1:50 Scale Model Caterpillar 7495HF Rope Shovel

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Caterpillar 7495HF (High Floatation) rope shovel from TWH Collectibles. This is a redecorated version of the original Bucyrus version of the model produced several years ago, now presented in the Caterpillar colours which I have to admit look better than the original white.

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.

Floodlight housings are strategically placed around the body and can be adjusted while amber beacons and a loud speaker are also visible with safety and warning labels located near the various openings.

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