Allis Chalmers TS300 Cable Operated Motor Scraper

This is the Allis Chalmers TS300 motor scraper in 1:50th scale from First Gear. I am not a great fan of motor scrapers and when the model was announced, I was not keen to purchase one. Now the model is available, I am amazed with the detail and functionality on the model and have decided to add one to my collection. The model will look good amongst the 1:50th scale International models in my collection.

The scraper dates from the early 50's and is a cable operated machine. The way first gear have recreated the cable operation is fantastic with lowering/raising of the bowl done under tension. I have studied the model and still cannot work out how they have achieved this.

The front of the model has a curved front grill with cut out cooling slots, forward facing work lights and the Allis Chalmers logo with bonnet mounted exhaust stack and side mounted entry step and grab rail.

Hydraulic hoses are fitted from the front to the rear of the model to operate the ejection piston while the tensioned cables are visible all round the model. The bowl can be raised/lowered, the ejection mechanism is fully functional and the skirt can be raised/lowered under tension.

The rear of the model has a re-enforced frame with push block and rear mounted cable spools. The ejection piston is visible at the rear along with the hydraulic pipes. The wheels are freely rotating with authentic tread pattern on the rubber tyres.

The operator station is highly detailed with steering column and foot pedals all recreated along with a dashboard with authentic guage markings which is great on a 1:50th scale model. The front windshield has been added and side mounted operating levers are visible, just like the real machine. The seat is authentic and in todays standards, looks very uncomfortable.

The engine detail is terrific with all the components of the Buda six cylinder engine clearly visible, including the "Buda Super Diesel" name cast onto the exhaust manifold and the fan blades in front of the radiator. Flexible hydraulic pipework has been added to the functional steering cylinders and the wheels have authentic bolt detail and rubber tyres with tread pattern.

This is a supperb model and is a Toy Trucker & Contractor exclusive. The model was commisioned for the 2007 National Toy Truck'n Construction Show which is reflected on the box packaging. A history of the TS300 is printed on the box side which is another nice touch.

All we need now is for First Gear to produce the HD21 tracked dozer in 1:50th scale with push blade and they would make an ideal combination. Ten out of ten for First Gear on another fantastic model.