WORKFORCE high & mighty YCC MODELS LIEBHERR LTM 1400 ALL TERRAIN MOBILE CRANE 1:50 | $800 BY DAN TOWNSEND Yuan Chih Construction Models (YCC) is making a name for itself pushing the limits of 1:50-scale diecast. e company’s latest is the Liebherr LTM 1400 ATC (model no. YC790.) Features like seamlessly hinged opening transporter cab doors, sliding door on the crane operator’s cab and opening engine access panels for displaying engine and machinery detail put it instantly in the conversation among the best 1:50 industrial and construction diecast available. All Terrain Cranes like the Liebherr were developed as a more affordable alternative to large capacity crawler- tracked cranes. e Swiss company Liebherr Inc. builds a remarkable 48% world share of crane products. e model in this review, the LTM 1400, has eight axles, a max lift of 970,000 pounds and a max lift height of 387 feet—which puts it in the middle of Liebherr’s product range! With the super-lift extended and the winches and stays rigged, the size and complexity of this model can truly be appreciated. 52 DCXmag.com
BREAKING GROUND replicas, but, if you act quickly, a pen light and you will see Above: The stabilizers operate smoothly Weighing in at a hefty 9 pounds, you may be able to snatch one why you need to handle the and the sturdy construction of the jack the LTM 1400 ATC crane arrives of the 120 pieces painted in the transporter carefully. Slightly plates and ground support plates allows in a single box encased in a stunning Thorton red and black below the mud flaps, extending the crane to be displayed with its wheels custom cut Styrofoam enclosure. livery. down between each set of tires, off the ground. Additional parts for the LTM 1400 Once the model is safely you will see iridescent reflections Below: When in travel mode, the pivot include counter weights, steel out of the box and resting of running lights not much boom and crane superstructure cover footing plates, extra winches on its wheels, it’s ready for larger then a pin head, mounted every inch of the deck space. and different sized hooks and assembly into the chosen display on what must be the world’s sheaves. The carrier and crane configuration. Eight axles—four smallest light fixtures; they run beacons posted aft of the cabin superstructure are configured driven and four passive—support the entire length of the fully on the roofline share duty in a pseudo-transport mode 16 simulated 14.00 R 25s tires, detailed and functioning chassis. with forward facing spotlights with the super-lift attached to which look great with their Continuing to the cab, the mounted above the windshield. the pivot boom. The LTM 1400 aggressive tread and scuffed first surprise is the seamlessly All the glass on the cab appears can be displayed right out of the rubber appearance. Rubber engineered opening cab doors. to be seated with gaskets and box, but the detail is of such high mud flaps mounted below the The execution is flawless. The the step boards into the cab quality it begs to be seen; at the transporter’s deck run the full outside of the cab is clean and feature perfect stippling. The very least I would reeve (rig) the length of the wheel wells. Grab functional; orange overhead three windshield wipers are winches and stays. of the same photo realistic The model displays a quality as the mirrors. This faultless application of Liebherr attention to detail on such corporate colors. The paint relatively minor components is a shows a consistently smooth hallmark of YCC. The LTM 1400’s hue throughout, highlighted by a stabilizers extend smoothly super light application, allowing and the reflective chevrons the shallowest cast panel are convincing. The hydraulic indentations and raised detail to jack plates include the scaled stand out. Liebherr’s yellow and dove grey corporate colors are reserved for the general release spring 2015 53
WORKFORCE Above: e Liebherr LTM 1400 is powered by a Daimler-Benz diesel — two of them, in fact (one in the carrier and one in the crane). Both are viewable via opening access panels on YCC’s replica. Below: Numerous hatches, doors and spare parts are detailed on the LTM 1400. All of these extras add up to an incredibly intricate, precise model that compares fa- vorably with some of the best in the world. YCC CASTS THE BEST PISTONS IN THE BUSINESS AND THE HYDRAULIC BOOM SUPER-LIFT COMBINATION SHOWS THEM TO GREAT ADVANTAGE grab handles. e steel ground ring attaches the crane’s to occupy the space vacated by FINAL THOUGHTS support plates are heftily cast superstructure to the deck, the number 2 winch and counter If you are familiar with YCC, you and beautifully finished, allowing engineered