CCM Manitowoc 555

Tonight for your viewing pleasure I have taken a CCM Manitowoc 555 and converted it to my favorite livery, Mammoet. With my original 555 I had added one boom extension. During the planning stage of this project I had picked up another one to add, which according to conventional wisdom was the maximum this model could handle with out tipping over. And then in the middle of the project, what did I see listed in the forum classifieds-555 boom sections-for free!! A quick email and several days latter here comes two more. I knew it was going to be dicey, but I was going to add them.

Now they came with no pennants, however that was an easy fix with some flat brass stock and some micro fastener nut and bolt sets. To prevent tipping I went to the store and bought a couple of those round plastic containers full of lead sinkers in the fishing department. A couple of minutes with some tin foil to make some forms, a propane torch and I had made some extra ballast for the hollow counter weights, hopefully enough to allow me the total of four extra boom sections I was adding.

Here is what an exploded 555 look like.

The trick is things black need to be red and things red need to be black. (boom tips black too!)

Here we are putting the crawler assembly back together. Surprisingly, the tracks cam apart and went together very easily-the pins slide right in/out.

The lead weights I made to add to the crawler simulated ones.

The assembled crane body

The lead weights for the rear counter weights-hopefully this would be enough.

Finally the assembled crane and crawler-ready to go to the decal shop.

And here we are having moving into the “yard” where the fleet brings the pieces for assembly

After the trip to the decal shop the crane looks fantastic!

And what’s this?? Could this be my seat to have?? Where is my miniaturization ray gun?

Here she is, all set up complete with a total of 6 boom sections and the fly jib-nice and tall!

I know some people find the rigging to be intimidating, but I find it one of the most rewarding portions of the project. It is really cool turning the drums and watching the crane lift up.

A couple of the profiles

Hey, up your mast!!

I love this fly jib!

And the 555 joins his brethren, the 5500 and the LR1280. How can you not love crawler cranes??

So long and thanks for looking! One down, about two dozen more projects to go!

UPDATE: After psoting on the DHS Forum I was motiviated by a few coments to correct the fly jibs angle to a more realistic angle, rather than the straight up as pictures above. Here are the updated pictures:

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