Thwaites 9 Ton Front Tip Site Dumper

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Thwaites 9 tonne site dumper from Corgi. The full sized machine is available in both swivel and front tip designs with a choice of Powershuttle or Powershift transmissions. Powered by the Perkins 1100 D-series turbo charged four cylinder diesel engine generating 94 bhp at 2200rpm, the dumper is both powerful and agile with kinglink articulating chassis offering excellent levels of stability and traction for the toughest of site conditions.

Corgi have done a good job of capturing the features of the 9 tonne dumper with an articulating frame with single hydraulic cylinder achieving a good degree of steering lock. The floatation tyres fitted to the hubs have an accurate moulded tread pattern with bolt fixing detailing visible on the black wheel hubs. The front frame has integrated work lights with highlighted lense protection bars with simulated orange indicator lamps fitted to the underside of the skip.

The skip has a good amount of tip using two hydraulic cylinders which, unfortunately are rather slack so the skip cannot be fully positioned without collapsing. One nice touch is the addition of flexible rubber mud flaps which add to the realism, as does the cast structural frame detailing and lifting brackets integrated into the rear edges.

The rear chassis features an accurately shaped engine bay with grill detailing cast into the surface. The folding safety ROPs frame is another nice touch and can be positioned either raised or lowered. An amber beacon has been added to the top for added realism which is not fitted to the model supplied as a load with the Murdoch heavy haulage rig. The underside of the model has replicated drive train detailing with pivoting joint across the articulation point whilst the axles have authentic fixing bracket detailing where they join with the chassis frame.

The access steps leading up to the driver's station on both sides of the chassis have a textured anti-slip finish with accurately scaled grab rails fitted to the central steering console and on both sides of the driver's seat. All the hand and foot controls have been authentically replicated including accelerator and brake pedals, gear change lever and hand brake, complete with contoured seat.

The paint finish is excellent with crisp markings on the body and skip sides. The model is presented in a sturdy printed cardboard box with contoured plastic inner which holds the model securely. Also supplied is a small collector card detailing the serial number of the model and confirmation that it is one of only 1500 produced.

For further details of the Thwaites range of site dumpers and to view their promotional video, check out the Thwaites Dumpers website. To purchase the model, visit the Corgi website.