Greeting all,

Mig Productions do a 1/35 European Harbour/Railway Cargo Crane.

First question: Has anyone built this kit yet, if so what's it like and is it good value for the money?

I haven't started my search yet on British Dockyards, and although it says this crane would have been common in Russian and Western Eurpoean countries could I assume from that, that it would be OK in a British setting?

Looking at the model: here's a link

http://www.netmerchants.co.uk/product.php/7416/0/

would it sit level with the ground, I assume so, or would it have been on a raised base as shown? Any thoughts?

Cheers

Al

I was hoping to see someone to reply to this one already... This is out of my area, but I will take a stab and say I think the model would work, even if it were needed to modify it some how. To me it would look like any other craine... Creative licsene I suppose... Alan, you might want to PM Cheyenne as he might have some knowledge about this one with his current project.

Hi Paul,

That's my thinking, a crane is a crane , is a crane? I'll leave it a day and if there is no further response I'll PM Cheyenne.

It will fit with his project from the review no problem if he's thinking of using it. Wasn't sure if anyone had actually built one - give it 24 hours and I'll see what comes up.

Cheers

Al

Ps If you happen to see a Revell 1/35 UTD Boat in your LHS let me know, I've been looking for this kit for months.

A

I'll do that... You never know what will show up!

Thanks mate.

Al

Got a call in to my LHS, they will let me know what they find... Can you give me any more info about it?

Just an observation but for almost $40 USD couldn't you scratch something?
You can get a lot of Evergreen structural shapes for 40 bucks.

Shaun

Hi Paul,

I believe the kit number is 5105 UDT (underwater demolition team) Boat w/figures 1/35 scale . It might also have originally been a Monogram Kit called "Frogmen and LCP (R) Boat' - that's about as much as I know.

I may still be available in the States but I haven't been able to track it down in the UK as it has probably been OOP for some time.

Shaun, that's a nice idea but would probably take more skill and time than I have. Maybe in a few more years time!!!!!

:-) :-) :-)

Thanks folks

Al

You couldn't build that? Plastic sewing thread spools cut down or plastic tube stock with sheet stock ends sanded roung for the wire drums...carpet thread for the cable. Flat sheet stock with thin/narrow bands for the frame...maybe .040 flat sheet cut out like the frame shown there and 1/8" wide .020 for the "T" bracing on the outside of that frame piece...heat to bend around the contours or use liquid cement to soften/bend to contour. Gears...pilfered from an old pocket watch, toy{s}, tamiya gearbox rebuild kit...search "g guage crane kits"...something foundry{sorry, I tossed all my garden railroader books I had}...white metal will be what it's made of. You'll find anything/everything you ever want from this company for added diorama goodies there...but I can't remember they're name now.{sorry}
Find a good 3 view of that crane so you have dimensions to go by...you could pop one of those together easier than a dragon magic track assy!

Hi Bob,

:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) very good. Yes, if I had the patience!!!!! Actually I have a plastic drum wheel with teeth that I picked up here in China in a flower bed which I thought might be useful for something!!!! :-) :-) :-)

Cheers

Al

OK, that is the kit you want. I wasn't sure... If I can get it do you want it, i'm not sure how much they will charge. I will be away for the weekend going to KC for National's. Send me an e-mail. I know you will be on your way home soon, but I will reinquire at the LHS as to how much... I will check my e-mail before Monday, then get it ordered if you are happy with the price.

Paul

Hi Paul,

If you can get it then yes I want it. I don't think it will be too expensive!!!

Setting off in half an hour for the first part of the long journey home.

Have a great weekend at the Nationals (tell me more) and I'll drop you an email when I get back to the UK.

Cheers mate

Al

No worries, IF they can get it I will get it on order... When I talked to him he did not say if it was available... If it is, it is yours....

Safe travels mate...

Alan what I found out is that kit has been out of production for over 12 years. All hope is not lost though, he says he has seen them floating around from time to time. He will keep an eye out for it, so will I. If there is one to be had, we will get it.

Hello again Alan,
Here are some dock side crane Internet sites that I found: -

First batch are mainly or probably British – watch out for modern cranes if you are modelling WWII!

http://www.internationalmeccanomen.org.uk/MMB/ModelsandMechanisms/Cowanscrane/cowans.htm

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dapol-OO-Gauge-Model-Railway-Kit-Dockside-Crane-NEW_W0QQitemZ170012283476QQihZ007QQcategoryZ4978QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

http://www.thirdangle.com/viewphoto.asp?pid=4012

http://www.bigstockphoto.com/photo/view/34992?

http://www.dreamstime.com/oldcanalcrane-image899666

http://www.solentwaters.co.uk/Medina%20Ships/Misc%20Things/page7.html

http://www.btinternet.com/~a.esplen/models/pic32.html
http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/elswick.htm

(The above is Vickers -very interesting site!!!!)

Here too, are some odd French Dock scenes:

http://www.wonderland.com/~dracon/WW1/page22/bassens.html
http://www.wonderland.com/~dracon/WW1/page23/bordeaux.html
http://www.gwpda.org/photos/bin10/imag0979.jpg

Regards, John-B

Hi Paul,

Landed safely, but very tired. Thanks for that, Skipper is keeping an eye out as well. OOP for 12 years must be time for a new one!!! :-) :-) :-)

John, thanks very much for the links, they should be really useful, time for a cup of tea and a bit of surfing me thinks.

Finally got the track size issue sorted out thanks to Wikipedia, and the Railway Company which will be Southern Railways, so need to find their livery for 1940/45 and some photos of Goods Wagons/Rolling Stock.

What's 4ft 8+1/2ins in 1/35 - too tired to think!!!

Things are moving along nicely.

Thanks again to all.

Cheers

Al