LZ Models 1/35 German Water Crane First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Over the last few decades, those of us who also love model railroading have been blessed with a variety of kits in 1/35 scale. It started slowly with DML's rolling stock, but then CMK released the BR.52 in 1/35 scale. Since that time, other companies started producing locomotives and rolling stock in 1/35 scale including the Leopold and Karl Morser railway guns, Trumpeter's BP-42 armored train series, and more.

Two of the subjects that have been produced are the BR.52 main line engine and the BR.86 tank locomotive. Both engines have been produced in resin (by CMK) and in plastic (by Trumpeter) and both are excellent projects for your 1/35 rail project. The one thing both engines have in common is fuel - both are steam locomotives and require something in the boiler burning to create heat and water in the boiler pipes to turn into steam and propel the locomotive.

LZ Models has produced this nice heavy duty water crane used to pump large quantities of water into the locomotives' water tank. The BR.52 pulled a tender behind it which stored large quantities of wood as well as a huge water tank. The BR.86 didn't use a tender as it had its water tank built around the engine (hence the name 'tank locomotive') and a smaller coal/wood supply behind the cab. If you're modeling these engines at rest, one very good reason for this is to pose the engine being refilled with a water crane.

This water crane kit is very nicely detaiiled and can be posed stowed alongside the rail line or in use. The cover image shows the water crane's appearance including the marker lamps which help engine crews to see if the crane is in their way across the tracks at night before they accidently hit and damage the unit.

My sincere thanks to LZ Models for this review sample!