Hitachi ZX470LC-5 Tracked Excavator

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Hitachi ZX470LC-5 tracked excavator from TMC Scalemodels. Following hot on the heels of their previously released ZX250-5, the new 470-5 has even more attention to detail and realism with nothing missed.

The cabin interior has been authentically modelled and painted in a two-tone grey with the Hitachi name printed on the seat back and a side console housing the monitoring display screen. The joystick controls are mounted to the integrated armrests, complete with safety hydraulic shut-off lever while the flooring has a ridged surface texture with foot controls and steering levers.

A service platform is fixed along the side of the upper carriage with a photo-etched walkway for added realism while access steps behind the cabin lead to the upper engine area.

All the safety railings and grab rails are produced in metal and accurately scaled while fine metal handles are attached to the engine covers and inside the opening cabin door.

The body casting highlights all the ridges of the door panels and covers with two opening upper covers revealing the internal engine compartment which houses the replicated diesel engine. The side grill panel slots allow a glimpse of the internal radiator panel with black highlighted anti-slip panels located on the upper engine bay surfaces.

The rear counterweight is not detachable but does have lifting eyes cast into the upper surface with recesses on the rear surface and printed safety labels on the corners, complete with a rear view camera housing. The panel handle detailing is particularly realistic with contoured inner flaps and silver highlighted locks.

The hydraulic hoses and piping throughout the model are really well executed with all fixed piping raised from the boom with armoured flexible hoses fitted to the stick and bucket cylinders.  

Unlike the ZX250-5, the bucket on the 470-5 has been riveted in place, so it is not easy to replace the work tool.

The bucket itself has good side cutting and tooth detailing and all pins have been painted orange, as have the ends of the pistons.

The stick has auxiliary hydraulic lines on both sides hinting at a possible future model with powered attachment.

The undercarriage frame has the lower roller detailing cast into the track frames with two access ladders fixed to each side, complete with ridged anti-slip top surfaces. The idler wheels are tensioned keeping the individually linked tracks taut while the three upper rollers are free-rolling. The drive wheels have bolt fixing details highlighted on the final drive housings with the tracks also showing bolt head detailing on each dual grouser pad.

The paint finish is excellent throughout with an even finish showing off all the intricate casting details while the various safety markings and Hitachi name is accurately applied. TMC Scalemodels have raised the bar on what is possible in 1:50th scale with this true museum class replica and with a retail price of 99 Euro, It is exceptional value for money. The model is available from the Hitachi Merchandising Webshop.