1:50th Scale Komatsu PC2000 Shovel
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Komatsu PC2000 shovel model from NZG. The model is based on the previously released backhoe version of the PC2000 with the same body, undercarriage and cab design with updated walkways and access ladder.
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.
The side walkway and access ladder have been updated on this model which is very different from the backhoe version of the PC2000. Replacing the slide down ladder is a folding version, complete with accurately scaled safety railings. Another difference is the emergency ladder fitted below the cab with emergency access panel detailing cast into the walkway along the side of the cab. The ladder steps have a textured surface for added realism.
The rear engine compartment has textured cooling and access panels with accurately scaled metal safety railings present all round the upper structure. The rear counterweight sports the Komatsu name with rear facing work lights and safety mirror system allowing the driver to clearly see all around the machine.
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 undercarriage features some very detailed track pads which are all metal and individually linked with tensioned idlers keeping the tracks taut. The track frames have side access steps with three upper rollers and eight ground rollers which actually rotate.
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 dipper. This again adds more detail to the model and gives it a much more impressive appearance when compared earlier releases like the PC3000 for instance.
|
|
The bottom dump shovel has some very rugged looking wear plate detailing on the bottom surface with intricately shaped spiked teeth and cutting blades which really look good.
|
|
The opening shovel uses two hydraulic pistons which allow it to be posed as required. The boom, arm and shovel have a good range of movement and the hydraulics are very stiff, allowing any pose to be maintained. |
The paint finish is excellent and the markings are crisp and accurate. This is a welcomed addition to the rapidly expanding Komatsu range and is not that much smaller than the PC3000 shovel previously released by NZG. In my opinion, this is certainly a more detailed model that the PC3000 with some very nice touches and is certainly worth the asking price considering that the model is constructed almost entirely of metal.
