 |
| Sarens
branded box. |
 |
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| On the road. |
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| Hook block
tethered for transport. |
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| Front outrigger
beams removed to lower the transport weight. |
 |
| Detailed
console inside the crane cab. |
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| Axle 6 raised
out of service. |
 |
| Self
ballasting. |
|
|
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| Ready to lift. |
 |
| Stacked
counterweights. |
|
The Demag AC 650 is a 650 tonne class all terrain
crane. It was introduced by Mannesmann Dematic AG
at Bauma 1998 as the successor to the AC 1600.
This version of the model is the
colours of Sarens, the Dutch lifting and heavy haulage
specialist.
Packaging
The model comes in high quality packaging with an outer
shipping carton enclosing a large Sarens-branded box. The model parts are wrapped in soft
paper and held within
expanded polystyrene trays that are clipped together and
not taped.
The review model had no defects or missing parts.
The
build
manual for the model is very comprehensive with clear
steps describing the assembly and features, and only
reeving diagrams for the hook blocks are missing.
There is an excellent parts list.
Tools are supplied to assemble and operate the model,
and many of the bags of small parts are numbered making
it easier to follow the instructions.
Detail
The chassis is highly detailed with the transmission
and steering present although not all parts are
physically linked. The tyres are very good
with a fine tread pattern and they are mounted on nicely
detailed wheels.
The driving cab has a chain for hitching the hook whilst
travelling, and other details include a realistic number
plate. Door mirrors, windscreen wipers and beacon
lights complete the external detail.
Behind the carrier cab the engine area has textured
surfaces and a nice mesh grille, and there are
highlighted filler caps. The exhaust pipe has a hole in
it. The sides of the carrier have highlighted bolt
heads and tiny graphics to give an authentic look.
The outrigger assemblies are robust and well made.
They are metal with chevrons, and
circular metal pads can be clipped on for storage,
although the front beams do not close easily with them
fitted so they are best left off. There are metal spreader plates which have
useable lifting lugs. The outrigger pistons have
smooth faces.
At the rear of the carrier the lights have plastic lenses,
and there is a realistic number plate. However,
the rear outrigger pistons could not be fully retracted
on the review model which hinders the appearance a
little.
The crane cab has a diamond plated access platform
outside with metal handrails and the interior detail is
excellent with a busy computer console. Small graphics enhance the
detailing around the crane.
The counterweight tray has useable lifting points and
the winch and luffing gear for the fly jib is reeved up
in the factory. The counterweight slabs also have
useable lifting points.
The main boom rams are excellent metal parts and
detailing on the boom includes a couple of spooling
drums and access platforms The graphics are high
quality. Pendant bars for the Super Lift can be stored for transport.
The inner telescope sections have a realistic profile
with thin walls, and the overall boom geometry is
excellent. There are Sarens graphics on each boom section. At the boom head the
sheaves are metal. Hoist rope
tying-off points are modelled.
The Superlift is well made and is nearly all metal. The hoist guide rope part
can be fitted in working or transport configuration.
Two hook blocks are included, 3 sheaves and 7 sheaves, and
they are very good metal parts. Also included are sets
of lifting chains. They can be used particularly when
the crane is self-ballasting.
A Sarens-branded load plate is also included.
Features
The axles steer independently with the exception of axle
six which is fixed as per the real crane. The
achievable angles are very good. The crane can also be posed with crab
steering if required by raising axle six out of service
and this works well on the model. There is sprung
suspension on each axle.
The outriggers can be extended and pads lowered, with
the crane able to be supported wheels-free, and the outrigger
beams remain reasonably straight. The beams can be
locked in their folded out position.
The operator's cab can be rotated from the transport
position and raised to provide clearance when the crane
slews. It can also be tilted.
The counterweight system can be fitted in various
configurations, including being mounted on the
carrier deck during self-assembly.
Raising the boom is easy as the locking mechanism on the
main boom rams is by means of using a supplied key
tightening screws and
this works very well.
Telescoping the boom is smooth and easy with a spring
clip to lock each boom section. It has locking
positions at 45%, 90% and 100%.
A key is used to operate the main winch and it has a
positive brake system. Access to the winch is
enabled by a removable panel held in place by magnets,
and this is a high quality solution to avoid unsightly
holes in the crane body.
The Superlift works well with the winch being
stiff enough to provide reasonable tension on the boom.
The crane can be displayed in a variety of transport
modes from the lightest configuration (no front
outriggers and no Superlift) to fully loaded.
Quality
This model is well made and high quality.
The paint finish is
very good, and the graphics are
sharp.
Price
It is decent value, for a special limited
edition model.
Overall
This is an excellent model of the Demag
AC 650 and the Sarens colour scheme ensures it is a
highly collectible model.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in July 2024. |
|
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|
|
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| Parts neatly
wrapped. |
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| Decent
steering. |
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| Chassis is
detailed. |
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| With a
supporting ballast carrier. |
|
|
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| On the road in
its lightest configuration. |
 |
| Unloading an
outrigger. (The frame set on the trailer is not
included). |
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| Attaching the
outrigger. |
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| Lifting a
vessel with the Superlift. |
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| The Superlift. |
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