Bell B40D Articulated Dumptruck
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Bell B40D articulated hauler from Ertl. This version of the B40D is based on the Deere version of the model with a new design dump body. Norscot are no longer able to produce models for companies whose product lines clash with the offerings of Caterpillar so Bell have commissioned Ertl to produce the new version of the B40D.
The detail is good throughout which is expected as the model is from Ertl's "High Detail" series featuring opening compartments and extra detailing. The cab interior has been nicely replicated and is visible through the front and side windows. The rear window has a mesh screen and the cab frame has extending plastic arms holding the rear view mirrors whilst the safety railings on both sides of the model look good and access steps have been added to the wheel arches.
The opening engine compartment is a nice addition on the model, featuring a replicated Mercedes Benz engine block along with various other replicated engine components. The cab can be tilted to the side to reveal the moulded detailing underneath which is a nice addition to the model but the cab does not stay raised without help.
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The articulated chassis is functional with hydraulics used for the steering and oscillation of the front and rear frames matching the operation of the full sized machine. Flexible hydraulic piping has been added along with the silver exhaust pipe used to heat the dump bed.
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The rear wheels are mounted to suspension arms which oscillate allowing the model to be posed on uneven ground which is a nice addition on the model. The internal linkages are also visible along with the modelled safety bar for added realism. |
The tyres fitted on the model have a well defined and accurate tread pattern moulded into the surface with a slight bulge in the side walls and are mounted to plastic wheel hubs which have fixing bolt detailing added.
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The new design of dump body has a smooth inner surface painted in a red primer colour whilst the outer surfaces of the dump body have smooth panels to match the latest design on the full sized truck. The skip can be tipped to a realistic angle and the hydraulics are still enough to allow the body to remain raised. There are no mud guards fitted to the model which is a little surprising although they have modelled the fixing details on the corner edges which is a very nice touch and makes the model look a little different to the B40D released by Norscot.
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