1:50th Scale Caterpillar AP600D Wheeled Asphalt Paver
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Caterpillar AP600D wheeled asphalt paver from Norscot, one of four new paver models representing both wheeled and tracked equipment. Two versions of the AP600D have been produced, with the version here having an open top with a Vers-a-mat AS2252C rear screed and twin control consoles.
The operator's station houses two drivers seats with contoured shaping and ridged support columns with a control console at each station housing switches, dials and the steering wheel. The deck has a textured surface with safety rails added to both ends and access steps leading down to the screed assembly. The main body casting for all four versions of the model are identical with the sloping engine cover and large exhaust stack rising from the engine bay.
The detail is good throughout the model with the front hopper featuring folding hopper sides with black painted front edges simulating the rubber flaps found on the full sized paver. The bottom of the hopper has cast conveyor chain detail leading through to the rear auger and there is a fixed cast bumper bar along the front.
The front wheels have been very nicely modelled with linked steering of each axle. While the movement is very limited due to the method of construction, this is an unexpected addition to the model and demonstrates the increasing level of detailing now found on Norscot models. The plastic wheels have black rubber tyre rings fitted which look very good indeed with cast fixing bolts on the hubs.
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The rear screed fitted to the model is the AS2252C which is a totally different design to the screen fitted to the canopy version of the AP600D. The end sections extend out from the body with fold down operator foot plates that have an anti-slip textured surface mounted to the main frame of the screed. |
There are also two rear mounted hinged foot plates that fold down to give a solid platform for the operator. This functionality is a nice addition on the model and gives it a vastly different look from the other version of the model. The frame of the screed has some crisp structural detailing with small access steps leading up to the raised platform.
The whole screed unit is connected to four hydraulics which allow it to be raised/lowered. A nice touch on the model is that the tips of the arms can also be adjusted a little causing slight adjustment of the angle of the screed, just as on the full sized unit. The metal auger assembly has been accurately modelled with realsitic looking blades which sits in front of the screen. The paint finish is very good with accurate placement of the Caterpillar markings and, for their first Cat paver, the results are very good.
