Miniature Construction World - ABI Mobilram TM13/16 SL Piling Rig

ABI Mobilram TM13/16 SL Piling Rig

The ABI TM13/16 SL is a telescopic leader mast rig which can be fitted with piling or drilling / soil mixing equipment, based on a SR 30T tracked carrier that has a Scania DC9 diesel engine which is Stage IV / Tier 4f emission compliant and tips the scales at over 53 ton when equipped with the R35 fixed undercarriage and MRZV 20VV vibrator.

Conrad has produced several different coloured versions of an ABI drill rig in the past along with an accessory set containing two additional work tools which can be connected to the trolley. While these models are quite old now, ABI has once again turned to Conrad to produce an up-to-date piling rig in the form of the TM 13/16 SL which is mounted to a SR 30T. This is the same size of machine currently released in 1:50th scale and, showing testament to the design of the leader, there are no changes from the original tooling. What has changed however is almost everything else.

Starting with the carrier, the SR 30T has a fixed undercarriage with individually linked track segments and tensioned idler wheels to keep the tracks taut. The track frames have all the lower roller detailing integrated into the main casting with two silver highlighted steps on each side.

The updated body shape has been accurately replicated, from the indented and highlighted handles in the side panels and the upper textured surface to the metal safety railings running around the upper carriage, complete with access steps inset into the side panel behind the cabin. The cabin casting itself appears to be the same as the original however; additional platforms on the side and front make this area look different.

The new MRZV 20VV (SKZ 1120) vibrator and housing has been finished to have a little oscillating movement and the model is finished in a new green and grey decoration with printed ABI markings and intricate grill patterns.

The trolley uses the same connecting system as the previous releases, so the tools from the original accessory set can be fitted and these are a very good colour match to the new decoration.

While the main telescopic leader mast is the same as before, featuring the ability to fold down for transport and to extend fully, causing the trolley to rise as the mast is extended, there are additional ropes added to the mechanism with updated hydraulic supply lines and the hammer is a totally new casting.