1:50th Scale Komatsu PC2000-8 Backhoe Excavator
Presented here is the limited edition 1:50th scale Komatsu PC2000-8 backhoe excavator model from NZG which has been decorated in the Doug Hood Mining company colours. Doug Hood Mining is one of the largest and most successful mining and civil engineering contractors in New Zealand with a proven track history leading back to 1953. The company have had an involvement in most of the significant mining projects across New Zealand with an impressive collection of equipment including large mining excavators, loaders, dozers and haulers.
The model features an updated access ladder system on the side of the upperstructure which is hydraulically controlled and folds down. The rest of the model shares the same tooling as the original release. The rear engine compartment has textured cooling and access panels with accurately scaled metal safety railings present all round the upper structure with rear facing work lights and safety mirror system allowing the driver to clearly see all around the machine, complete with the Doug Hood Mining logo printed across the counterweight.
The shape of the upper structure is interesting, with the rear section extending out on the opposite side to the cab. There is a walkway all around the upper deck with access steps at the front of the model which line up with the steps fitted to the undercarriage frame.
The cab interior has been fully reproduced with both operator and observer seating, joystick controls and monitor screen all visible through the glazed windows. Rear view mirrors have been added to the cab frame with an access platform at the side and front of the cab, complete with textured anti slip surface. A warning beacon is fitted to the rear of the cab roof along with a second beacon fitted to the top of the engine cooling compartment.
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The bucket linkage has been very nicely engineered and a nice addition is the painting of the hydraulic piston ends which really add to the realistic look of the model. This is also the case with the boom and stick cylinders. The bucket has a very aggressive look with authentic modelling of the teeth and wear edging both on the cutting surface and on the back surface of the bucket. |
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Hydraulic piping has been cast into the back surface of the boom with flexible plastic piping fitted between the boom and the detailed valve block. Piping has also been added to the back of the hydraulic cylinders with flexible pipe work between boom and stick.
The undercarriage features some very detailed track pads which are all metal and individually linked. The track frames have side access steps with three upper rollers keeping the tracks nice and tight. The paint finish is excellent with crisp printing of the komatsu logo, machine designation and Doug Hood graphics.
