Grove GMK5110-1 / GMK5135 Mobile Crane

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

Presented here is the Grove GMK5110-1 5-axle mobile crane in 1:50th scale. The model is available in either the American designation (GMK5135) or European designation (GMK5110-1) which are both finished in the corporate yellow and grey Grove decoration. The main chassis and upper structure are the same casting as the previously released GMK5135-2 / GMK5165-2 and the only main difference on the model is the boom has one less telescoping section, as per the full sized crane.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

The underside of the model features an amazing level of detail that is not usually present on crane models from other manufacturers, particularly as is is seldom seen when the model is being displayed and yet TWH have gone the extra mile to fully recreate the chassis and drivetrain to perfection. The front two axles have working steering and flexible hoses fitted to each wheel hub.

The second axle is driven and has a drive shaft connected to the axle. The three rear axles are all driven and again have reproduced drive shaft detailing with the rear two axles having functional steering. Air bottles are also present for the rear axles and the suspension uses small springs.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

The front cab has a rully replicated interior which is visible through the clear windows. The side mounted rear view mirrors are provided in the box and need fitting to the model which is easy, although it might be a good idea to use a touch of glue to hold them in place.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

The rubber window seals have been painted on all the windows along with textured dark grey trim on the panels below the doors with the door handles highlighted with black paint. The front windscreen has photo-etched wipers and there is a metal loop connected to the chassis where the hook is secured during transport.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

The four extending outriggers can be extended from the chassis and consist of single arms which have been cast to represent the two stage outriggers. The metal pads can be lowered to raise the model off its wheels and the screw thread is hidden so extending the jack legs looks very realistic as if they were hydraulic pistons. This again adds to the overall impression of realism.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

The top decking behind the cab is also highly detailed with photo etched grill, large fuel tank on one side and opening storage compartment on the other, which is ideal for storing the supplied pins to stop them getting lost. There is also a chrome exhaust stack with jacket and chrome grab rails with a warning beacon fitted to the cab roof.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

The upper structure has authentic printed markings throughout with flexible hydraulic piping visible from the slewing motor to the counterweight raising cylinders. This really does add to the realism of the model and is a welcomed addition.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

The rear of the upper structure has a very nicely defined couterweight block which consists of individual plates but it is a shame that the couterweight is not easily removable from the model as this is something that other manufacturers have added to their models. The side counterweight extensions are easily removable and fit into place using two lugs which are cast into the pieces.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

Unscrewing the two screws on the underside of the counterweight base plate will release the counterweights from the carrier. Once removed, the plates can be removed from the base holder with one small counterweight section remaining firmly connected to the upper structure.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

The cab fitted to the upper structure can be tilted to about 30 degrees and features a fully detailed interior with operator seat, joystick controls and monitors all visible through the fully glazed cab frame. Windscreen wipers have been added to the front and roof windows along with front mounted work lights.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

The single hydraulic cylinder that lifts the boom is not very stiff, so caution needs to be used when fully erecting the boom. There are several pins supplied with the model and these can be inserted into the holes in the cylinder to hold the boom in the raised position.

The 5 section telescoping boom has a detailed head with a single cast, 8 shieve at the front with a single shieve at the rear of the head and has black painted extending boom sections which slide smoothly.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

THW have changed the way the hook is assembled and have replaced the rivet found on the previous release with a small screw so it is possible to remove the hook when attaching the jib. The jib can be seperated, leaving a short jib which has hydraulic angle positioning which is another nice touch on the model.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

The two section, swing out jib can be mounted to the side of the boom using the supplied pins. The shieves are metal which is a nice addition and the model is supplied with the 3 shieve hook block already connected to the model. so it can be displayed out of the box.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

The black rubber flaps above the wheels is a nice touch on the model and this area is usually painted on models from other manufacturers. The top deck surface has a realistic diamond plate texture with cast ladders integrated into the rear and a spare tyre located on the bach of the chassis along with moulded wheel chocks.

Grove GMK5110-1 Mobile Crane

This is certainly one of the most detailed 5-axle crane models available and there are some very nice touches on the model which make it stand out. The model is supplied with a small booklet which gives details of the full sized machine with lifting specifications and dimensions.

Model Specifications

Model Dimensions

  Length: 10.625" / 270mm
Width: 2.625" / 67mm
Height: 3" / 76mm collapsed, 39" / 1092mm extended
Weight: 3.30 lb / 1.5 kg

Box Dimensions

Length: 13.75" / 350mm
Width: 6.75" / 172mm
Height: 5" / 125mm

Versions produced -

TWH053A-1197 - GMK5110-1 in yellow (350 pieces) - Scheduled for release June 2009
TWH053A-1199 - GMK5135 in yellow (250 pieces) - Scheduled for release June 2009
TWH053A-1235 - GMK5110-1 Hanchard (200 pieces, exclusive to Quarry Diecasts Downunder)
TWH053A-1234 - GMK5135 Quality Cranes (200 pieces, exclusive to DHS)

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Download Specification Sheet

 

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