JCB 456WM "Wastemaster" Wheel Loader
Presented here is the JCB 456WM "Wastemaster" wheel loader from Motorart in 1:50th scale. The model is one of two new wheel loader models produced under licence for JCB by Motorart. So how does the model compare to the standard ZX version, The main visible difference is the extra long loader arms, parallel linkage and large capacity bucket with grapple.
The rear of the model has a detailed radiator cooling grill and rear facing light clusters have been added into the counterweight along with a replicated towing hook. Both side engine panels, complete with cooling grill detail, can be opened to reveal the detailed engine block, cooling system, and exhaust pipework within.
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The wheels are freely rotating with realistic rubber tyres complete with authentic tread pattern and bolt heads are visible on the wheel hubs with the legendary JCB logo visible on the centre of each hub. The access steps to the cab have an authentic anti slip surface while the top step on each side of the cab and rear wheel guards have metal plates with realistic chequerplate pattern embossed into them. This is a really nice touch on the model and increases the realism of the model |
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The operators cab has been faithfully reproduced with roof mounted work lights, windscreen wipers and rear view mirrors with reflective surfaces added to the exterior. A warning beacon has been added to the rear of the roof and metal grab rails are found on the access ladders and cab doors. A very nice feature on the WM version is the front screen protection grill which has been made from metal and looks perfectly scaled. This model, like the ZX version has all detail parts made from metal including the forward facing light clusters, mirror railings and grab rails.
The cab interior has plenty of detail including reproduced centre console with steering wheel and control levers. The two colour seat even has the JCB logo marked into the surface for completeness and shows the attention to detail that Motorart have gone to.
The loader arms are connected to a quick coupler which allows for the bucket to be removed. The large capacity bucket has a working grapple attachment which opens and closes, although there are no hydraulics so the stiffness is down to the tightness of the pins used to connect it to the top edge of the bucket. All pins have been painted to add to the realism and the addition of a quick hitch that will accept the work tools supplied with the ZX version is a great touch from Motorart. The only dissapointment on the model is that the bucket cannot be raised to it's full height. This is a pity as the extra long arms are used to load high sided trucks and yet the model cannot be posed in this way. Other than that, the model is another great addition to the growing 1:50th scale JCB fleet.
The paint finish of the model is supperb, as is now expected from Motorart. The markings are very crisp and help to make the model stand out. All the markings are accurately produced and finish off the model well.
JCB 456 Wastemaster shown below includes work tools supplied with the ZX version of the model.
