JCB 3C Mk1 Backhoe Loader
Presented here is the 1:50th scale JCB 3C Mk1 from Corgi. When news broke that a 1:50th scale historic model was being produced by Corgi, I have to admit that I was very skeptical as to what the results would be. In the past, Corgi have been known for producing good looking models which lack some of the functionality and detail that is expected in a plant model and now the model has finally been released. The results are very encouraging.
The 3C Mk1 has a very familiar look to anyone who grew up in the UK during the 60's and 70's and I fondly remember these machines as a small child. Corgi have done a good job of capturing the aesthetic looks of the 3C and while the model has taken a while to be released, in my opinion, it has been worth the wait. The model is also supplied as a load with the W.H.Malcolm Nooteboom low loader and it is interesting that the model sold on its own and the model supplied as a load are a little different. One has a white facia above the front window while the other does not.
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The cab interior has been accurately modeled with all the operator's controls including levers, steering wheel and foot pedals all visible through the large glazed windows which have simulated rubber seal highlighting for extra realism. Even a small metal windscreen wiper has been added to the front window The sloping bonnet has grill detailing on the front surface with open sides revealing the plastic moulded engine block with silver painted exhaust stack. |
One welcomed feature on the model is the very good degree of steering lock on the front axle which has freely rotating wheels complete with authentic looking rubber tyres with the unusual ribbed tread pattern and yellow painted bolt head. The rear tyres also have an authentic moulded tread pattern and are mounted to red coloured, ribbed wheel hubs.
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The rear of the model features a sliding king post allowing the back acter boom to be positioned anywhere along the frame. The boom and stick have some good casting detail with a functional bucket linkage allowing a reasonable amount of movement. The boom does not lift very high and this is a pity as, when the model is posed for front end work, the rear bucket is almost touching the ground. the rear stabilisers are fixed and this is another area of the model where functional legs would have been a welcomed addition.
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The front loader arms have an amazing range of lift movement which is a nice feature, however, the bucket tilt movement is very limited and this is a big dissapointment considering there is no reason for limiting the movement so much. One of the memories of the 3C is seeing the machine digging trenches with the bucket fully tipped and the arms lowered to raise the machine higher in the air and this cannot be replicated on the model reviewed here however, the version of the model without the white facia does allow the bucket to be tilted further. |
This is a good release from Corgi and, while there are a couple of areas where a little extra functionality would have been nice, the result is better than I was first expecting and it would be good to see Corgi follow up with more historic JCB models in the future like the JCB 7 tracked excavator or the JCB 110B tracked loader.
The model is presented in a sturdy JCB printed cardboard box with contoured plastic inner which holds the model securely. Also supplied is a small fold out cardboard certificate giving details of the 3C Mk1 along with other models in the JCB range. The certificate also confirms the serial number of the model and the total number produced and distributed worldwide. To purchase the model, visit the Corgi website.
