Grove GMK5095 / GMK5115 Mobile Crane

Presented here is the Grove GMK5115 5-axle mobile crane in 1:50th scale. The model is available in either the European designation (GMK5095) or American designation (GMK5115) which are both finished in the corporate yellow and grey Grove decoration. The main chassis is the same casting as the previously released GMK5135-2 / GMK5165-2 and GMK5110-1 / GMK5135 with several small improvements and differences noticable.

The front cab has a fully replicated interior including seat belts and fire extinguisher which are 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.

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. When placed next to the GMK5110-1 and GMK5130-2 versions, the detailing on the front of the cab looks a little more defined and crisp.

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 along with a flexible radio antenna which is not present on the other 5-axle Grove crane models.

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.

Above the wheel arches are pliable mud guards which are made of a different material than the GMK5110 / GMK5130 models, giving a stiffer feel and the top deck surface has a realistic diamond plate texture with cast ladders integrated into the rear and a spare tyre located on the back of the chassis along with moulded wheel chocks.

The upper structure is a completely different casting to the other 5-axle versions and features great detailing throughout. The cab 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 flood lights with painted lenses. Another good touch on the model are the exchangable safety rails for the upper deck behind the cab and two are supplied so the model can be authentically posed in either transport or working configuration. (Pictured above in transport configuration and pictured below in working configuration)

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. 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.

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 a new hook block already connected to the model. so it can be displayed out of the box. The load block is different to the other Grove cranes and looks much more realistic.

The flexible hydraulic piping fitted to the main lift cylinder greatly adds to the realism of the model, as does the detailed slewing motors, textured panel surfaces and intricate safety and warning markings. Flexible piping has also been added to the winch motors, travelling along the side of the upper frame. Even the counterweight lift jacks have tiny hoses fitted.

Two hook blocks are supplied with the model with the second used when the optional second winch assembly is installed at the rear of the upper-structure. When not fitted, a small counterweight piece can be inserted to cover the holes.

This is another great addition to the growing Grove model range and builds on the levels of detail and realism found on the other Grove 5-axle cranes. The model is supplied with a small booklet which gives details of the full sized machine with lifting specifications and dimensions along with an assembly guide explaining how to assemble the mirrors and secondary winch. The model is packed in a two piece polystyrene carton with printed cardboard box.