Bauer MC96 Duty Cycle Crane with HDS-T System and BC35 Trench Cutter
In 2014, Bymo released the first version of the MC96 duty cycle crawler crane which came with the BC35 trench cutter and HTS60 hose tensioning system. Bymo has now followed up with a new derivative of the equipment which still uses the MC96 as the carrier but this time, the HDS-T system is modelled. 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.
It would have been easy for Bymo just to reproduce the MC96 using the same tooling and yet, they have taken the opportunity to update the model with changes to the outside of the track frames to incorporate twelve access steps while the side platforms with metal safety railings are now a different layout without the steps at the rear.
Another small difference is the exhaust stack which is larger. The undercarriage is still extending to provide a stable base and the side panel can be detached to uncover the winch holes and winders. Unfortunately, the winches themselves are the same as the previous version and there is no brake on the lines, so it is not possible to have them set up holding any weight.
The HDS-T system allows the digging of trenches to a depth of 120 metres and for this, the mud hose and hydraulic bundle are stored on rotating drums mounted to the upper body of the carrier which rotate to lower the BC35 trench cutter as it is lowered into the trench.
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This is fully functional on the model with some rather nice hose connection detailing at the centre of the narrow drum which is also hinged and pivots slightly. The wide drum holds the length of very flexible rubber tubing and even here, the inside of the drum shows where the tube connects to the metal tube connection where it then exits to the rear where a control valve and pipe holder is fixed in place. All the hydraulic lines are pre-fitted to a silver panel which slots in place at the front of the housing. The boom tip is a metal component with the two roller guide wheels and pulleys for the twin ropes that control the cutter also metal.
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One long and one short mast section provide the working configuration and these are metal with photo-etch walkways and fix together using metal bolts. The BC35 cutter is the same tooling as the previous model with the addition of an upper bracket which holds the hydraulic and hose lines and allows for the entire cutter to rotate through 90 degrees. |
When the first version of the model was produced, I have to admit it was one of my favourite foundation models but the HDS-T version now replaces it as my favourite of all the Bauer models to date.
