Link Belt 800 X2 Tracked Excavator

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Link Belt 800 X2 trached excavator from Conrad. As with many Conrad models, the weight is substantial for a model of this size with plenty of metal used in the construction. Based on the Case CX800 excavator model, the Link Belt 800 x2 features an authentic decoration with some small casting changes and the addition of an extending undercarriage.

The large boom and stick have a realistic range of movement with the bucket linkage allowing the bucket to curl fully. The hydraulics are relatively stiff allowing the model to hold any pose chosen and the bucket has nice cutting edge detailing including four large teeth. Flexible plastic hoses have been added for the bucket cylinder with hydraulic hose piping cast into the back surface of the boom.

The cabin has been modified slightly from that fitted to the Case CX800 model. The front cab guard is made of plastic with integrated light housings on the upper edge and crisply moulded protection bars. The side door has a raised door handle with flush fitting windows with printd window seals. the interior has been replicated with foot controls raising up from the floor panel and joystick hand controls integrated into the arm rests of the operator's seat.

Accurately scaled metal safety railings have been fitted to the upper edge of the body, finished in black with access steps integrated into the grab rails leading up to the upper deck from the full length service walkway.

The Link Belt company printing has been accurately applied, from the black line along the body sides with a small red pin-line to the link belt name printed across the rear counterweight and on the sides of the boom. The paint finish is very good, with an even coat allowing the casting details to be seen, like the grills on the upper engine cover. Printed grills have been applied to the side body panel and this looks fairly convincing.

One interesting aspect of the model is the undercarriage. Taken from the demolition version of the Case CX800, the main track frames are fairly long with tensioned idler wheels allowing the individually linked metal tracks to remain taut.

The undercarriage module allows the track frames to extend, providing a larger footprint which is something seldom seen on a stardard spec excavator and gives the model a rather interesting appearance when fully extended (as pictured above). This is a welcome release from Conrad and it will be interesting to see if the range is extended with further tracked excavators.