Menzi Muck A91 4x4 Plus Excavator
Presented here is the exclusive edition 1:50th scale Menzi Muck A91 4x4 Plus Mobile Spider Excavator from Ros. The A91 is an amazing concept of go anywhere excavator and the model has captured every aspect of the full sized machine very well. This is the second release of the model with an updated body design and limited to only 1000 pieces. The model is based on the 4x4 Plus version of the A91 with four equally sized, wide wheels and tyres which have a detailed moulded tread pattern. All the wheels are freely rotating with small grey wheel hubs.
Powered by a 4-cylinder John Deere 4045HF285 diesel engine, the A91 is both agile and powerful with two phase traction drive of all four, equally sized wheels and a load sensing hydraulic system. The most striking feature of the Menzi Muck range is the modular designed chassis with articulating and pivoting arms which allow the machine to be used in some of the most demanding conditions.
The upper structure has been accurately modeled with the large glass cab giving a great view of the highly detailed interior. All the controls can be seen with an excellent paint finish on the cab frame with the tiny front frame structure and black window seals all nicely highlighted. It is also good to see the seat painted in an authentic colour which does add to the realistic look. The rear view mirrors have been added to each side of the cab and have integrated work lights, complete with silver painted lenses.
The rear engine cover can be opened to reveal the moulded engine block inside. This is a nice addition on the model although the panel is loose fitting and does not stay open. The main difference between this version and the previous release are the side and rear body panels which have black grill detailing. The printing throughout the model is very good with tiny "Menzi Muck" logos printed on the cab glass, complete with the website details.
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The main digging boom features and extending stick with tilting grading bucket. The use of flexible hydraulic piping really adds to the model and the silver highlighting of the fixed pipe work is another nice touch, especially the auxiliary valve block. The boom and stick have a good degree of movement and the hydraulics are stiff allowing the boom to be posed as required. The bucket linkage does not offer the full range of movement as per the full sized machine but there is enough to simulate a number of digging configurations |
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There are two different designs of arms on the chassis, with the fixed wheels housing the hydraulically adjustable support feet which have pivoting pads with cast teeth. The linkage on the support feet has a good amount of movement for such a small hydraulic piston. The arms can be extended out using a parallel linkage which keeps the wheels inline with the chassis and each arm can be raised and lowered independently to allow the model to be accurately posed in a number of extreme configurations.
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The arms at the other end of the chassis can also be raised and lowered but feature an arcing extension pattern with the wheels connected to a pivoting frame allowing the wheels to be angled for tight turning and good maneuverability. When the arms are folded in to a transport configuration, the width of the chassis is greatly reduced. The front wheels can still be steered and the amount of movement is good. |
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The engineering that has gone into the model for the linkages has been executed very well although the cylinders on this updated version are not as stiff as the first version, so some of the most extreme poses are not possible as the weight of the model causes the arms to slowly collapse.
The A91 4x4 Plus is an unusual and interesting machine and Ros have done an amazing job in producing an authentic and accurate replica in 1:50th scale. The paint finish is good although on the sample reviewed here, there are a couple of small marks and smudges where components have been glued in place, this is most noticable on the cab. This version is exclusive to FM Modellbau GmbH and can be purchased from their online shop.