1:50th Scale Liebherr MK88 Mobile Tower Crane
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Liebherr MK88 mobile, fast erecting tower crane from Conrad. When this model was released, it was somewhat of a surprise considering there is already a model of their larger MK100 and yet, the engineering on this model is very well thought out and replicates the erection mechanisms on the full sized machine very closely.
The MK88 is based on a four axle chassis with working steering of all the axles. A removable rear platform is included which has a textured surface and integrated brake and indicator lights whilst the front cab has a replicated interior and self-fit rear view mirrors.
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The mats slide out and have a small tab, simulating the handle found on the full sized mats.
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There are four support mats supplied with the model which slide into the holders on each side of the chassis. (2 mats per side) |
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The access ladder can now be unfolded allowing easy access to the upper workings of the crane. This is a nice functional addition on the model |
The single stage outriggers are made from metal which is a vast improvement over the plastic outriggers found on some of the earlier Conrad crane models. This allows the pads to be lowered and raise the entire crane off the ground without having to worry about the screw thread getting damaged.
The upper structure of the crane houses three winches used in the erection of the crane and for operating the hook block. These use the familiar locking mechanism where pressure on the winding key is needed before the winch will rotate. The winding keys have a standard size diagonal head allowing them to be fitted to screwdrivers with removable bits and this makes the job a lot easier.
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The model is supplied with an additional rear weight which clips onto the fixed counterweight at the rear of the upper structure. A metal safety railing also needs to be fitted to the walkway, complete with silver diamond plate floor panel, which leads to the elevating cab.
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Surprisingly, the model is pre-rigged out of the box with small plastic clips holding the rope secure. This is a very nice touch from Conrad. |
The silver ladder up the side of the mast is also the mechanism for which the elevating cab works. The cab has a groove on the inside which slides along the edge of the ladder. A small winch is fitted at the top of the mast which needs to be tied off to the fixing point on the roof of the cab, allowing the cab to be positioned at any height along the mast.
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The erection mechanisms have been replicated on the model so that, with the turn of the lower and mast mounted winches, the jib can be authentically extended into it's working position. This can be a little tricky to accomplish but it is a good addition to the model, with the parts connecting and operating very well, leaving the jib nice and level. |
The specification panel fixed to the base of the mast is a nice addition with printed details as to the range and angle of the jib and the lifting capacity. |
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One nice find here is that all the pulleys on the model are made from metal and I hope this is repeated in future on all Conrad crane models as they are much smoother in operation, avoiding the problem on the plastic pulleys where the flashing causes the rope to jump out of the pulley. The plastic trolley needs to be fitted to the jib and slides smoothly along the entire length. The trolley winch has been modelled but is non-functional. The main lifting winch rope needs to be rigged along the pulleys, through the hook block and tied off at the tip of the jib. |
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One surprise find on the model is that addition of a battery compartment hidden inside the engine compartment where three button cell batteries (Suplied with the model) can be inserted to power the flashing amber beacons. While some collectors may see this as a gimmick, it shows the steady progression of models as technology progresses and I think this is a good touch. The central section of the cab roof can be removed to access the on/off switch and once powered up, the amber beacons have an alternating flash pattern.
The model is packed in a top opening sturdy cardboard box with coloured printing. The box interior is lined with foam and a pre-moulded foam insert holds the model and accessories secure during shipping. An instruction sheet is included which details the erection steps. There is also a leaflet detailing the battery usage. In my opinion, this is a more refined model than the previously released MK100 and the addition of the flashing beacons and metal pulleys is a welcomed addition.
