THAT Crane



While several folks have approached the idea of super detailing the Italeri HEMTT crane, I don't think anyone has pursued the idea that the crane boom on the model should actually be a three section telescoping arrangement that in this case can be made to manually function.

The Italeri model hints at having a third section but fails to provide that missing middle section.

After stewing on the question for a week or so I managed to knock this one out in just part of an evening at the work bench.

For those interested I will try and make this a quick how-to and leave it at that.

Start by putting together the third boom section as per the instructions.

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But then things start to get different: Cut off the last 3/8 of an inch (the tail piece) of that last boom section. It was the tail piece for the last section but how it will become the tail for the middle boom section

Now take that tail piece and build up a box beam that will form the middle section of the boom.



The #138 Evergreen stock is a near perfect fit for the job.

This becomes your center boom section.


The cross-section for the second boom section is a rectangle not a square. Sand to shape as needed.

Some model detailing reference on the HEMTT Crane:

-From: Dario Caraglio
http://www.cmtonline.it/cmtonline.it/VTR-DARIO_CARAGLIO/Pagine/HEMTT_977.html#grid

Photo reference on the real thing:

On Prime Portal:
http://www.primeportal.net/hemtt/m985_crane_ext.htm

http://www.primeportal.net/transports/dieter_krause/m977a4

And a YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-3QFVjHE6Q

Simple and a very effective mod. Nice job!

The "hint" I spoke of earlier that Italeri gives us of there actually being a third boom section is the double brace they mold into the end of the first boom section.

(Photos from eBay - "Knuckle Crane" complete unit plus stabilizers only $50K SURPLUS on sale!)

You will need to very carefully cut this second brace off the end of the first boom section. I suggest using a very fine bladed jeweler's saw otherwise the kerf of the blade will eat up most of this rather small, narrow part.

More detailing reference on the Grove Knuckle Crane provided by eBay Motors and VehicleGeni.com:

Thanks Taylor - I just happened to come up with this idea and thought I would share.

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As I say you will need to very carefully cut this second brace off the end of the first boom section. Then glue this part onto the end of the new middle section box beam you have constructed. This piece acts as a stop to keep the center boom section from disappearing into the hollow of the first section.


(Photos from eBay - "Grove Military Knuckle Crane" complete unit plus stabilizers only $50K SURPLUS on sale!)

The cable and lower block for now are just Photoshop but I had to throw those in all the same!

Looks great and adds so much to the look of the kit crane.

Also it gives us more options for realistic posing of the crane in dioramas.


p.s. Correction: The entire mil-surplus HEMTT is up for sale for $50K WITH the crane. If you don't want the crane you can knock off ten grand!

More reference on the HEMTT Grove Knuckle Crane. Again thanks to eBay Motors:

Slewing Motor & Brake

. . . . . . . . . . Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bottom View . . . . . . . .

A couple more reference photos from online sales:


Note different design: Support outrigger assembly is attached directly to the crane, not hanging down below the vehicle frame. The outrigger hydraulic rams are mounted lower on the crossbar. And interestingly this appears to be a FOUR section crane boom!

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The man's right! This crane is for the PLS. Four section boom, one piece construction and high mounted outriggers.

The above version is the type used on the M1074 PLS. Notice the different base and higher position of the stabilizing legs.

Gino I found the above photo of the PLS crane as a result of your comment above. Up till then I thought all the cranes were identical. Thanks for chiming in!

Gino, (or Frenchy) do you have any close-up reference photos on those bulkhead flatracks like the one shown above with the PLS? I used to build bulkhead railroad flat cars and I was thinking I should try a few bulkheads here using a spare flatrack.

I know there are some photos on Prime Portal but the bulkhead flatracks are all fully loaded so inside details are not visible.

I drove them for 3 years in 1st cav 1/77 FA in the early 80 when they were still new in army inventory

Thank you for your service Terry! We appreciate any input you might care to share.