Hitachi ZX225USRK-3 Tracked Excavator
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Hitachi ZX225USRK-3 tracked excavator from Replicars. The tracks are individually linked and rotate fairly easily with bottom roller detailing cast into the lower edge of the track frames with a detailed final drive housing.
The cab interior has been captured well with operator hand and foot controls, side console and blue decorated driver's seat. The optional front safety screen is a nice touch and uses friction to stay in place. The fine metal photo-etched mesh screens covering the lower window and roof panel are pre-fitted and cannot be removed.
The opening rear engine compartment reveals a fully populated engine bay with decorated engine block, piping and highlighted components with an anti-slip floor grill and rear view camera housing for added realism. The casting incorporates the body panels and fixing bolt detailing well with safety labels printed on the rear counterweight.
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The digging equipment has a realistic range of movement with hydraulic hosing added to the main lift hydraulics and fixed piping cast into the back of the boom. |
The metal safety railing has a self-fit rear view mirror with perforated access steps leading to the upper works. |
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One nice touch from Replicars are the bolts used to connect the bucket, allowing the collector to change the bucket for alternative attachments, a set of which have been produced and available separately which consist of a crusher, shear and hammer.
The paint finish is evenly applied and allows the surface casting details to show through with crisply applied printing of the Hitachi name and machine designation on the body sides and safety labels on the dipper. The rivets used to assemble the model are a little large and the model would have looked better if these were painted over but overall, the ZX225USRK-3 is another worthy addition to the growing Hitachi collection.
