Grove GMK5165-2 Mobile Crane
Presented here is the Grove GMK5165-2 5-axle mobile crane in 1:50th scale. The model is available in three versions with both american designations (GMK5165-2) and European designations (GMK5130-2) in the corporate yellow and grey with a limited edition version of the GMK5165-2 in a red and white colour combination which is reviewed here.
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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 four extending outriggers can be extended from the chassis and consist of single arms which have been cast to represent the two stage outriggers. I don't have any issue with this but I suspect that some collectors might. |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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The side counterweight extensions are easily removable and fit into place using two lugs which are cast into the pieces. |
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 plate as pictured above. Glue is present on the screws so I suggest they are were not intended to be removed.
One small counterweight section remains connected to the upper structure as pictured above.
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.
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. The 6 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 black painted extending boom sections which slide smoothly.
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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. Unfortunately, the hook cannot easily be removed so fitting the jib could be interesting. The jib can be seperated, leaving a short jib which has hydraulic angle positioning, as is shown in the picture below which is another nice touch on the model. |
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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 to the rear.
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The underside of the model is as highly detailed as the rest of the model with all the drive train and steering fully reproduced. 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. |
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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. The model is supplied with a small booklet which gives details of the full sized machine with lifting specifications and dimensions. It appears that all new TWH models are now supplied with an outer plain cardboard box which protects the inner printed packaging during transit.