to allow smooth weights. A simple 180-degree surely know that it emphasizes the crane to be displayed off of 360-degree rotation. rotation swings it back around precise scale, state-of-the-art its wheels once the stabilizers for the lift. e cab tilts rearward casting and suburb finishing, are set. is is the heart of the model. It 20 degrees; a functioning ensuring the client receives a features flawless casting on the miniature piston holds it in place. replica worthy of display in a e carrier’s upper deck, aft pivoting telescopic boom, and boardroom or CEO’s office of a of the cab, houses the engine. well-defined hydraulic lines, e exceptional detail includes Fortune 500 company. Well- Perfectly photo-etched grating filters, pumps and reservoirs. e photo-etched walkways, rails, heeled collectors in the know stretches across the top of the three telescopic boom sections windshield wipers, a detailed have standard orders for all cooling enclosure, and visible look stunning in their flat black interior and sliding door. e new YCC releases. e rest of us through the gratings are two paint and flat yellow collars, front windscreen may be wait with bated breath. If YCC is large fans. Using YCCs provided detailed with carefully scaled positioned open or closed. Rail- new to you, this is the perfect tool, pop open the two access rollers and pin sets. e boom mounted mirrors and spotlights, model with which to get to know panels to expose the detail of tip sheaves are metal, and all the a yellow frame-mounted beacon the brand and its outstanding the 12-cylinder Daimler-Benz running gear is of the highest and a red pyramid light round workmanship. is Liebherr LTM OM 444 A diesel, and under the quality. e model may be out the installation. e aft 1400 is a magnificent replica that aft lid the top of an Allison CLBT deployed displaying the super- winch, beautifully cast, also looks at home among the very 755 automatic transmission. lift with its attendant rigging, or incorporates functioning pin and best in the world of industrial Service caps for fluid reservoir as a simple ATC, the kind that rod attachment points and a pin and construction diecast. tanks gather in one spot, while roves from lift to lift installing tongue and groove attachment the 24-volt two battery electrical rooftop air-conditioning units system for the counter weight SOURCES service boxes, a 615-liter fuel and the like. installation. YCC yccmodels.com tank, stand alone auxiliary pump systems, and various hydraulic YCC casts the best pistons in components cluster around the the business and the hydraulic engine space. Two heat shield- boom super-lift combination shrouded vertical exhaust shows them to great advantage. stacks and small cranes used to hoist the front jackscrew plates e crane carries its own up and onto the transporter for power in the form of an travel round out the power deck. 8-cylinder Daimler-Benz OM 447 LA located on the SUPERSTRUCTURE superstructure’s right side. e crane superstructure owns Photo-etched walkways along the top of the engine the lion’s share of the carrier’s compartment abut photo- deck. In travel mode every foot etched open grillework. of available space is filled by the Simulated black pivot boom or superstructure. hydraulic lines snake in and around the main is space is just as vital on lifting winch and the the work site, conscripted as a lower superstructure. workbench for attaching the In traveling mode the aft winch and counter weights. operators cab pivots A beautifully crafted slewing rearward on its arm 54 DCXmag.com
quick LOOK CMC 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C no. 19 Le Mans Special 1:18 | $518 by Matt Boyd Last issue I reviewed CMC’s stunning Alfa Romeo 8C Red lens caps have been installed over the headlights; 2900B Touring Coupé, marveling at the technical they are removable, and underneath are all new head- Top left: Functional quick- precision it represents. This is model making of the lights with mesh protective screens over their lenses. release fuel caps and the highest order. This time we are looking at the race-spec Between these headlights is the single biggest departure removal of the fender skirts version, and while it shares a great many of its 1,800+ from the street car version: an all-new grille. Gone is the were concessions to competi- pieces with the Touring Coupé, there are also some black mesh recessed grille with its center chrome bar. tion practicality. Top right: The notable differences. This is as it appeared on the grid In its place is a flush-mounted grille with vertical and twin-supercharged straight-8 at Le Mans on June 17, 1938, for the 15th running of the horizontal