1:50th Scale Sandvik LH 621 Underground Loader
Presented here is the exclusive edition 1:50th scale Sandvik LH621 underground loader from Conrad, finished in the Soletanche Bachy colours and available from the VINCI online shop. The model has been commissioned as a result of winning a contract to construct two tunnels in Chile. The LH621 has an operating weight of 56800kg and a capacity of 21000kg and is powered by a Detroit Diesel S60 DDEC IV engine generating 475 bhp at 2100 rpm with Dana 8421H transmission and 35/65-33 tyres.
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The rear engine compartment features open sides which reveal the internal powerplant details including engine block, pipework and exhaust system. The bumper has yellow and black chevron safety markings printed on the corners with rear facing work lights, complete with silver painted lenses and a small access ladder up to the roof of the engine compartment.
The tyres fitted to the model have a very crisp and detailed tread pattern and the tyres are hollow which gives them a realistic tactile feel when squeezing them, allowing the side walls to bulge out slightly. The wheel hubs are highly detailed with central cover plate and bolt heads all crisply modelled. |
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The large rear radiator grill is made of plastic and the radiator and cooling fan detailing is visible through the grill openings. The grill is hinged and can be opened which is a nice touch on the model. |
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Two light modules, each with two silver painted lenses are supplied in the box and need fixing to the loader arms. The range of movement of the bucket is very realistic and plastic cushioning stops have been added to the back of the bucket, just like the real machine to prevent the bucket from hitting the boom when the bucket hydraulic is fully extended.
The castings are all very crisp with grill and panel detailings, access steps, hinges and handles all reproduced from the full sized machine. The side mounted cab is painted white with small windows on three sides giving a good degree of visibility to the work area. The cab interior has been replicated and you can see the seat and controls within.
The large bucket has wear plate detailing on the bottom and cutting edge surfaces with stiff hydraulics allowing the boom and bucket to be positioned as required. The articulated joint has a good degree of movement with two small hydraulics used for steering along with flexible pipework to the front loader hydraulics, which adds to the level of detail. The front wheel arches have cast access steps moulded into them along with plastic arch extensions and fire supressant equipment
The model has been painted in the red colours of the Soletanche Bachy company, a part of the VINCI group with company markings found on the sides of the rear body structure and on the side of the cabin. The model is very heavy for its size and has a quality build feel to it. The model is presented in a printed cardboard box with inner foam coated cardboard wrap to secure and protect the model during transit. It is pictured below loading the Sandvik TH550 underground hauler which has also been released in Soletanche Bachy colours.
