1:50th Scale Komatsu HD605 Quarry Truck
This is the new 1:50th scale Komatsu HD605 quarry truck from Universal Hobbies. The HD605 has been produced before in 1:50th scale by Joal and this version is far superior to the original Joal release.
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As this is a Universal Hobbies model, there is undoubtedly going to be a large amount of plastic on the model and this is the case with the HD605. While I personally would like to see more metal, there is no question that these models look absolutely stunning. The front of the model has working steering with large wheel hubs holding the rubber tyres which have a realistic tread pattern. |
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The cab interior has been fully reproduced, including the driver and passenger seats and steering wheel. The upper deck looks the part with a host of added detailing from rigid metal piping to the fire suppressant equipment, realistically scaled handrails and numerous safety mirrors which would provide the driver with a fantastic view around the machine.
Simulated mud flaps have been added to the dump body along with the tyre protection bars which are fixed in place. The rear wheel hubs are intricately reproduced with all the bolt detailing visible which cetainly adds to the realism of the model. |
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The chassis is also very highly detailed with oil and fuel tanks present along with the two stage hydraulic tipping cylinders. The drive train is also fully replicated from the rear axle to the front mounted engine block which is visible behind the front wheels.
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Access to the cab is from the stairway which crosses the front cooling grill and has an authentic anti slip texture cast into the surfaces. Front facing work and indicator lights have been printed onto the front frame along with the authentic Komatsu designation markings on the cab sides and dump body sides.
The dump bed can be fully raised and the hydraulics are stiff enough to allow the bed to remain fully raised. The dump bed is made from metal with plastic detailing glued onto the side, front and underside surfaces. This is an interesting way of adding the detail to the model and yet it workes very well.
The main frame of the dump bed is equally detailed with small support plates which make contact with the truck chassis when the body is lowered and the rear of the model features a centrally mounted brake and indicator light cluster with printed lenses.
This is a very fine model release from Universal Hobbies with a host of detailing throughout giving the model an amazing level of realism. The only fault with the model is the use of so much plastic, especially as several parts have already fallen off in the process of taking the pictures for this review. These models can only be used for static display in a cabinet as they are very fragile and I would not recommend handling them that often.