See also Jacob Sparre Andersen’s review

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4552

Cargo Crane (us) Kran- og servicevogn (da) Servicewaggon (de)

Trains / 9v

Ages 7-12 15 page manual: 1 models, 8+10+9+48+5+16 steps. ©1995
Price Range: $55 CAD at S@H Canada ($38.50 USD MSRP)

Review Written: 21 July 1998 by Calum Tsang

Special Features / Compatibility

Extra Elements

Decals: Yes Scale: Mini-Figure scale. 9v Train scale. Errors: None

Ratings:

Set: Must-Have

Models: Excellent

Playability: Excellent

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Conclusion
I would buy the set again, but I wouldn’t give it as a gift for anyone without a LEGO Train layout.

Description

The 4552 has a midsized flatbed, a bit shorter than its predecessors, as well as a second flatbed car for holding cargo. The set includes a green temporary shelter/supply shed/office container, as well as a small track speeder that uses the smaller highrail wheels. On the main flatbed is the crane mechanism with its operator’s cab, decorated in black and yellow with the main arm in red. The crane angle is kept by a set of arms positioned against a rack, and the cargo is raised and lowered with a small winch mechanism in the back. A skid of supports for the crane sits on the far end of the car. These cones can be removed and placed into the stabilizing struts on either side of the crane keeping it level when a load is applied.

Two minifigures are included with the set, both are Train Company workers with their requisite hard hats. One major displeasure: Both have odd faces, one with a moustache, the other with sunglasses. A little welding apparatus on wheels is included, and is really really cute, using a black visor and helmet.

Impression

I first saw the 4552 in a Myer store in Melbourne, but didn't buy it immediately. I went back the next day and it was gone. When I got back to Toronto, I ordered one around Christmas-time and it came shortly after winter exams. Putting the 4552 together was a lot of fun, and the set was a fun build that took about an hour or so.

The 781x series of cranes for 4.5V/12V never came to Canada, before the time of Shop At Home. The LEGO Group’s mail order service was actually mail order, you filled out a form cut from the back of the brochure, and was nowhere near the global span of LEGO Canada's Shop At Home service today. As a result, I’ve always wanted a rail crane, even if I knew I could probably build one myself. Actually, anyone can build a reasonable rail crane without buying this set, there’s nothing special (ie, a 4 speed gearbox piece, CV joints or a boat hull) that would keep you from doing so.

I think most collectors will buy this set for the parts, such as the doors, windows and the like, which aren’t found in anything but Model Team and Train sets. I actually bought it for the model, as I wanted something like this in my Train layout. Of course, I only have one other piece of cargo rolling stock (a 4537 Twin Tank Transport), but I’m sure my collection will grow.

My 4552 is pulled by my 7760 9V clone (made in red from 7720 parts) and rolls around rather nicely. It has a nice collection of pieces – even outside the Train exclusives – like the large observation window for the crane cab, the winch pieces, the tools, and the detail pieces like grilles.

Ratings

Set Rating:Must-Have

Model Rating:Excellent

Playability Rating:Excellent

Likes/Dislikes