very well.
The crane can be posed in travelling mode, or shown erected with either a horizontal or luffed jib at 30° to the horizontal. To achieve and hold the jib at an angle a clip is used. In fact a pair of black u-shaped clips is supplied, but only the smaller one is used with the clip being inserted at the luffing cylinders and this is an effective mechanism.
The crane functions all work with the crane turning smoothly and the hook being operated by means of the winch in the crane body although this can only be operated using the supplied key if the swinging counterweight is moved out of the way. A working trolley mechanism is also a welcome feature and it works well by using the key on the trolley motor.