bars. Its painted white with the number “19” was already race-grade, so illustrious endurance event. And all indications pointed to sprayed in black in it, mimicking the number dots on the CMC’s retains all of the beauty a runaway victory for the number 19 car that day. Drivers hood and rear flanks. Under the grille and between the of the previous version. Below: Raymond Sommer and Clemente Biondetti were dramati- front frame rails is an additional panel — a flat, vented Red caps over the mesh head- cally faster than any other competitor, and the sleek aluminum valence panel to smooth airflow going beneath lights, and a flush-mounted and hand-crafted Touring body was way ahead of its time. In the car. Think of it as a very early example of aerody- painted grille are the most obvi- recent years, the car was actually tested in a modern wind namic ground effects technology! The twin supercharged ous visual differences between tunnel and the body yielded a drag coefficient figure of straight-8 engine’s 220 horsepower was already compe- the show and race versions of just 0.38 — which is on par with sports coupes manufac- tition grade, so no alterations were necessary here. Inside, the 2900B. tured today! the leather-clad accommodations are still pretty plush Throughout the first 20 hours of the race, the Le Mans by race car standards, but have been augmented by a fire Special Coupé easily outran every other car, and was extinguisher bottle bracketed to the passenger door and literally 100 miles out front of the second-place car when an additional T-handle lever in the passenger foot well it suffered a right front tire failure at speed. Sommer man- that connects to the rear-mounted transaxle. Its purpose aged to keep it on track, but debris from the disintegrating wasn’t immediately obvious — an overdrive unit perhaps? tire damaged some of the delicate oil lines. After limping The CMC Alfa 2900B remains among the most beauti- back to the pits for a tire change, the car soldiered on for a fully rendered replicas you can buy. The choice between couple more laps, but the leaking oil led to a broken valve the show/street configuration and the race version boils and the car was forced to retire. Amazingly, even though down to personal preference. I’m torn. I like the deeper the car was parked with four hours left to go in the race, it burgundy color and unpainted wheels of the race car, but I had completed 219 laps. Le Mans rules don’t allow a car to like the show car’s mesh grille better. Luckily, I’ve had the be classified if it is not still running at the end of 24 hours, opportunity to review them both. Do the favor of granting but by hour 20, it had already completed as many laps as yourself the opportunity to enjoy at least one of these the third place car did in 24! masterpieces! For competition, the car underwent some alterations, including the removal of the rear fender skirts. Wheels are SOURCES the same intricate spoke design, but the race car’s remain CMC cmcmodelcarsusa.com in their natural aluminum finish rather than painted. The flush-mounted fuel filler doors have been replaced with quick-release caps — functional, of course. The side-mounted badges and crests have been removed. 62 DCXmag.com
GREENLIGHT COLLECTIBLES GONE IN 60 SECONDS “ELEANOR” 1967 MUSTANG 1:18 | $65 BY MATT BOYD For 25 years, the 1974 film Gone In 60 Seconds was have nice edges and spacing. Interestingly, “GT500” scripts Above: Easily one of the two the stuff of car guy nirvana. Independent filmmaker are not present on the rocker panel stripes and the various most influential movie Mustangs H.B. Halicki makes an underground car chase movie Shelby badges have been substituted with stylized movie of all time, Eleanor will be about a car thief filmed in the streets of L.A. that rockets logos (a licensing issue no doubt.) e Schmidt wheels are snapped up by collectors in him — and the bright yellow Mustang that is his costar dead-on to the movie car’s. droves!. Top right: A nitrous (down to her own credit “Starring Eleanor”) — into automo- system plays a pivotal role in tive immortality. No one cared that it was made on a shoe- e trunk sports the nitrous oxide fuel bottle that plays the movie’s climax; GreenLight string budget or that the script reads like it was scribbled such a key role in the movie’s climactic chase scene. at does an excellent job faithfully during lunch on the back of a napkin …in crayon. e movie NOS system feeds the monster under the domed hood: replicating that important detail.. is essentially one hour-long epic car chase, and it is the a dual-quad 428 big block! is is where the model out- Below: e model has the motor very