1:50th Scale Letourneau L1850

Presented here is the Letourneau L1850 wheel loader which has been produced in 1:50th scale. The following pictures take a look around the model which is another amazing release in the growing mining model range  from TWH Collectibles.

The side of the machine is impeccably detailed with photo etched walkways from the rear fold down ladder to the cab door, which can also be opened. The fire suppressant equipment has been placed on both sides of the body above the open engine bay and the main, side mounted electrical cabinet has a tall opening door along with slide out work platform and ladder with a fully replicated interior complete with cabling racks and authentically placed components.

The cab has a complete interior with monitoring console with printed indicators, operator hand and foot controls and realistic looking seat. Each side of the cab has metal safety chains fitted along with black painted glazing seals around all the windows and front mounted windscreen wiper. There is even a small maintenance platform at the front of the cab along with two small side mounted platforms just below where the loader arms are mounted which are again constructed of mesh panels.

The articulated steering on the model is fully functional with a realistic level of movement. The twin hydraulic cylinders are present with hydraulic and electrical piping visible between the two frame sections. There is a cut out in the centre of the main body and you can just make out the electrical generator components at the heart of the machine which have all been fully replicated. They have even added simulated rubber stops on the frame to cushion the steering at full angle and the steering lock bar which really adds to the incredible level of detail and realism.

Entry to the machine is achieved by climbing up the fold down stairway which has intricate photo etched steps and accurately scaled handrails. There is even a small etched maintenance walkway mounted behind the rear wheels to ensue a safe footing while performing the daily checks on the massive diesel engine which fills the engine bay.

The large engine cooling radiators are hidden behind the large mesh screen door which can be opened to reveal the engine cooling systems within. Once the main door is open, the two inner doors can also be opened out and have a very realistic metallic look. The rear frame has an integrated towing hook with rear facing work lights and indicators.

The engine block dominates the engine compartment with oil filters and flexible coolant piping all visible. The twin exhausts and silencers are mounted above the engine and rise through a cutout in the top of the engine compartment. A swing down ladder is mounted behind the rear wheel to give maintenance access to the engine bay

The main air conditioning for the operator is mounted to the side of the cab and has a very fine photo etched cover. There is a side access ladder fitted to the fluid tank with a swinging lower section while the main engine air filtration components are also mounted on the side just in front of the rear wheel which has another fine mesh screen and painted on door clasps.

The cab roof has a large frame with integral front facing work lights and large, reflective finished rear view mirrors which needs fitting to the model during the assembly stage. The safety railings that fit around the entire top of the engine area also need fitting and there is a small brochure in the box which leads the collector through the full assembly of the model, step by step.

The large loader arms are connected to the frame with stiff hydraulic cylinders which allow the model to be poised with the bucket raised without any danger of the bucket dropping. The Z bar linkage arms have simulated greasing pipework visible and the tip cylinders have flexible hydraulic pipework and check valve detailing for added realism.

The large tyres fitted to the model have an authentic tread pattern on the surface with a realistic bulge in the side wall which gives them a more realistic appearance.

The cutting edge of the bucket has some of the most detailed teeth I have seen on a model. Even the cutting plates between the teeth have been added and the bolt detail really adds to the authentic looks of the model. The top surface of the bucket has two lifting eyes which would be used for fitting the bucket on the real machine and there is also a small cut out in the top surface with a grill allowing the operator a better view of the work area.

This is truly a museum quality model, with an awe inspiring level of detail throughout. TWH Collectibles have once again demonstrated their ability to produce an amazing scale replica which would make the centerpiece in any collection.

The height achieved on the loader arms allows the model to be posed loading the Caterpillar 793D mining truck with ease as can be seen from the picture below.