Reach, Partner

TWH makes their daily bread tooling up promotional models for the companies that make heavy equipment, and because of that arrangement, they have access to straight-from-the-manufacturer info on upcoming product. That makes for timely models - and a wildly detailed line of replicas.

It also makes for the occasional less-than-light (but truly educational) reading, like the pamphlet that came with TWH’s 1:50 Manitowoc Grove RT540E crane. Wanna know load capacity related to boom length? Gotcha covered. Looking to engage that hottie at the hardware store in a conversation about tip height? Go make hay. And, it’s 154 feet.

The hands-on aspect is definitely enriched by the added info, as well as by the basic, one sheet instructions-cum-owner’s manual for attaching the jib to the model. Newcomers to the equipment hobby will be grateful for the how-to, and less nervous about fiddling around.

And there’s a ton of that here. The mini machine pivots 360 degrees, and the boom lifts and extends - just keep an eye on that rope; you definitely don’t want it to tangle next to the spool. Trust me on this one. There’s a sliding door on the cab, and the area’s got every detail right, from the grab handles and control sticks to the first aid box mounted to the wall. Pull the panel to the left of the crane and there’s a spider’s nest of hydraulic lines and controls. Go topside, and the twin rope spools give, and tighten, slack under thumb pressure.

The axles steer independently, and if you want to pose the machine in working mode, you can hoist the crane, add the jib, and pull out the extended stabilizers; twist the pads into place, and you’re ready to rock. A look at the Cummins QXB 6.7 liter diesel (yes, I read the manual) is only a door pull away. Bottom line: great detail that reaches new heights.

TWH Manitowoc Grove RT540E crane, item 01139, $169.95. www.twhcollectibles.com.

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