JCB JS220 Tracked Excavator
Finally, after years of waiting, the first 1:50th scale JCB models have hit the shelves. The models have been manufactured by Motorart under licence from JCB. The JS220 is a good choice for one of their first models and should prove popular with collectors in the UK.
So how does the model compare, well, the detail level is very high on the model. The undercarriage has undividually linked plastic tracks which do not look bad, although they are not as detailed as the recent Conrad Liebherr models.
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The body casting detail consists of engine grills, panel handles, fuel outlet and raised walkway grip pattern. The hand rails are well proportioned and while made of plastic, they look better than the handrails on most Norscot models. The engine compartment is accessible by opening the top engine cover, revealing the JCB engine and associated components. |
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The operators cab has been faithfully reproduced with lights, windscreen wipers and even an aerial mounted on the rear roof. Inside the cab, there are plenty of details including foot pedals, track movement levers and hydraulic cutoff lever. The seat even has the JCB logo printed on it which is a nice touch.
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The bucket is fitted to the stick via a quick hitch. The dissapointment here is that the quick hitch and bucket are one casting so you cannot remove the bucket. This is a shame as it detracts from an otherwise great model. The boom and stick are fully enclosed and are assembled with the use of grip pins. The boom casting has hydraulic hose details moulded into it but there are no flexible hydraulic hoses on the model. The cylinders themselves are not too stiff but there is enough resistance to be able to position the model as desired. |
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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.
Conclusion - The JS220 from Motorart is a great addition to any collection and is a good sign of future 1:50th scale JCB models to come. Collectors have been waiting a long time for 1:50th scale JCB models and I for one am not dissapointed in the results. I now look forward to receiving the 1:50th scale 3CX model in the next couple of weeks.