I’ve seen many posts concerning the old “Big Hook” style of cranes but what about the newer mobile type like the Kershaw 100,130 and 150 ton models from Custom Finishing? I’ve been thinking of buying one of these for a while (once I decide 130T or 150T) and wonder if there is a reason they seem to be ignored. Are thes kits hard to assemble, of poor quality or is it that not many people have bought them. If anyone has any comments, tips for assembly or even photos of models they’ve built then by all means post away![:D]
I have the 130T kit, yet to be assembled. I’ve assembled several other Custom Finishing models and they do take a fair amount of work and experience. The instructions are usually so-so, all written on a page with photos and drawings mixed in, and can be a chore to wade through. They usually require the fairly precise drilling of many, many holes in the relatively soft white metal castings. A few times parts have been misidentified or not properly shown in the correct position.
They do make fine models when completed, something that you cannot find elsewhere. Here are two shots of one of the CF kits, a dozer with a side lift. These are often used in cleaning up derailed rail cars:
(click on photo to enlarge)
If you have an interest in the CF models, I’d suggest trying a simpler kit first, to get the feel of how they go together.