Liebherr LTM1350-6.1 Mobile Crane
The Liebherr LTM1350-6.1 is a 350-ton rated 6-axle crane with a 70 metre long telescopic boom with a self assembly Y-suspension system and the option of a 78 metre luffing jib or 42 metre angle adjustable fixed jib. The 12 speed ZF-TC-Tronic gearbox with torque converter provides high efficiency and greater operator comfort coupled with hydro-pneumatic axle suspension, a choice of five steering programs with independent steering of all six axles with driven 1st, 3rd and 5th axle. The crane is powered by an 8-cylinder turbo diesel engine delivering 612hp with a 4-cylinder 242hp crane engine to operate the winch and hydraulic systems. Intelligent control is provided by the LICCON (Liebherr Computed Control) system and TELEMATIK system for control of the telescoping system while the slewing gear offers an infinitely variable slewing speed up to 1.2 rpm.
WSI Models has produced a rather nice and detailed model of the LTM1350-6.1 which is finished to their usual high standards with good levels of functionality and choices when it comes to configuring the crane. The upper structure has a tilting cab which has a fully replicated interior with intricate detailing throughout while the main cabin houses the drivers and passengers seating and curved dashboard.
The Liebherr decorated version of the model comes complete with a lattice jib which bolts onto the head of the boom, offering more display possibilities and this is a welcome addition although the way the sections have been cast and assembled lead to some tolerance issues with some parts proving a little difficult to assemble using the supplied miniature bolts.
A detachable rear counterweight tray, complete with integrated 2nd winch fits to the rear of the superstructure with a selection of 5-ton and 10-ton ballast blocks included allowing the crane to be ballasted to the maximum 140 ton limit.
To extend the lifting capacity of the crane, a Y-Guy lifting system can be deployed and the two arms are included in the box, allowing the collector the choice of setup. Each of the arms bolts onto the main boom and include winches and folding assembly stands, allowing the model to be posed in the self rigging mode.
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On the early run of the models, there is also an issue with the length of the pennant lines and the small length needs to be removed for the model to rig correctly. This requires drilling out the small rivets holding the pennant lines together.
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On the sample reviewed, one of the metal pennant lines was damaged and these are rather fragile so care is needed when handling them. |
The telescopic boom extends smoothly and locks into the extended position with each section produced from extruded metal, giving a very realistic and scaled appearance while helping to reduce weight. The main lift cylinders have adjustable locking grub screws which allow the boom to be set at any chosen inclination and this system works well.
While seldom seen when posed on a shelf, WSI Models attention to detail extends to the underside of the model with fully modelled and replicated suspension, steering and transmission detailing which looks very convincing.
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The model is supplied with two sets of safety railings, one set used for when the crane is in a lifting configuration and a second set with the railings in their folded position to highlight the transport configuration and this is another nice addition from WSI Models.
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Attention to the fine details has not gone a miss, with all the latches on the panels highlighted with black paint and tiny safety labels printed throughout the model. |
The H-pattern outriggers integrated into the chassis can be extended and have adjustable jack legs which can be lowered to raise the crane off its wheels. The pivoting pads are well conceived and clip into the storage brackets when in transport configuration which is a nice addition on the model, as are the included metal crane mats.
The parts supplied with the model make ideal transport loads, especially when teamed up with the two seperately available truck and trailer sets which have been produced in the Liebherr colours with Liebherr printing on the cabins.
