Atlas Copco ROC L8 Drill
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Atlas Copco ROC L8 down-the-hole drill rig. Like with the Boomer E2 C model, it has been produced in China directly for Atlas Copco and no recognised model manufacturer has been involved. While this highlighted some issues on the Boomer, the Roc L8 is a lot better in terms of functionality and detail levels.
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The main body has some very good crisp grill and panel detailing incorporated into the castings, highlighted with a fine mesh grill pattern printed on the even paint coating. The rear of the model has a centrally mounted cylinder with accurately scaled silver plastic access steps fixed on one side, leading up to the top of the engine compartment. Attention to detail is good here and even a fire extinguisher bottle has been replicated. |
The undercarriage track frames are very basic with rubber band tracks fitted which do just about rotate. The frames are fixed in position with simulated hydraulics modelled rather than functional hydraulics of the full sized machine which reduces the posing possibilities a little.
Heavily cast access steps are fitted leading up to the cab which has a reasonably detailed interior with a roof mounted protection screen and front windscreen wiper while rear view mirrors have been added to both sides of the chassis.
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The drill boom has a very good range of movement although the hydraulic cylinders are made from a pliable plastic which does cause them to look a little bent in some configurations.
The added rod changer unit is a good addition and has a pivoting arm with a single piece of drill rod fitted. This is a nice touch on the model and while the rivets are a little large, they don't look too bad. A number of the smaller detailing parts are made of plastic which is not a bad thing, although some are rather spindly and when handling the model, there is a danger that these parts could easily break off. |
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There is just enough friction to allow the boom to hold the position chosen and the boom can be accurately positioned in the travelling position, lying horizontal above the engine bay. Both tilt and angular adjustment is possible and the drill mast has a hydraulic piston allowing it to extend along the boom. |
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The flexible hose fitted to the dust collector looks good and the mast footing has a ridged foot and circular disk from where the non-functional drill rod would protrude. The drill motor detailing is good although the drill itself is static.
This is a good addition to the growing range of Atlas Copco models and while not as refined as models from the likes of Conrad, NZG and WSI, the model is a good representation of the full sized machine it is based on. The paint finish is very good with crisp printing of the Atlas Copco graphics and small warning and safety labels all around the drill head.
