Kenworth C500B
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Kenworth C500B heavy tow tractor from WSI Models. The model is finished in a red colour scheme and comes with rear ballast box and several accessories. The model was first released in Mammoet decoration as part of the coke drum move set and has also been produced in Ocean traders colours.
The model has excellent levels of detail throughout, like the photo-etched decking panels and chromed wheel arches which have a fine diamond plate textured surface. The large circular fuel tanks have chrome tie-straps with black highlighting for added realism while flexible rubber mud flaps have been added, complete with printed Kenworth logos.
The front bumper has an integrated towing linkage which can be deployed to connect the tractor unit to the rear of a heavy haulage trailer. Unfortunately, there are no towing bars included with the model although there are several pins.
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Both engine covers raise up to reveal the fully replicated and decorated engine compartment within with detachable side panels to allow better ventilation, while also showing more of the engine bay detailing.
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The castings include raised areas which have been highlighted to simulate the engine locking straps. The front radiator grill is a delicately etched piece with printed Kenworth logo prominently displayed. |
The air filter housings on both sides of the engine are nicely chromed with black piping leading into the engine compartment with diamond plate storage boxes and integrated steps leading up to the cabin. Protective grills have been placed over the main driving lights with small covers protecting the raised indicator lamps while chromed grab rails have been fitted to the sides of the engine bay.
The cabin interior has been captured well with the opening doors allowing a good look at the interior. the chrome decoration work is top notch with fine printing highlighting the panels on the sleeper compartment and around the cab doors while chromed rear view mirrors with integrated radio aerials look authentic.
The exhaust stacks on both sides of the truck have photo-etched protective cooling jackets with chromed handles fitted to the cab frame and roof mounted air horns and amber beacons.
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Fine details include the amber painted side lights and dangling chains which add to the realism (pictured right) with the chromed straps on the fuel tanks and access steps leading to the rear deck. |
The rear of the cabin has a large, non opening storage box with metal rails and rear facing floodlight housings (pictured left)
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The model has a fully functional fifth wheel coupling with sliding mechanism to allow it to be connected to any of the WSI trailers. |
The underside of the model is particularly well detailed, as expected of a WSI model. Both rear axles are fitted with drive shafts to the transmission and engine housings which have been modeled. The suspension has been replicated and has some movement while the front axle has functional steering which achieves a fairly good range of movement.
Several accessory parts are included with the model including spare tyres and a set of tie-down chains. These can be stored in the detachable ballast box which connects to the fifth wheel coupling and has tie-down brackets fitted to the end panels.
The paint finish on the model is excellent with an even coat allowing all the casting details to show through without hiding any of the fine detailing while the printing is excellent with all the bolt heads highlighted on the engine panels. The model is supplied in a two section polystyrene carton with outer printed box with Kenworth branding.
