2011 Roundup

Throughout 2011, there have been some interesting developments in the model scene. With the economic climate taking its toll, the number of new model releases reduced dramatically with a number of the large OEM's drawing in the purse strings.

While there were various rumours of new models for 2011, the toy fair was dissapointing with regards to new models with NZG only showing the Hamm GRW and LTM11200-9.1 luffing jib models as brand new releases. It is clear to say that 2011 was the year of the repaints with a raft of company painted models released steadily throughout the year. The highlight from Conrad was the prototype of the Terex AC1000 although due to technical issues with the full sized crane, the model release is still on hold. The Palfinger PK53002-SH and PK100002-SH from Conrad were certainly the highlights for the heavy haulage fan and it is no surprise that several different truck configurations have been produced sporting these knuckle boom cranes. It will be interesting to compare these with the WSI Palfinger models which are due to make an appearance at the 2012 toy fair.

Sandvik MT720 roadheader from Conrad. One of the highlights of 2011.

WSI continue to push the boundaries with their range of construction and crane models. The Hitachi ZX870 is one of the most detailed models to be produced for a reasonable price point and the Hamm tandem drum roller models show what is possible in miniature form. The range of truck models from WSI continue unabated with the Scheuerle modular InterCombi trailer now appearing in various configurations and company decorations.

Van der Meijden model. Just one of the highlights from WSI

CCM announced several new models for release during 2012 and yet we are still waiting for the D9H models to arrive which were expected over a year ago. The latest estimates are that the DD9H will finally arive for February although there is still no news on when the D9H and SxS D9H will be available. The iminent release of the Caterpillar 385C and 390D excavator models from CCM will be a welcome start to 2012 and the 992C's are also looking the part.

Cat 769B and 660 coal hauler, two hits from CCM in 2011.

First Gear had a steady year with several new model releases, notably the Komatsu D475A bulldozer which follows on nicely from the previously released D375. Once again, it will be interesting to see what new offerings First Gear have for 2012 and one rumour suggests a new Roadtec model is in development.

As the year drew to a close, it was noticable that some model companies are struggling, most surprising of which is Norscot who currently have a shipping freeze in place with model production halted for the last 6 weeks. No information has been released regarding the situation however, I was told there were a number of new models for 2011 (including the long awaited 740B ADT with Ejector body), none of which have materialised so it will be interesting to see what Norscot have to offer at the toy fair in February (Presuming they have a stand there). With the aquisition of Bucyrus, the Caterpillar line up now offers an entire range of mining machines and it will be interesting to see what happens regarding scale models of the mining fleet. With TWH and Bymo both demonstrating they can produce some stunning models, maybe we will see new manufacturers of Caterpillar models going forward.

1:50th scale P&H 4100 XPC rope shovel from TWH Collectibles, another highlight of 2011.

The biggest surprise of 2011 was the lack of new Liebherr models. There have been plenty of rumours over the last 18 months to suggest a number of new releases and yet nothing has so far materialised. One reason for this could be the current developments of the real machines with cosmetic changes apparent across a number of ranges. I do predict that we will see the introduction of several new Liebherr models during 2012 from WSI, NZG and Conrad giving us something to look forward to.

Limited edition Liebherr T282B mining truck from Conrad

Construction model releases from Motorart, Universal Hobbies, Ros and Joal have been very dissapointing during 2011 although the recent announcement of the Sennebogen 690HD crawler from Ros is welcome news. I predict a new range of Volvo models during 2012 from Motorart with updates likely to the entire range.

1:50th scale JCB skid steer from Motorart. Possibly one of the flops of 2011 with the inaccurate boom movement and poor quality assembly.

The kyowa Miniature Factory introduced their first 1:50th scale model during 2011 in the form of the Komatsu PC450LC-8 tracked excavator. With 3 years of development, the model is of a very high standard with great attention to detail. It certainly wipes the floor with the Universal Hobbies version and is spec'd on the Japanese version of the machine. (A full review of the model will follow soon)

Kyowa Miniature Factory Komatsu PC450LC-8 tracked excavator.

In summary, there were a handful of great model releases in 2011 but 2012 looks like being another challenging year for model manufacturers. My top 5 models of 2011 are

1st - Sandvik MT720 Roadheader
2nd - Liebherr R996 Backhoe (Limited Edition yellow version)
3rd - Keestrack Frontier tracked screener
4th - Hamm HD+110 tandem drum roller
 5th - P&H 4100 XPC Rope Shovel

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