Casagrande B300XP Drill Rig
The Casagrande Group celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2013 and towards the end of the year, launched a new range of 1:50th scale die-cast models of their popular equipment, all produced by Italian model manufacturer Ros.
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The Casagrande B300XP chassis can be configured for different drilling and foundation tasks including continuous flight auger drilling, displacement piling, CSM Cutter soil mixing, micropiling jet-grouting and trenching with the KRC diaphragm wall grab. The carrier is powered by a Caterpillar C15 ACERT TA diesel engine conforming to Stage IIIB / Tier 4i emission standards. The 1:50th scale replica, configured as a typical foundation drill rig with H30 rotary head, Kelly bar and bucket auger is used for drilling large diameter holes for re-enforced concrete foundations.
The undercarriage features extending track frames that are fitted with individually linked track pads and have good surface casting details with silver painted platforms providing access to the cabin.
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The cabin features a sliding door which opens to show the nicely replicated and decorated interior with all the controls highlighted. The front windscreen is protected by a debris guard which looks good, complete with a front service platform and safety grab rail integrated into the cab frame while the roof window is also protected with a photo-etched guard.
The model has been engineered with some interesting touches, like the fully functional auger bucket which has been accurately modelled, so that the teeth plate rotates to open the bucket as drilling commences. Once full, reversing the direction of the Kelly bar would close the bucket before lifting it clear of the hole. To discharge the material, the entire bottom of the bucket is hinged and can be opened.
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The drill mast is mounted to the upper carriage with stiff hydraulic cylinders allowing it to remain in position. Unfortunately, the single piece construction of the mast prevents a truly authentic transport configuration although the surface detailing of the mast highlights the hinges which would allow the mast to fold to reduce the length. |
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A service hook and line is attached to the model but this is static with the rope glued in place at the top of the mast. This is the only dissapointing on the model as a functioning service line would have been much better, especially as there is a spare winch wound with rope that has no function.
Another nice touch is the side body panel which can be removed to access the two fitted winches and winding key, allowing adjustment of the model by lowering the Kelly bar. Another winch is located on the mast which controls the height of the drill motor trolley.
The hydraulic drill motor and sliding trolley have been modelled to include good surface detailing with the addition of a small platform with safety railings and a hydraulic hose bundle covered in a flexible plastic tube.
Tiny printed safety labels have been authentically positioned throughout the model and the paint finish is of a high standard. The model is also available in a white & turquoise colour scheme with further releases marked as B360XP in both white/turquoise & yellow/blue and an exclusive B250XP which is only available from the Casagrande online shop
