Dunia Miniaturku: 1:50 Scale Model FAUN HK70 Mobile Crane in Mammoet Livery on MERCEDES BENZ Actros 10x4 Truck Chasis

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Faun HK70 mobile crane from WSI. The HK70 is a 70 ton capacity telescopic boom mobile crane based on a Mercedes Benz Actros 10x4 truck chassis with H pattern hydraulically extendable outriggers. There are few models as detailed as this latest offering from WSI which features a host of fine detailing throughout.

The cab interior has been accurately modelled and is clearly visible through the large front and side windows. The body panels of the cab are nicely cast with an amber beacon mounted to the roof and rear view mirrors fitted to the cab frame whilst the front grill prominently displays the Mercedes logo with a red and white chevren painted front bumper with integrated work lights and hook securing ring.

The front cab can be tilted forward to reveal the replicated Mercedes powerplant at the heart of the chassis, complete with exhaust manifold and pipework extending to the exhaust stack with photo-etched cooling jacket.

The rear of the chassis features a ladder and storage box, below which are the light clusters which contain painted lenses with a towing coupling, protective bumper bar and authentic number plate all adding to the level of realism.

The underside of the model is as highly detailed as the rest, even though this detail is hidden when displayed on the shelf. The front pair of axles are modelled with steering linkages although, on the sample model, there is hardly any movement and the couplings appear to be very tight with the method of attaching the steering bars actually preventing them from pivoting correctly. The front axles do have functional suspension with realistic looking treaded tyres mounted to the silver hubs.

The rear axles are equally well detailed with the drive train visible from the transmission block. The suspension system offers some pivoting movement which is good considering the complexity of the setup which shows the incredible level of engineering found throughout the model.

The outriggers feature the ability to adjust the pads, allowing them to slide off centre during transport so they remain within the width of the chassis and then, when set up into a lifting configuration, the pads can be adjusted so the piston locates centrally for full stability. The screw thread is hidden within the piston which gives a more realistic appearance and the front outriggers swing out into position whilst the rear outriggers extend out from the frame.

The superstructure offers even more detail including opening covers to reveal the Mercedes Benz 4-cylinder, type OM904LA diesel engine which provides power for the lifting operation. The use of photo-etched components greatly adds to the model with flexible hydraulic lines added to the winch motor and main boom hoist cylinder.

The rear counterweight tray houses four counterweight sections which are fully removable allowing the model to be posed in a realistic transport configuration. Each section has a printed red and white safety pattern and cast lifting lugs.

The fully assembled counterweight tray connects with the superstructure with the use of plastic lugs which use friction to keep the counterweight in place and this appears to be a stiff enough contact to prevent the weights from falling off the model.

The five section telescoping boom utilises small, spring powered latches that lock each boom section at full extension. The top most section has the Mammoet name and logo printed onto the sides with a red and white pattern printed onto the boom head which has metal pulleys fitted. The hook block is fitted to the model by the manufacturer and is also fitted with a simulated load block safety device which clips onto the rope. The model is supplied with a side mounted, two section extension jib which offers hydraulic adjustment of the jib angle and this connects to the boom head with the use of two metal pins, extending the height and range of the crane.

This is without a doubt one of the most realistic looking crane models produced to date and each time I look at the model, I notice even more fine detailing. This is the second mobile crane model from WSI and, if they keep up this level of detail, it will certainly not be their last. There are rumours that they are already working on a Liebherr LTF model based on a Scania chassis.