1:50th Scale Terex MT4400AC Mining Truck
Presented here is the latest release in the Terex Mining line up. The MT4400AC mining truck from BYMO has been accurately modelled in 1:50th scale with a host of detailing throughout.
I have decided to dismantle the model to clearly display the chassis frame and engine components which are partially hidden under the deck. This is certainly not recomended as glue is used on the components and it is very easy to damage the parts.
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The engine casting is plastic and has a vast amount of detail including the cylinder block and associated components.
The engine and generator fit into the frame and connect to the rear drive motor.
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The main cooling fan and filtration components are added to the front of the engine block with the exhaust piping fitted to the main manifold. |
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The picture below shows the engine and exhaust piping installed into the chassis with the large radiator module already fitted. The fire supressant equipment has been authentically added which is another great touch on the model.
The upper deck has holes all round where the hand rails need to be fitted. This is relatively straight forward but several of the holes were too shallow for the railings to fit snugly and glue may be needed to keep them in place. The rear view mirrors also need installing into the provided holes.
The access ladder is separate and needs fitting which can be a little tricky as the pins do not line up fully with the holes in the lower access platform. A little gentle manipulation and they will fit. The cab is nicely detailed with replicated interior, complete with driver and passenger seats and control console. The cab exterior has roof mounted weight display, front windscreen wipers and simulated window seals all adding up to give a realistic appearance.
The electrical cabinets are mounted next to the cab with etched grills and door panel detailing.Flexible blue cables exit from the back of the cabinet and travel along the chassis to the rear motor housing.
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The rear of the model has replicated suspension connecting the chassis and drive motor housing. Small chains are fitted to the dump body and hang between the tyres and there is a simulated maintenance chain which would be used to keep the body in the raised position
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the two stage hydraulic tip cylinders are relatively loose so the dump body cannot be positioned in any angle except fully raised or fully down. This is a shame as it detracts slightly from what is a very good model. |
The tyres have a very authentic and detailed tread pattern moulded into them with side wall bulge and fully reproduced wheel hub detailing. The front axle features working steering with two small hydraulic rams driving the linkage. This is clearly visible in the picture below and there is a limited amount of angle that can be achieved.
The single piece dump body casting has some very good detailing with side panel wheel protection plates, top deck protection plates and ribbed front edge. The flexible rubber mud guards are fitted to the underside of the body and the accurate placement of the markings represent the original Terex | Unit Rig machine. The model will be released soon with the updated Terex markings but the castings should remain the same.
The paint finish is exceptional with accurate decal placement. It is hard to determine what parts are plastic as the colour match is about the best I have seen, although I suspect that if the model is left where the sun can get to it, the plastic colour will bleach to a pure white as it does with the RH340 models so caution needs to be taken.
The MT4400AC is a perfect match for the RH340 shovel and backhoe models released previously, as pictured below and is another welcomed addition to the growing Terex Mining fleet. BYMO have shown once again that they can produce some stunning models and I hope they continue working with Terex to produce a full line up of mining models.
