Komatsu HM250 Articulated Dump Truck
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Komatsu HM250 articulated hauler from Universal Hobbies. With a payload of 24 tonnes and a gross power rating of 311hp, the HM250 is a workhorse and a good choice for a highly detailed replica. Universal Hobbies have been adding more detail into their models recently and this is evident throughout with some very nice engineering and fine detailing.
The rear etched mesh panel looks great with an integrated shield to protect the exhaust and hoses from falling material. The large rear view mirrors integrated into the safety railings on each side of the model have a mirrored surface with smaller mirrors below painted silver.
The bodywork panels have been crisply cast with highlighted fixing bolts and door handles. the cast grill detailing has been highlighed with black paint and this has been applied well. Other printing details include the anti-slip safety panels on the upper works.
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The sloping bonnet is painted well with a crisp line seperating the yellow and grey colours while access steps have been integtated into the lower panelling and the Komatsu name is printed across the front cooling grill.
The front bumper has towing brackets fitted below with light housings, complete with tinted lenses added above the bumper. Additional details include the air cleaner, grab handles and filler cap highlighting for total realism. |
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Safety has been fully demonstrated on the model with the addition of bonnet mounted safety mirrors which are used to provide the driver with an all-round view. |
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The cab interior has been replicated with both driver and passenger seating, complete with tiny printed Komatsu logo across the seat back. The contoured dashboard is painted light grey with controls and steering wheel visible through the clear glazed windows. The cab frame has integrated grab rails with a radio antenna and work lights fitted into the roof panel.
The articulating chassis offers a very reasonable degree of steering movement with two hydraulic cylinders providing the resistance. Flexible hoses and a flexible exhaust cowling are fitted between the hitch with the frame housing the optional skip heating system. The hitch also offers about 30-40 degrees of rotational movement in the horizontal plane.
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The underside of the model reveals the modelled suspension arms which are non-functional. The front wheels replicate the trailing arm suspension system for reduced shock and excellent ride quality while the rear axles have a full drivetrain to the hitch coupling.
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The tyres fitted to the model have a fine profiled tread pattern moulded into the surfaces with very accurately replicated wheel hubs which show all the fine fixing details |
Flexible hoses are fitted to the lift cylinders which allow the dump body to tip authentically to a very steep angle. The underside of the body has four highlighted damping strips along with lifting brackets on the smooth sides and flexible rubber mud flaps.
The paint finish is of very high quality and certainly an improvement over previous releases. The printing is also of a very high standard with many small features accurately highlighted. The HM250 is a welcomed addition to the Komatsu model range.
