WSI in the media
Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1
30-11-2023
In the Fanshop at the 2022 Bauma, Liebherr showed off the new model of the LTM 1650-8.1, and with it upped the ante for what is possible in functionality and adherence to detail. It supersedes the already almost perfect model of the LTM 1750-9.1 …
The crane is the successor to the LTM 1500 and has been a success since the beginning. The measurements have been correctly transposed to scale and there is a detailed instruction leaflet to assist in putting it together. Because of the many details contained in the instruction leaflet, careful study of it is recommended. It is also necessary to take time for the assembly. The eight-axle vehicle runs very smoothly. The drive train, including the prop shaft, is very detailed. The steerable axles allow for a sufficient turning radius. Even the Michelin logo is on the tires, and the Liebherr logo is visible on the small, rubber mud flaps.
In the front area of the chassis are photo-etched anti-skid surfaces and radiator covers which look first-class. The engine and the area surrounding it have been accurately replicated. On the prototype, a 505-kW strong Liebherr eight-cylinder engine is installed. Exhaust, air filter, AdBlue container, and tank are easily recognizable.
Massive support legs resting on crane mats hold the model securely. To reduce the transport weight, the rear support assembly is transported separately but, on the model, it is rigidly attached with a bolt. There are even some small hydraulic hoses. Small lifting rings are included and this allows us to show the self-erection process. Even some very fine sling chains are included. During the assembly, the crane is secured by a fifth support at the rear. Some very finely made ladders, some of which can be folded, allow access to the model.
The upper chassis looks compact because the engine in the lower chassis also controls all the crane movements. The extensive safety rails, and running boards that are fashioned from finely perforated sheet metal are all fold down at the lifting winch. They have tiny joints and so a realistic view for road transport or when at work can be simulated. Especially exciting to us was the small walkway behind the tilting cabin. This walkway also folds down. There are more walkways on the right side of the cabin. The walkway folds forward prototypically from the transport position to the work position; even the tiny guide rod has been modeled.
Using the small sling chains, the self-erecting of the detailed ballast can be realistically simulated. The 11.8-t basis element is first placed on the upper chassis, followed on the sides by the two 6.6-ton ballast frames. In turn, each of these is filled with a ballast element. Especially exciting is the new ballast mandrel on which up to two elements can be lifted. These are then held securely.
The basis element also contains some small screws which are operated with the key used also for the winches. This allows even the final ballast segments to be realistically simulated. Small cover plates hide the screw heads. The Varioballast feature was also copied in model form. As on the prototype, ballasting radiuses of 6.4 m, 7.4 m, and Unter der Lupe Carsten Bengs 8.4 m can be achieved. The advantage of this feature is that ballast can be omitted on larger radiuses thus saving on ballast transports. On construction sites with space constraints, however, it is still possible to work with more ballast. For example, it is possible to lift with 113.1 t ballast weight at 16 m boom reach or 33.2 m with boom tip sheave. Likewise, 155 t ballast weight at 8.4 m ballast radius or, with the maximum 175 t ballast weight on 7.4 m ballast radius.
The models come with the T3 and T5 boom options with 54 m or 80 m boom lengths. The T3 variant has three telescoping segments while the T5 variant has five. This allows the model to reach 1.17 m (T3) or just about 1.7 m at the boom tip sheave (T5). The TY guying is really classy. WSI scores high here with maximum functionality and adherence to detail. During transport mode, both arms are held securely. The winches are kept taut and the rear guying is true to the original. The transport supports have also been modeled. If the guying is not used there are even some small bolts and screws to keep it correctly and prototypically attached.
The model comes with three load blocks, a three-sheave for 84.9 t, a five-sheave for 129.6 t, and a ninesheave wheel for 211.0 t carrying capacity. All sheaves are made individually and run very freely. Additionally, at the main boom head, WSI uses realistic-looking white plastic sheaves. An anemometer rounds out the details. We were excited to see that there are some ancillary weights that can be attached to the hook blocks. The two weights for each side are hung up in two loops at the sides of the hook blocks. Perfect and absolutely realistic!
The entire lettering of the model is just as perfectly executed. There are even warning labels on the boom the boom head, the TY guying, and in the operator’s cabin to view and admire. The included accessories surpass everything offered so far. In addition to the previously mentioned ballast mandrel and small sling chains, there are tie-down chains, a third winch for a flying jib tip, a load-bearing cross beam, bearing pedestals for the boom, and more sling chains.
With the LTM 1650-8.1, WSI set the bar high and produced a model with perfect details and classy functionality! The model is an absolute joy to see and the accessories top everything produced to date!
By: Carsten Bengs, Trucks & Construction