Komatsu D155AX-7 Bulldozer
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Komatsu D155AX-7 bulldozer from Universal Hobbies. One of the most noticeable aspects of the D155AX-7 is the new Sigmadozer blade design, which increases productivity in dozing applications. The rear of the machine is equally interesting with the new ripper linkage design that offers excellent visability of the outer ripper shank. All these details have been authentically replicated on the highly detailed replica from Universal Hobbies.
As typical from Universal Hobbies, the general appearance of the model offers a very relistic look with tiny details found throughout with metal used for the main areas of the model and plastic used to add extra detailing. With this said, the model does have a reasonably heavy feel.
The SIGMADOZER blade design looks very interesting, with plenty of detailing on the cutting edges and crisp casting of the upper guards. The blade can be raised/lowered and the hydraulics are fairly stiff, so the blade will hold in any position chosen. One dissapointing aspect of the model is that the blade tilt hydraulics are non-functional so the blade cannot be tilted.
The rear ripper frame accurately replicates the new design with working hydraulics allowing the ripper to raise/lower and also change the angle of attack of the three ripper shanks. While this is functional, the range of movement has not been fully captured and the ripper shanks do not lower much below the level of the tracks.
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Unlike the blade hydraulics, the hydraulics on the ripper are fairly slack and move very easily. One nice addition are the flexible hoses which have silver highlighted valves and connectors that really add to the realistic appearance. The tips of the ripper shanks have good tooth and wear detailing. One slight dissapointment is the use of small screws to connect the hydraulics, while rivets have been used for the ripper frame. At least the heads have been painted so they don't stand out too much. |
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The underside of the model is fairly plain, with printed details of the model designation, manufacturer and scale. The inner surfaces of the track frames do have the fully replicated bogie and roller detailing. This has been accuratly replicated on the outer surfaces of the track frames, one of the reasons why they are made of plastic to get the crisp contours and highlight the tiny details.
The linked tracks are kept taut by the sprung idler wheel and the individually linked tracks rotate rather well. The lower rollers are simulated while the two upper rollers will rotate and the drive sprocket has excellent tooth and bolt head detailing.
The body casting is made from metal and gives the model a heavier feel than other Universal Hobbies models. The colour match between the plastic and metal parts is also very good. The engine panels have a fine printed grill pattern with tiny silver highlighting of the latch locks. Scaled grab rails have been fitted to the upper edge of the engine bay and integrated into the blade lift hydraulics.
The exterior of the cabin is adorned with small light housings which have silver printed lenses which have an intricate pattern making them look like actual plastic lenses. Windscrren wipers have been added to the door windows, rear and small front screen with all the rubber window seals printed onto the clear glazing.
The rear frame of the cab has a radio aerial and the receiver for the Komtrax system along with rear facing light housings and a rear view camera mounted centrally above the rear window. The interior has been painted in a grey colour with highlighted hand controls, topped with a contoured seat complete with tiny printing of the Komatsu name.
The paint finish on the model is hit and miss, with some parts of the model painted very well with an even coat allowing all the casting details to show through. Other areas on the model are painted badly, including the hydraulics which have a very thin and uneven paint finish which is rather dissapointing. The various graphics and machine designations are printed well and these help to enhance the model's appearance. The model is pictured below alongside the D61EX model from Universal Hobbies and is a good addition to the Komatsu model range.
