Ford 5640 Powerstar SLE / SLE 4WD "Industrial" Tractor
Presented here are a pair of industrial spec Ford 5640 SLE tractors which have been produced by ROS under the Imber brand in 1:32nd scale, one in four wheel drive configuration and the other in two wheel drive configuration.
As agricultural models go, there are a number of model manufacturers competing to produce the latest tractors, so to introduce a new line of highly detailed replicas of iconic machines is no mean feat, and Imber models have done a fine job in realising the Ford 5640 tractors reviewed here.
The models are manufactured under licence in China by Ros, an Italian model company who themselves have a growing range of agricultural models. The Imber brand offer some interesting configuration options for the collector with a number of accessory parts supplied with each model to allow different versions to be realised.
The cab interior has been very nicely replicated with all the hand and foot controls present and correct. The central control column has a curved instrument panel with steering wheel and levers visible, and the driver's seat has integrated armrests and a two colour paint scheme.
One great feature of these models are the opening side doors and rear window and this has been implemented very well, with black printing used on the outer edges of the clear plastic doors with handle detailing and rear view mirror frames installed on the door panels. The rear window has a wiper blade fitted and remains in the open position nicely. A small window is located low down to give an unobstructed view of the rear linkage, all accurately modelled from the full sized tractor.
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Engine detailing is also high on the list of 'must have' features and here, the upper engine panel is hinged and can be raised to reveal the engine detailing within, with the various components and filters all highlighted.
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The open engine frame allows for all the intricate detailing to be seen and plastic side covers are supplied with the model and click into place (As pictured right) to offer an alternative look. |
The rear of the tractor is the business end, so to speak and excellent attention to detail ensures that all the realism of the full sized tractor is captured well, with the working linkage mechanism allowing the arms to move up and down under hydraulic power. The PTO drive is visible with it's protective shield and the cable hook-up panel has also been added.
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The front of the tractor offers a number of different configuration options, from a small and large weight block, which has the individual plate lines cast into the surface, to the hydraulic arms which can be connected to a ballast block or a red finished triangle. The tractor tyres have a robust tread pattern moulded into the outer surface which look very authentic and the range of steering movement of the front axle is reasonable, with plastic guards fitted over the wheels of the 4x4 version while the two wheel drive version has a pivoting front steering frame with a cleverly engineered steering bar which is convincing. |
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The underside of the model highlights the fuel tank, battery box and grill style access steps fitted to both sides of the chassis. Imber models have certainly launched a convincing replica of the Ford 5640 and the models reviewed here are finished in a yellow "Industrial" colour scheme, while several versions in the more common Ford blue are also available. All versions of the model are available to purchase from the Farm Models website.