definition of automotive awesomeness. Fast-forward shines both the movie cars and the continuation models. the movie versions should have a quarter century: Halicki’s widow options the rights to Movie magic may have implied a 428, but the actual film come with: a proper dual-quad do a big-budget remake. e high-octane producer Jerry cars made do with lowly 302s. Shelby’s GT500Es got 428 Cobra! Fantastic detail here, Bruckheimer signs on, and he brings in his e Rock and stroked 351 Windsors. is model has the motor Eleanor particularly for the price point. Con Air star — and certified car fanatic — Nicolas Cage, should have, and it’s done superbly with tons of detail! backed by A-listers Angelina Jolie and Robert Duvall. But One last bit of technical wizardry can be found when you the most important casting decision had yet to be made: flip Eleanor over: Shelby’s Performance Upgrade multilink Eleanor. Several exotic options were considered, but in the rear suspension and subframe brace — very cool! end it was felt the Mustang heritage should be preserved. So then, what Mustang would be sufficiently glamourous CURTAIN CALL to star in the reboot of this vehicular opus? Meet the new e debut of this new starlet in the role of Eleanor was a Eleanor: a custom 1967 Shelby GT500 for the ages! bigger success than anyone could have imagined — and a It must be noted that Eleanor is not an actual Shelby; far bigger success than the film itself. She now gives the she started life as a garden-variety ’67 fastback. So popular ’68 Bullitt GT a run for the most was the design that authorized movie car clones have popular movie Mustang of all time. been built in the years since, including by Shelby himself She is, without question, the most as “continuation” models with the designation ‘GT500E’ artistic thing Nick Cage has been — possibly the first time an original manufacturer cloned a in in years! Its distinctiveness and copy of one of his own cars! GreenLight’s model is officially popularity makes it perennially licensed for the film and the box art is replete with stills sought after in diecast. e guys from the movie, but nowhere on GreenLight’s packag- at GreenLight have been stepping ing does the “S” word appear. Still, GreenLight’s model up big with their Hollywood series, appears to be patterned after the continuation GT500Es, and this 1:18 Eleanor is one of the which differ just slightly from the original movie cars. e biggest. It’s not going to take a latter had separate side scoops on the rear fenders, but the whole lot longer than 60 seconds Shelby cars and the model have them faired into the body. for these to be gone too — don’t Another clue is the location of the gas cap; the movie car’s wait to grab yours. Just don’t steal was cosmetic only and located high on the C-pillar. Shelby it—boosting Eleanor never works moved it down near the trunk lid and made it functional, and out well! this is how the model depicts it. e dark gray paint has the proper metallic sheen, and the twin Shelby-esque stripes SOURCES GreenLight greenlighttoys.com
quick LOOK Hot Wheels Elite Ferrari F355 Spider 1:18 | $130 by Matt Boyd The Ferrari F355 can trace its lineage directly back example retains the classier (if lower tech) signature Fer- to the Dino 206 of the late 1960s. The mid-engine rari metal shift gate, a detail that is much preferred! Top right: Five-valve heads layout and compact Pininfarina-designed body The vented engine cover rear deck is opens smoothly gave the F355 its name and its with signature flying buttress backlight carried forward and the rubber tonneau cover for the top limits its throw renewed performance focus. from the Dino through the long-running and much be- only slightly. Underneath is a stellar example of the 3.5L Hot Wheels does a lovely job loved 308s and 328s of the 1970s and 80s. The successor V8. This engine was essentially a slightly bored-out car- replicating it, with accurate to the 328 was anything but a success. The 348 suffered ryover from the 348 — with one huge improvement. The plumbing and warning labels from twitchy handling and styling which borrowed a bit too addition of 5-valve-per-cylinder heads yielded an extra adding texture to the potent much — and in the wrong places — from the aging Ferrari 80 horsepower (380 total), and even more importantly, little V8. flagship Testarossa, and it left sportscar enthusiasts flat. a huge swell of midrange torque. And it gave the car its Below: Cleaner Pininfarina- It didn’t help that it was being handily outperformed by name. It departed from the usual Dino-derived conven- penned lines, better handling rivals from Europe, America and even Japan costing half as tion