**    Model Rumours    **

   There are some interesting rumours from downunder which suggest that the Terex AC200 from NZG and the Terex AC500 from Conrad could well appear in a prominent Australian company livery in the not too distant future. There is also a possibility of the Liebherr LTM1350-6.1 from WSI appearing in the livery of a Queensland based crane company later this year. Keep an eye on the Quarry Diecast Models website for more details.

   Another project which appears to be gathering momentum is a model of the Terex AT-20 Franna pick and carry crane. According to the Quarry Diecast Models Downunder facebook page, the model is likely to be launched next year from a well known European model manufacturer. They are also looking for crane companies that run the AT-20 in order to produce limited edition versions.

Now that the Intermat trade fair is over, many of the big companies are looking to commission models for the Bauma trade fair next year. Some already have models in development while others have had meetings during Intermat to finalise their model offerings for Bauma and beyond.

  Universal Hobbies are believed to have signed a licence to produce Case construction models and there are likely to be two releases for Bauma. There is still currently no news if any further models will be produced for the Poclain Heritage Collection.

Motorart are working on a new range of 1:50th scale models for Volvo, with the first four (announced at the toy fair) already in development and a further five models planned for release leading up to Bauma. I suspect these additional models will be announced at the Toy Fair next year.

The latest Hitachi model has some excellent detailing and further models are planned for release throughout the next 12 months to the same high standards and levels of detail.

Liebherr have announced several new models this year (SR714, R936C and A918 Compact) and there are likely to be further announcments throughout the year as there are still strong rumours of the following models between now and Bauma. R9800 mining excavator, R9400 mining excavator, LTC1045/3.1 city-class crane, LH80 material handler, R9100 tracked excavator, 81K tower crane and the L576 wheel loader. I suspect further models to be added to this list as the product lines are updated to the latest emmission standards.

The Wacker Neuson / Kramer Allrad model range will be expanded with the addition of up to 8 new models within the next 12 months. All are being produced by Universal Hobbies and will include a 1:12th scale hand tool, 1:32nd scale (Likely telehandler) and 1:50th scale (certainly one excavator). There will also be a new Weidermann model (likely wheel loader)

The Wirtgen group have been busy over the last couple of years with new model releases, with the Kleemann crusher model from Conrad the latest addition to the range. There are likely to be a further five new models in the fan shop at Bauma.

Komatsu could have three new models added to the range for Bauma from Universal Hobbies, one of which is believed to be a wheeled excavator.