Liebherr LTF1060-4.1 Mobile Crane
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Liebherr LTF1060-4.1 mobile crane from WSI. This is the second Liebherr crane model produced by WSI and continues to demonstrate the exceptional levels of detail and realism that WSI have become known for.
The engine grill is crisply cast with accurate contours of the front panels and air intakes with a fine mesh pattern visible through the grill cutouts. The cab interior has been replicated and is visible through the clear glazed windows with rear view and front safety mirror fitted to the cab frame.
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The grey bumper has a printed number plate with a front hitch where the hook block can be secured when displayed in a transport configuration. The glazed main driving lights have integrated amber tinted indicators with two glazed lenses mounted into the front of the roof. The tilting cab reveals the silver engine block mounted to the chassis with the cooling radiator and piping also visible. The front guards over the wheels are fixed in place and do not raise with the cab which is an interesting difference to most truck models when the cab is tilted. |
The front wheels are fitted with etched wheel hub covers that have the Scania logo embossed across the centre with accurately treaded rubber tyres. Both front axles have a limited amount of steering movement although this is very limited and the one area of most models where the intricate detailing of the suspension and steering cannot duplicate the full range of movement of the full sized truck.
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The chassis has been nicely produced with air and fuel tanks fitted to the chassis sides along with plastic moulded wheel covers, complete with simulated rubber mud guards. A nice touch are the yellow painted wheel chocks added to the wheel arches on both sides while tiny printed Scania logos are present on the mud guards. |
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The crane structure has four outriggers which pivot out from the body, each with telescopically extending legs with piston jacks that have the screw thread hidden within, giving a real look of realism. A nice touch here are the etched storage cages fitted to the insides of the front arms while flexible hydraulic hosing has also been added.
The pads feature the adjusting system first featured on the LTM1050-3.1 where in transport configuration, the pads are offset and fit within the profile of the chassis and, when set up in the working configuration, the full weight of the crane is placed centrally on each pad. This functionality is a great addition on the model.
The underside of the model is very highly detailed with all the suspension arms and drive train fully and accurately modelled. This level of detail is an area of the model which is often hidden and shows the determination of WSI to produce a model which is 100% accurate to the original, right down to the tiny details.
The upper crane structure features smooth, 360 degree rotation with very crisply cast body panels that have door handle and grill detailing along with the filler cap and door latches highlighted. The toothed slewing ring has bolt heads visible and the upper deck has intricate, diamond plate textured panels with four fixed ladders which even have simulated rubber feet.
The rear of the crane structure houses the single winch, complete with hydraulic winch motor detailing and the removable counterweight plates which use plastic friction pins to locate snugly. This method of attaching the counterweights is simple and yet, during photography of the model, the slightest touch caused the counterweights to fall off the model. Spare plastic pins are supplied with the model and by using a small bladed screwdriver, it is possible to open up the ends of the plastic pin for a better fit.
The cab interior has been replicated well, from the seat with integrated controls on the arm rests to the front information screen console with the Liebherr logo printed on the seat cussion. The entire cab can be tilted by about 25 degrees and holds it's position well with both front and roof windscreen wipers fitted.
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The boom head is highly detailed with individual metal pulleys and a pivoting auxiliary pulley. The safety lifting device is included and clips onto the rope with a chain keeping it in place. |
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The model is supplied with four plastic crane mats while a metal block with the Liebherr name cast into the surface is provided to keep the load block tensioned. The counterweight sections do come apart and for transport, they fit snugly on the holder behind the truck cab. |
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The folding luffing jib has been constructed well with hydraulic adjustment of the angle and a pivoting shieve. All the fixing pins have been painted and the hook block can be dismantled allowing the hook to be re-assembled on the jib. A small plastic pin is used to secure the metal rope termination which is a nice addition for the collector. The model is supplied fully rigged and the small dimentions of the pulleys and hook, especially with the small guide pins across the pulleys would make it tricky to reeve. |
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The five stage telescopic boom has four sections that extend smoothly and lock into place when fully extended. The two tone grey and yellow paintwork is a nice touch but, on the model reviewed here, the entire boom is a slightly lighter shade of yellow to the rest of the model. This is most noticable with the small detailing components fitted to the boom which are darker in colour and stand out and this is a dissapointment as WSI usually have an excellent paint finish on their models. All the printed logos and markings are crisp and clear and the paint finish on the rest of the model is excellent throughout.
This is another very good release and once again demonstrates the amazing level of detail and realism that WSI add to each new model, complementing the Liebherr LTM1050-3.1 perfectly. The model is securely packed in a two part polystyrene carton with printed outer cardboard box.