of the model name’s first two digits denoting the and more power added up to much! Consequently, the 348 sold fewer models than the displacement and the third enumerating cylinder-count a winning formula. Elite series outgoing model, despite being on sale for two more model (hence, the 348’s 3.4L V8.) But the F355 eschewed the cars have the formula down for years (six total). Ferrari knew dramatic steps needed to “8” cylinder designation for a “5,” calling out the 5-valve winning scale collectible. be taken to get the mid-engine Ferrari line back on track. heads. You can see a portion of those heads on the model, The solution came in the form of a leap forward in technol- under bright red cam covers and the large black intake ogy and a step back to more traditional styling. plenum. Instruction labels, intake ducts and chassis brac- The 1994 F355 Berlinetta was structurally quite ing are all accurately rendered. similar to the 348, but Pininfarina reworked the exterior, What a difference a valve makes! I think of the F355 smoothing the lines and eliminating the overwrought side as the start of the modern Ferrari renaissance. The car strakes in favor of a more tasteful twin side ducts. The was worlds better than the 348 — much faster, prettier, open-air F355 followed a year later, offering a Ferrari-first and more comfortable. It’s a proper Ferrari, and a proper power-operated top. The top retained something of the collectible for any Ferrari fan. This is a new casting, so flying buttress styling, but of course the car was much it matches up well against any of the Elite series Hot more handsome with the top down—and this is how Hot Wheels releases in terms of fit, finish and level of detail. It Wheels has chosen to represent it in 1:18. Rosso Corsa deserves a spot in your collection for sure. paint is deep and lustrous, at the slight cost of some pooling in the shallower creases like the fuel door. Gaps SOURCES on the doors and rear engine cover are great; the ones on Hot Wheels Elite hotwheels-elite.com the front deck are a little wider, but we can chalk at least some of that up to the forward pitch and the fact that it must clear the functioning pop-up headlights (actuated via a button under the front bumper. Soft-touch black plastic simulates Connolly Leather quite effectively, and while later production F355s were available with Ferrari’s “F1” paddle-actuated semiautomatic transmission, this 64 DCXmag.com
Die-Cast Promotions Peterbilt 379 Tractor with MAC Trailer 1:64 | $94.99 by Matt Boyd tarp over the top that rolls to the side to reveal the interior, Above: A telescoping trailer a top-hinged dump tailgate and a telescoping polished pneumatic piston, a rubberized Big rigs are one of those vehicle categories that we simulated pneumatic lift that hoists the body up off of the fabric tarp and a top-hinged see everywhere, every day, and yet many of us trailer base perhaps 30 degrees to dump the cargo. The dump tailgate are just three of don’t think much about them — at least not in the precision on the trailer mechanism is absolutely beautiful the trailer’s impressive details. context of scale collectibles. Well, until one comes along — hard to believe this is 1:64 scale! Below: The Peterbilt tractor is like this Die-Cast Promotions Peterbilt 379 with its MAC The long-nose Peterbilt is certainly iconic, but for me, no slouch either, with flexible End Dump Trailer. Even at just 1:64, it is a serious piece the real standout in this set is the MAC trailer. The work- pneumatic lines, steerable —measuring nearly 12 inches long and weighing at just manship is really impressive! The distributor, 3000Toys, wheels, and a well-rendered under a pound. It’s loaded with detail too, with a flip-up offers quite a diverse array of Die-Cast Promotions big Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. hood, steerable front wheels, flexible pneumatic lines and rigs with Peterbilt, Kenworth and Freightliner tractors a pivoting 5th wheel hitch—and that’s just the tractor. The backed by numerous trailer configurations and liveries. trailer has even more eye candy! The rigs and trailers will mix and match, of course. I think I Peterbilt trucks are among the most recognizable on may have found my next obsession! the road thanks to their signature long-snout profile. That look (along with the reliability and brawn associated with SOURCES it) has earned the brand a loyal following, but interestingly, Die-Cast Promotions; distributed by 3000toys.com it began as a sideline business founded to solve a problem. Founder T.A. Peterman was a logging tycoon in the Pacific Northwest during the 1930s, and he wanted to develop heavy-duty log-haulers