Two versions of the model have been produced,
the hard rock version with narrow tracks and a large bucket and the high
floatation version reviewed here with wide tracks and smaller
fast fill bucket, ideally suited to the oil sands region. Both versions
are limited to only 400 pieces.
The main cabin has two opening doors with twin air conditioning
assemblies located behind the cab, complete with etched panels and
warning labels.
The cab interior has been accurately modelled with the main operator’s
seat and controls clearly visible while the large computer console is
alive with an excellent graphical display.
Rear view mirrors, windscreen wipers and walkway lighting is all reproduced on the model.
Towards the rear of the cabin, cabinets and counter space is modelled
complete with microwave and drink making facilities showing TWH’s
excellent
attention to detail.
The upper deck is dominated with the A-frame and air filtration units with a raised upper deck area surrounded with black painted safety railings. Small platforms have been added to the A-frame with more fine safety railings and access ladders.
The lower level has plenty of detail with mesh walkways, hand rails, lights, floodlights and access ladder to the bucket door release winch platform. The other side of the model features more walkways and access to the main winch drums.
The rear winch operates the lifting mechanism and the supplied winding key is inserted into the round hole in the body side. The drum is sprung loaded and requires pressure to release the braking mechanism before the drum can be turned. The front drum is accessed through the open window and operates the movement of the dipper. This is achieved using friction so there is no braking mechanism on this drum.
The handrails go round the entire model and are a striking contrast to
the yellow body. The gangway on the boom goes all the way to the top and
each step has a mesh panel. Two thirds up the boom is another small
platform and the gangway then continues up the centre of the boom to the
large wheels at the tip.
The underside of the main body has even more detail with electrical
cables, slewing motor casing and radiator grill all present with a
sliding safety ladder.
The opposite side of the model also features electrical cables and
slewing motor, complete with warning markings underneath the main
walkways.
The working fold down access gangway uses a hydraulic cylinder which is stiff enough to keep the ladder in the raised position.
The HF or high floatation designation is ideal in areas where underfoot
conditions are demanding, like the Canadian oil sands and the replica
has an enormous set of all-metal track pads which rotate remarkably
smoothly considering the weight of the model. The track frames have
individual base rollers fitted and have good surface detailing including
bolt heads and lifting eyes with large drive casings with various hoses
and cables along with the main electricity cable feed. Nothing
has been omitted from the model and the level of detail is truly
amazing.
The dipper is fully functional by operating the two winches while the
bucket has a working door releas mechanism which can be operated from
the small winch fitted to the boom side. The bucket itself has a good
level of detail including fully reproduced teeth with wear protection.
When the announcement was made that Caterpillar had aquired Bucyrus, it
was no surprise for the model to be produced in the Caterpillar dress
although the castings are the same as the original version where in real
life, all machines produced in the new Caterpillar colours feature
updated cab designs amongst other changes, so this model is not a true
reflection of the full sized machine. Having said that, one interesting
observation on the packaging is that the model
is described as "with rope crowd" which could indicate a hydra crowd
version of the model will come in the future. Let's hope this includes
the other changes to the cabin and body.
Source: MINIATURE CONSTRUCTION WORLD
