Challenger MT775E Tractor
Presented here is the 1:32nd scale Challenger MT775E tractor from USK Scalemodels, a brand name from Mahler & Partners GmbH. The model is a very nicely detailed addition to the 7 series range joining the previously released MT765C and MT765D versions.
The cabin interior has been accurately modelled with the main driver's seat and auxiliary seating added. The floor panel has a ridged surface with foot controls added for total realism with a hinged door which can be opened to give a better view of the interior. The central console houses the main controls and steering wheel while the side mounted control panel is also present with replicated switched, levers and computer console.
The roof houses a TopCon satelite guidance system with two amber beacon while floodlights are integrated into the rear roof housing. The contours of the body panels have integrated brake, indicator and reversing lights which are tinted to look more realistic, while additional light housings extend out on both sides of the chassis.
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Access to the cab is via a set of folding steps leading up to a walkway. Plastic safety railings have been added which are authentically scaled but are a little flexible so easily bend out of shape. The chassis has a single piece weight fitted to the front, complete with groove detailing to simulate the many individual segments found on the full sized machine. |
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As with the other MT series Challenger tractors, the entire engine cover pivots up to reveal the modelled engine compartment, complete with engine block and radiator housing which has a fine textured surface. Even the blue filler cap has been highlighted, as have the engine cover straps.
One small difference here is that the hinge has been constructed in such a way as to allow the bonnet to remain open which is an improvement on the earlier versions. The body panel is also engraved with side grill detailing which is highlighted with black printing and looks particularly sharp.
The undercarriage features large rubber tracks with a raised tread pattern moulded into the surface. The main wheels turn so the track can rotate but the lower set of rollers are fixed and do not rotate. There is some crisp detailing cast into the track frames including additional ballast pieces with silver highlighting used to pick out the bolts on the main drive wheel.
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Following from the earlier versions, the model has a nicely constructed rear linkage which has done a good job of captured all the mechanisms and detailing of the full sized machine although the silver headed rivets would have looked better touched up with paint. |
A pair of hydraulic cylinders allow the 3-point linkage to raise/lower and there is also a plastic towing mounding mounted low down. This is actually less realistic than the previous version to make it more functional, allowing a wide number of different brand accessories to be connected. |
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The paint finish is even throughout and shows off the casting details very well. The graphics are tampo printed with the machine designation located on the upper sides of the cabin.
This is a great addition to the Challenger 7-series tractor line-up with even more refined detailing and engineering over the previous MT765D. The model is also available as a set of three tractors in a special limited edition package where it joins the MT875E and MT975E.
