![](521b.jpg) |
Liebherr
branded box. |
![](../../../graphics/logos/nzglogo.gif) |
![](521c.jpg) |
On the road. |
![](521e.jpg) |
Erection
underway. |
![](521f.jpg) |
Fully extended
jib. |
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![](521i.jpg) |
Realistic
counterweight. |
![](521l.jpg) |
Jib profile is
first class. |
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This model is the latest in a long line
of Liebherr mobile tower crane models which stretches back
to the previous 32k, 28k and 21k models. The earlier
models had been made by Conrad.
To see photos of a
version of the real machine on crawler tracks click
here.
Packaging
The model comes in the normal Liebherr style box and the
polystyrene trays are helpfully marked 'top' and 'bottom'
so there is no danger of the model dropping out when the
two trays are separated. Inside the model is extremely
well wrapped with foam sheeting and tape. As the model
is completely rigged care has to be exercised in removing
the packaging if scissors are used to ensure the ropes are
not cut.
The review model was undamaged.
An instruction sheet is supplied with the model which unusually
is in five languages; German, English, French, Italian and
Spanish. The instructions are essentially accurate
although the pictures show two extra silver pins which are
not provided and do not seem to have a use. Also there
is no reference to the removal of the road tyres.
Most importantly, the instructions omit to mention that
the clip (part 4) at the base of the mast has to be removed
to allow the telescoping of the mast to occur.
Detail
The first impressions of the model are very good indeed
as it appears to be very detailed and intricate.
Commencing with the undercarriage, the wheels are attached
to frames which are pinned to the turntable base and it
is an easy matter to remove them to detach the travelling
gear. The pins are very small so care has to be taken
not to lose them. The tyre treads are more detailed than
usual and they are mounted on small plastic hubs, which
look good. The frames and tow bar are all finely cast.
The turntable base has folding outriggers with the usual
screw jacks which bear down on tiny excellent metal pads.
The base of the crane has a very well detailed electrical
cabinet with some stunningly rendered detailed graphics
for instruction notices. A number of pulleys are used
in the base and they are all brass. Excellent detail
continues with the counterweights which are made up of four
separate pieces which are fitted to the piece permanently
fixed to the base unit. Each piece represents two
or three concrete slabs and has the word Liebherr cast in
to each slab. They also have step irons to form a
ladder and the top section has lifting eyes.
Turning to the mast it consists of a two stage telescope.
There is a very good ladder and operator's platform,
and a detailed plastic capacity board is attached to the
front. The pendant lines which control the erection
are wires with brass crimpings and a very good job has been
done to keep paired lengths the same so that all wires are
taut.
The telescoping jib is a tour de force. The outer
jib is beautifully cast and is fully triangulated on all
three sides and this achieved by having the two sides cast
as one piece and the underside is a separate casting fixed
in place. The inner jib has been made in the same
way. Tiny brass pulleys are used throughout.
The trolley is metal with brass pulleys and the very good
metal hook also has brass pulleys.
Thoughtfully, a very good metal concrete skip has been included,
complete with lifting chains.
Features
The two winches which are used to erect the crane and operate
the hoist are of an excellent spring-loaded variety with
integral brake and are turned by means of the tool that
NZG supplies with the model.
Erection of the model from the travelling position works
extremely well as does the telescoping mast. The
telescopic jib is operated by turning the winch motor and it works
perfectly with the inner jib moving smoothly in or out to
any desired position.
Another remarkable piece of
scale modelling and precision engineering is the trolley.
It can be positioned anywhere along the outer jib.
With the telescopic jib extended, the trolley can also be
placed on the inner jib as small spring clips pop out to
engage the narrower track.
Quality
The quality of the casting and the precision engineering
within this model sets a new standard for a relatively 'mass
produced' construction crane such as this.
Paintwork
and lettering are also of very high quality.
Price
The 32TT represents excellent value for money.
Overall
This is an almost faultless first class model and in all
respects a dramatic improvement on previous tower crane
models of this type. A variety of posing opportunities
are provided from travelling mode to different combinations
of mast height and telescopic jib. The inclusion of
the very good concrete skip accessory make this an interesting
addition to the display cabinet.
Footnotes
This model first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2005.
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![](521a.jpg) |
Transport mode. |
![](521d.jpg) |
Excellent
transport profile. |
![](521g.jpg) |
Telescoping jib
retracted. |
![](521h.jpg) |
Detailed
cabinet. |
![](521j.jpg) |
Excellent equal
tension in the support cables. |
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![](521k.jpg) |
Spring clips inside
the trolley allow it to travel onto the telescopic section.
Concrete skip is included. |
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