P&H 4100XPB Rope Shovel

Presented here is the 1:87th scale P&H 4100XPB Rope Shovel which has been manufactured by TWH Collectibles for the Sword Precision Scale Model brand.

The side of the model features walkways and ladders between the lower and upper decks and each if these has safety railings and textured floor panel detailing. To add a little extra detailing, fire extinguishers and work lights have also been added.

The A-frame at the rear of the upper deck has accurately scaled ladders leading up to the platforms on each side where the main boom ropes are anchored. These have large red pins riveted in place onto the oscilating support bars and on the sample model reviewed here, the ropes were of slightly different lengths so there is uneven tension leading to one cable drooping a little.

The undercarriage has highly detailed track pads with a smooth contact surface and tensioned idlers allowing the tracks to settle into a realistic curve due to the slightly elevated drive sprocket. The track frames have surface detailing cast into them with the main electrical supply system mounted between the tracks, complete with cable drum connection and simulated yellow electrical cable. Even the drum driveshaft and electrical motor is finely detailed which is fantastic on a model of this scale.

The doors to the main house have glazed windows with the exception of the one below the cab which is where the key is insterted to operate the main rope winch. Even the door handles have been highlighted with silver paint which is another nice touch. The main access to the machine is via the fold down ladder on the side of the body housing which can actually be lowered using a small hydraulic cylinder. The opposite side of the model has a non-functional slide down style safety ladder.

The square shaped shovel is highly detailed throughout with accurately modelled teeth and side wear plating along with a ribbed underside and opening trip door. The trip door winch is mounted to the side of the boom and is operated by turning it by hand.

The dipper can be operated by inserting a winding key (2 supplied in the box) into the hole just below the platform on the side of the boom. This operates the toothed drive allowing the dipper to traverse in and out.

Looking down on the deck, there are a number of photo etched panels with textured grill finish along with three glass covered openings, complete with safety railings which give light into the main housing. The main boom has ladders fitted all the way to the tip with a platform located between the dipper arms.

The angled cab has a replicated interior which is visible through the large front window and opening rear door and there are safety railings and walkways fitted to the side of the cab.

The model is securely packaged in a two section polystyrene carton with stiff cardboard outer box with printed graphics. Also supplied is a spec sheet and information sheet on the features of the machine which makes for interesting reading. The front railings on each side of the boom footing and the railings at the rear of the upper body are supplied seperately in the box and need fitting inot the pre-drilled holes in the walkways.