to streamline his lumber opera- tions. He purchased the assets of Fageol Motors, which had gone into receivership during the Great Depres- sion, and used them as the basis to start manufacturing dedicated heavy haulers in 1939. The division took off, and eventually was successful enough that Kenworth’s par- ent company Pacific Car and Foundry Co. (now PACCAR) bought Peterbilt. Meanwhile, MAC Trailers is a much newer company, but in its comparatively short lifetime it has embraced advanced materials and technology to become one of the leading manufacturers of dump, flatbed, and transfer trailers in the U.S. Die-Cast Promotions makes 18-wheelers in four levels of detail in this series; this Peterbilt/MAC combo repre- sents the second most detailed tier. The tractor features a detailed interior and a flip-up cowl, revealing surprising detail on the engine. Peterbilt offered numerous power- train options during the 379’s 20-year production run; this model looks to have the Cummins N-14 Series 14.0L Inline-6 turbodiesel, the top spec of which was good for 525hp and 1.850 lb.-ft of mountain-moving torque! This is the day-cab configuration 379 so no sleeper cabin is mounted. The 5th wheel links up to the MAC Half Round End Dump trailer with a stainless steel finish. It has a fabric winter 2015 65
REAR VIEW 28TH ANNUAL CCOOLNLVEECNTTOIROSN Hot Wheels Heaven in the City of Angels BY MIKE ZARNOCK On October 1-5, 2014, the Weston Hotel Los Angeles Airport PHOTOS BYJON ROBLES was inundated with more than a thousand Hot Wheels Collectors from all around the world. For five days, the hotel was transformed into the home of the 28th Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention. From the “Welcome Hot Wheels Collectors” banner, Brendon Vetuskey, Phil Riehlman, to the arched orange Hot Wheels track at registration, Bryan Benedict, Mike McClone, no matter where you looked there were people in Hot Jerry ienprasiddhi, Steve “VAN” Wheels shirts and hats, carrying bags and boxes filled Vandervate, Leeway Chang, Jeremy with Hot Wheels products. To make things even more Cox, Jun Imai, Ryu Asada, Abe Lugo, interesting, there were more than six floors of rooms Manson Cheung, Miguel Lopez and Mark overflowing with Hot Wheels toy cars, accessories and Jones. Brendon Vetuskey was also the anything else that one could possibly think of that has guest of honor for the event dinner that world-famous little Hot Wheels flame logo on it. celebrating his tenure at Mattel. ere were even people sporting Hot Wheels tattoos! ere were so many things Some of the events included autograph sessions with the to do that you could stay busy designers, Sizzlers Races, Downhill Races, Poker, Vending just about 24 hours a day. Machine Pulls, Bingo and the Make-A-Wish Greater Los At the Vending Machine Angeles Charity Auction. ere was even a “Time with a you had a chance to Designer” seminar with Larry Wood! get some very cool pieces to add to your Getting to meet and talk with your favorite designers is collection, and there always one of the highlights of the event, and what could were some larger be better than to get an autographed drawing of one of prizes hidden on the their Hot Wheels designs? All the names that you see on backs of other cars, like the cars in your collection were there and attendees got track sets and multi-car to meet industry greats such as Larry Wood, Bob Rosas, sets. Of course, if you were a big winner, you also got a good dosing of Silly String! Top: Staff member Carl As with any good Hot Wheels event, there was plenty Pomponio with a collector at the of Room-to-Room Trading. Roaming the halls among Hot Wheels Vending Machine the guests were also designers, writers, VPs, even the Above center: Larry Wood at his occasional famous actor or musician — you never knew “Time with a Designer” Seminar. who might wander in to a room! No matter who they are Above: Turbinator by Larry in the outside world, they’re all Hot Wheels Collectors and Wood. is is the drawing that they’re all there for the same reason you are: to add more Larry Wood was signing and Hot Wheels to their collection. If you’ve ever considered giving away for his autograph attending a Hot Wheels Convention, make sure you do — sessions. it’ll be something you will never forget! Left: Sizzlers Racing was just one of several interactive at- We had a great time at the 28th Annual Hot Wheels tractions at this year's event. Collectors Convention and we are already making plans to attend the 29th next September 30 through October 4, 2015 at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Hope to see you there! 66 DCXmag.com
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