Atlas Copco Pit Viper PV-275 Blast Hole Drill
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Atlas Copco Pit Viper PV-275 blast hole drill rig from Norscot. The model has been produced by Norscot exclusively for Atlas Copco and is not readily available from the normal model distribution chain. That said, there are some model dealers who have the model in stock.
The model does have a fair bit of plastic including all the safety railings and access steps all round the main body of the model. The safety railings are reasonably scaled and look OK with the main walkways on the structure having a textured anti-slip surface. The drill mast folds into the travel position and can be fully raised into the drilling position through the two hydraulics with the balance point and stiffness of the hydraulics keeping the mast in the fully raised position.
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The tip of the mast has some nice detailing along with drill rods modelled in the rod holder located inside the mast. Flexible piping has been fitted to the side of the mast and the drill head slides smoothly along the mast frame.
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The undercarriage features individually linked track pads with grouser detailing. The tracks are fairly tight but do rotate and the track frames have some good cast detailing. |
The cab interior has been replicated and is visible through the large windows, complete with windscreen wiper whilst the main vertical frame where the mast pivots has additional pipe detailing which adds to the level of realism.
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There are four large stabilisers, two at the front and two at the rear and each one can be extended down by pulling them out. It is interesting that the stabiliser fitted at the front (Behind the cab) does not have the upper part modelled and this is an interesting omission. |
The large cooling pack with textured outer grill and circular shaped inside face is located at the rear of the chassis. The engine block has been modelled and is centrally mounted into the chassis along with the cooling radiator and associated pipework. The exhaust pipe has also been added and the detail level looks good. |
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The hydraulic wrench has been fully replicated and folds out and away from the drill rod or can be positioned (as pictured below) in the working position which is a nice touch on the model. The level of detail is very reasonable and the model is impressive in size with a good paint finish and accurate placement of the Atlas Copco markings. Although plastic is used a little more than is usually expected from Norscot, this does not really detract from a good model of an interesting machine.
