Menzi Muck A91 Mobil Excavator "Updated Design"
Presented here is the updated version of the 1:50th scale Menzi Muck A91 Mobil 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 version is available from FM Modellbau GmbH. Powered by a 4-cylinder John Deere 4045HF285 diesel engine, the A91 is both agile and powerful with two phase traction drive of the two large wheels. 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 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 |
There are two different designs of arms on the chassis with the 4x4 Plus version having four equal sized wheels with high floatation tyres whereas the version featured here has two large driven wheels fitted to the hydraulically adjustable arms. 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 small support wheels connected to the frame. The spiked foot is pinned into place on an extending arm which offers a greater coverage for more support. When the arms are folded in to a transport configuration, the width of the chassis is greatly reduced. |
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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 version are not as stiff as the 4x4 Plus 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 Mobil is an unusual and interesting machine and a welcomed update to the original version. Ros have done an amazing job in producing an authentic and accurate replica in 1:50th scale with a good paint finish and crisp printing of the warning labels and logos.