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.
Source:
MINIATURE CONSTRUCTION WORLD
Here is some photos of FAUN HK70 in MAMMOET livery
