1:50th Scale Potain MDT178 City Topless Tower Crane
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Potain MDT178 tower crane.
This is the first mass produced 1:50th scale lattice tower crane and it's a monster, with a height of almost 1.5 metres and a jib length of 1.4 metres. The base of the crane is fitted to a heavy white stone base which gives the model substantial weight to prevent the model being knocked over. The four stabilisers can be rotated to lower them to ensure the mast remains perpendicular. The instructions in the box suggest this is checked after the model has been erected for 5 days.
Each main mast section has a detailed metal ladder and walkway with etched grill and cage protection over each ladder just like the real crane. Each section is connected using four small screws and there are thirteen sections in total, each one measuring 100mm. The model is supplied pre-assembled with a ten section and three section sub-assembly. TWH have even included a screwdriver in the box, complete with Potain logo.
Mast section showing internal ladder, safety cage and walkway.
There are sixteen base weights which fit to the frame of the crane. There are three different types of weight that fit together, including two which have the Potain name plate fitted to them. The assembly of the crane is very easy and withing a couple of minutes, the entire main mast is fully assembled.
At the top of the crane, the operator access walkways have all been reproduced, complete with etched floor panels, opening cab door and hydraulic winch motor hoses all present. The etched access panels go the entire length on the rear mast to the counterweight area and about a third the way along the front mast.
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The cab is highly detailed with the operator seat clearly visible through the clear front and side windows. A sun screen has been added to the front window along with upper and lower wind screen wipers. Even the side windows have an authentic sun screen printed to the top edges. The rear of the cab has two opening doors and the electrical panels are mounted behind the cab on both sides of the crane. |
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The main hook winch is operated with the supplied winding key and once the concrete bucket is fitted, there is enough weight for the hook to lower smoothly. Other details on the model include slewing motors, complete with cables and hoses and an auxiliary support crane winch and swinging arm.
The rear of the model has an opening where the seven counterweight sections slide into place. Each section pins together and the outer two have locating pins which fit into the slots to keep the weights in place. The prominent Potain name and logo is found on one side along with etched floor panels and handrails giving operator access to the weights. Each weight section has two lifting eyes fitted to add to the realism.
The trolley has an access platform fitted which moves along the jib as the trolley winch is turned. The movement of the trolley is smooth and is capable of traversing the full length of the jib. The concrete bucket supplied with the model features a fully working discharge mechanism which opens by pulling down the handle . This is another example of the great amount of functional detail found on each TWH model.
The paint finish is excellent and the model is available in two versions. The model here is painted in the US Red colours while a yellow and grey version is also available. The model is supplied in a large cardboard box with two piece polystyrene inner which protects the model very well and there is a colour booklet showing the real machine's technical details along with an extensive assembly guide with step by step assembly instructions.
Also available seperately is a climbing cage for the MDT178 tower crane.
The cage is supplied in pieces and needs to be assembled. The first stage is to connect the main cage frame to the MDT178 crane with the use of the supplies screws. This is made easy as the front of the cage has an opening door and once bolted to the MDT178 crane, the two piece lower platform can be fitted to the cage by pressing the lugs into the holes in the cage frame. The main lift hydraulic has two flexible hoses which need connecting the the hydraulic tank.
The next step is to fit the upper platform and access ladder. The walkways have etched mesh panels and realistically sized metal handrails while the ladder has a metal safety cage fitted.
The lifting mechanism is fully reproduced on the model and features a yoke bracket fitted to the hydraulic cylinder which connects to the hooks cast into the main mast sections which give the leverage to climb up the frame. The clamping mechanism is also functional, utilising a small spring and this mechanism would be used to hold the cage once the hydraulics have raised it up by connecting to the hooks on the mast sections.
The model is supplied with a different hook attachment and a frame lifting monorail trolley which allows the model to be posed with a new section of mast. This is an impressive addon for the MDT178 and gives the model a more detailed and impressive look.
The model is supplied in a cardboard box with two piece polystyrene inner which protects the model components very well and there is a colour booklet giving an extensive assembly guide with step by step assembly instructions.