Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane
Presented here is the limited edition 1:50th scale Grove GMK5110-1 5-axle mobile crane in the Australian "Hanchard Cranes"company colours. The main chassis and upper structure are the same casting as the previously released GMK5135-2 / GMK5165-2 and the only main difference on the model is the boom has one less telescoping section, as per the full sized crane.
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The underside of the model features an amazing level of detail that is not usually present on crane models from other manufacturers, particularly as is is seldom seen when the model is being displayed and yet TWH have gone the extra mile to fully recreate the chassis and drivetrain to perfection. The front two axles have working steering and flexible hoses fitted to each wheel hub. |
The second axle is driven and has a drive shaft connected to the axle. The three rear axles are all driven and again have reproduced drive shaft detailing with the rear two axles having functional steering. Air bottles are also present for the rear axles and the suspension uses small springs. |
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The front cab has a rully replicated interior which is visible through the clear windows. The side mounted rear view mirrors are provided in the box and need fitting to the model which is easy, although it might be a good idea to use a touch of glue to hold them in place.
The rubber window seals have been painted on all the windows along with textured dark grey trim on the panels below the doors with the door handles highlighted with black paint. The front windscreen has photo-etched wipers and there is a metal loop connected to the chassis where the hook is secured during transport.
The four extending outriggers can be extended from the chassis and consist of single arms which have been cast to represent the two stage outriggers. The metal pads can be lowered to raise the model off its wheels and the screw thread is hidden so extending the jack legs looks very realistic as if they were hydraulic pistons. This again adds to the overall impression of realism.
The top decking behind the cab is also highly detailed with photo etched grill, large fuel tank on one side and opening storage compartment on the other, which is ideal for storing the supplied pins to stop them getting lost. There is also a chrome exhaust stack with jacket and chrome grab rails with a warning beacon fitted to the cab roof.
The upper structure has authentic printed markings throughout with flexible hydraulic piping visible from the slewing motor to the counterweight raising cylinders. This really does add to the realism of the model and is a welcomed addition.
The rear of the upper structure has a very nicely defined couterweight block which consists of individual plates but it is a shame that the couterweight is not easily removable from the model as this is something that other manufacturers have added to their models. The side counterweight extensions are easily removable and fit into place using two lugs which are cast into the pieces. The "Hanchard Cranes" name and phone number are printed across the counterweight.
Unscrewing the two screws on the underside of the counterweight base plate will release the counterweights from the carrier. Once removed, the plates can be removed from the base holder with one small counterweight section remaining firmly connected to the upper structure.
The cab fitted to the upper structure can be tilted to about 30 degrees and features a fully detailed interior with operator seat, joystick controls and monitors all visible through the fully glazed cab frame. Windscreen wipers have been added to the front and roof windows along with front mounted work lights.
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The single hydraulic cylinder that lifts the boom is not very stiff, so caution needs to be used when fully erecting the boom. There are several pins supplied with the model and these can be inserted into the holes in the cylinder to hold the boom in the raised position. |
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The 5 section telescoping boom has a detailed head with a single cast, 8 shieve at the front with a single shieve at the rear of the head and has extending boom sections which slide smoothly.
THW have changed the way the hook is assembled and have replaced the rivet found on the previous release with a small screw so it is possible to remove the hook when attaching the jib. The jib can be seperated, leaving a short jib which has hydraulic angle positioning which is another nice touch on the model.
The two section, swing out jib can be mounted to the side of the boom using the supplied pins. The shieves are metal which is a nice addition and the model is supplied with the 3 shieve hook block already connected to the model. so it can be displayed out of the box.
The black rubber flaps above the wheels is a nice touch on the model and this area is usually painted on models from other manufacturers. The top deck surface has a realistic diamond plate texture with cast ladders integrated into the rear and a spare tyre located on the back of the chassis along with moulded wheel chocks.
This is certainly one of the most detailed 5-axle crane models available and there are some very nice touches on the model which make it stand out. Only 200 pieces have been produced in the "Hanchard Cranes" colours and it is sure to sell fast.