Casing Tubes, Hammer Grab and Chisel Foundation Accessories

Presented here is a set of 1:50th scale foundation accessories from HF Models which fit several base models including the Liebherr HS855HD crawler crane pictured below. The parts are produced on a 3D printing machine and have a very good finish. Available in both finished parts and kits, the accessories really enhance the base model and I take a look here at the construction of the 1500 diameter starter kit which includes a casing shoe, 1m and 2m casings, chisel and hammer grab.

There are a number of parts which are quite fragile so care needs to be taken during the assembly steps. The instructions included with the kit are excellent with precise details of the size of plastic pins required for each connection. It is certainly better to paint the parts before assembly.

The main structural bar connects with the different shaped bars and linkage as pictured above and all the holes are a perfect fit to the supplied plastic rod, so glue is not actually needed for the assembly. Once all the parts are pinned together, touch up the tips of the plastic pins with paint which will ensure they stay in place.

The pre-assembled linkage can now be inserted into the main body part which is again fully painted prior to assembly. The bar passes through the centre of the body and slightly larger diameter pins are then used to connect everything together. the final step is to paint the ends of the plastic rods.

Once assembled, the rope needs to be constructed and all the parts are included in the kit. For my example here, I did change the way the rope is connected, using small 1mm diameter metal ferrules and crimping them closed around the rope with pliers. Shackles are included which pin onto the end of the main pull bar that operates the grab.

The casing components are very nicely detailed and fit snugly onto each other once painted. The kit also includes a single piece chisel which is used instead of the grab to loosen the spoil inside the casing tube before removal with the grab. Again, this is connected to the crane with a shackle.

The Liebherr HS855HD from NZG in the Soletanche Bachy colours has been fitted with the casing oscillator assembly from the LRB255 accessory set and the casing tubes and hammer grab from HF Models and this makes a very good alternate foundation setup. HF Models have produced a range of excellent accessories for foundation models and have already started working on other attachments and accessories. Click here for a listing of what is available.

The casing oscillator unit from the LRB255 set is a perfect fit to the slots integrated into the undercarriage frame with the unit featuring slight adjustment to line up with the rope mounted attachment. The casing tubes are a perfect fit are really add to the realism of the setup.