1:50th Scale Komatsu PC3000 Shovel

Presented here is the limited edition Celtic Energy version of the Komatsu PC3000 shovel from NZG. Celtic Energy is the leading Coal Mining Company based in South Wales who produce over 1 million tonnes of high quality coal per year from their three surface mining sites for domestic, industrial and electricity generation demand both in the UK and in Europe. The company utilises a fleet of modern equipment including 300 tonne excavators and 100 tonne dump trucks for the main overburden removal with ancillary plant equipment consisting of graders, bulldozers and drilling rigs.

The Komatsu PC3000 hydraulic shovel is one of the machines at work with Celtic Mining and the NZG replica has authentically captured the colours and decoration of this imposing beast. The new styled cab with its angular side windows has a replicated interior which is visible through the large front windscreen, complete with a metal windscreen wiper whilst the outside of the cab has rear view mirrors fitted to the frame.

The undercarriage features some very detailed track pads which are individually linked and rotate easily. The undercarriage casting is the same as the previous release with small drive motors at the sprocket end of the track frames.

The upper deck has dark grey handrails all round the model with a anti slip textured pattern cast into the floor. The large side cooling intakes also have a realistic grill pattern which adds to the level of realism. The side mounted access ladder can be folded down and has a small hydraulic cylinder which allows the ladder to be positioned as required. A second emergency ladder has also been added to the model which is a nice addition.

The bottom dump bucket fitted to the model has an aggressive look with five large teeth. There are no hydraulics for the opening bucket so it cannot be positioned in the open position on it's own without the boom being lowered to the ground. The hydraulic cylinders have plastic pipework cast into them while flexible hoses have been added between the boom and body.