Komatsu PC450LC-8 Tracked Excavator
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Komatsu PC450LC-8 tracked excavator from the Kyowa Miniature Factory. From the outset, the company, who are dealers of the full sized Komatsu equipment and have a vast working knowledge of the machine, wanted to produce a fully functional, highly detailed replica of the Japanese specification PC450LC-8 tracked excavator, incorporating all the details of the full sized machine for a museum quality 1:50th scale release.
Being a new name on the die-cast scene, the model has to be good and i can happily say the level of detail and realism is second to none throughout. The model took over three years to develop and it is interesting that KMF chose the PC450LC-8 which has already been produced by Universal Hobbies, although the KMF release is superior to the UH release in almost every aspect. Made predominantly of metal with plastic used only where necessary, the weight of the model is considerable.
The contours of the body have been replicated well with crisp casting of the body panels and grills, highlighted with black paint for added effect with the angular finish of the lower structure protecting the body from damage. The printing of the anti-slip panels on the upper surface of the engine bay are particularly well applied and look the part.
Other nice features include the lifting brackets mounted to the counterweight and the rear view camera housing. The engine compartment has an opening door which reveals the fully replicated and decorated engine block within with crisply cast square cooling holes and a ridged grill texture all adding to the realism.
The accurately scaled plastic safety railings on the side of the body look good with integrated safety mirrors added. The heart of the uppercarriage has great detailing of the slewing motors and hydraulic distribution block with flexible piping connecting to the fixed piping on the back of the boom which is raised for added realism.
The cabin interior has been authentically captured with the coloured interior panels, highlighted hand and foot controls and main contoured driver's seat all visible. The interior casting includes a storage area behind the seat with a red highlighted safety cut-off lever also replicated while the Komatsu name is printed across the seat back.
Detailing of the exterior of the cab is also nicely done with scaled grab rails with integrated rear view mirror, roof mounted work lights, radio aerial and windscreen wiper.
|
|
One great touch are the self fit front and roof protection screens which, while made of plastic, have crisp grills and a contoured shape. Each panel uses friction to stay in place and the collector can choose to fit them or not. |
|
|
The armoured flexible hoses fitted between the boom and stick are especially nicely finished and really add to the overall level of realism while the pins and rivets used to join the parts have painted heads making them almost invisible. The silver connection valves on the hydraulic hoses and the bolt detailing on the ends of the cylinders give the model a very refined finish and it is clear KMF have thought of everything.
The general purpose bucket has good casting detailing of the wear plates on the bottom while the side cutters have excellent definition. Not content, KMF decided to use small screws to fix the bucket in place which allows the collector to remove the bucket if required to fit another attachment. This is a nice consideration from KMF and the fact that the screws are painted helps to hide the fact that screws have been used.
The undercarriage has some good cast detailing of the track frames with individually linked track pads tensioned to allow them to rotate smoothly. Small safety labels have been printed on the track frames which also have integrated access steps with a ridged anti-slip top surface.
The paint finish is of a very high standard with an even coat allowing all the cast detailing to show through. This is complemented with the crisp printing of the Komatsu markings and machine designations while the model is authentically finished in the Japanese specifications, with the Komatsu name only printed on one side of the boom. The Kyowa Miniature Factory have created an excellent example of the Komatsu PC450LC-8 and as first releases go, the model is excellent throughout. To purchase one of these models, visit the Kyowa Miniature Factory website or contact them by email.
