Bauer MC96 Duty Cycle Crane with BC35 Trench Cutter
The MC line of foundation cranes includes 4 models, the MC32, MC64, MC96 and the range topping MC128, each specially designed and developed for foundation engineering with their versatility making them ideal for powering a vast array of foundation equipment. The MC96 is powered by a Caterpillar C18 diesel engine with a pair of 350kN main winches providing a maximum lifting capacity of 130t whilst tipping the scales at 120t with a 48.4m boom length.
The 1:50th scale model from Bymo has been produced to allow several different configurations to be realised out of the box including a standard lifting configuration. True to the original, the model comes in a stripped down configuration allowing it to be posed on a low loader for transport.
The undercarriage track frames are extendable to provide a stable footing during lifting operations with individually linked track pads fitted which are tensioned and are fairly tight to rotate. The undercarriage cross-member has connection points hinting of possible additional foundation equipment attachments in the future.
The main body of the crane has good surface engraving of the engine panels with their slotted grills and highlighted door catches.
|
|
The entire side panel can be detached to access the two main winches and the A-frame winch that controls the angle of the boom, complete with two winding keys that clip into place within the body. The rear of the superstructure features a detachable counterweight block which slides over the extending frame and drops into place, while a set of 6 additional ballast plates are included, 3 for each side that sit on top to increase the lifting capacity. |
The cabin is cleverly constructed and finished with good internal detailing including the driver’s seat, controls and computer display screen. External details include a highlighted door handle, rear view mirror and protection screen fitted above the roof window.
|
The main boom consists of up to 5 sections, each bolting together with wire rope pennant lines and cast end sections really looking the part. The mesh walkways fitted to the upper side of the boom sections are particularly welcome and adds realism to the replica. |
The boom head consists of two pulleys and a two pulley hook block is included in the box to allow the crane to be posed in a lifting configuration, pictured here in the shortest boom length version.
|
|
|
All the pulleys in the A-frame are freely rotating and rigging the frame was relatively straightforward although there are no guide bars to prevent the ropes jumping out of the pulley grooves so care is needed during assembly to keep the rope taut.
Bymo have really impressed with the range of Bauer foundation models and this one is one of the most impressive so far, with plenty of fine detailing engineered into the BC35 cutter including the individual cutter wheels which have cutting tip tooth replication with the inner structure of the frame highlighting the various control lines including the mud hose and hydraulic lines.
The construction consists of a metal frame with plastic parts used to good effect although the colour match is slightly off, so it is possible to distinguish between the metal and plastic parts.
|
The HTS60 hose tensioning system is fully operational on the model, utilising a pair of winches mounted to a frame which bolts into place between the lower mast sections. Ropes then travel up to the specially designed head which has pulleys on both sides to guide the pair of support wheels that hold the hydraulic hose bundle and mud tube. |
|
While the hydraulic lines look good, the hose is a little stiff and will not accurately follow the tight curve of the support without being tied in place and doing so prevents it from being adjusted. The hydraulic hose bundle passes over another lower suspended support wheel before terminating through the holes in the machine body. This area is hollow so it is possible to push the hoses through and have them coil up inside.
Six additional ballast plates are included in the box (3 per side) which rest on top of the rear counterweight. To finish the model presentation, a number of metal safety railings need to be fitted to the upper sides of the body and some of these are a little loose, so a spot of glue may be needed. Walkway frames, complete with textured panels fit snugly in place.
The paint finish is of a high standard with numerous tiny safety and warning labels located on the sides of the engine housing. It has been a long wait for a new Bymo replica and now production is back in China, the detail level and finish is of a very high standard.
