Vermeer T1255 Commander 3 with Hydrostatic Trencher
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Vermeer T1255 Commander 3 with Hydrostatic Trencher attachment. The tracked trencher is an impressive bit of kit and yet to my knowledge, this is the first mass produced model on the subject. I am aware of an EMD tracked trencher model but it does not compare to the model presented here.
The undercarriage has finely detailed track frames with toothed sprocket wheels and individually linked metal track pads with bolt and grouser detailing. The main attachment mounting frame can be raised using the four large hydraulic cylinders and yet, due to the heavy weight of the digging boom, the cylinders are not stiff enough to keep the boom raised in the air.
The centrally mounted spoil conveyor is made up from three sections allowing it to be folded into the transport position. In the extended position, the conveyor frame can be extended to each side of the chassis to allow spoil discharge on each side of the machine. The flexible rubber belt can be rotated and has moulded ridges and a cast Vermeer logo.
The front of the model features the large engine compartment with side opening cooling system with fully replicated fan and hose detailing. Inside the engine bay, the engine block has been fully modelled with hydraulic and cooling hoses present along with the exhaust piping. The large radiator grill has side mounted access steps and accurately scaled grab rails with simulated anti-slip markings printed on the storage compartment boxes. Fine mesh panels are visible on the roof of the engine compartment and the hydraulic hoses have been authentically placed throughout the model.
The oposite side of the engine bay has two opening doors which have fine mesh screening which again reveal the detailed engine bay. The operators cab has a mesh walkway with opening door and an intricately printed control panel with guages and controls all accurately printed. The seat can be rotated and the entire cab can be elevated to give a better view for the driver.
The main cutting chain has an amazing level of detail with cast teeth on eack of the linked metal segments. The chain rotates freely and the top support bar can be folded up. The side drag arms are supplied seperately in the box and fit ot the model by friction, which does mean that they are likely to drop off when handling the model. The drag arms can be raised / lowered and the small hydraulics are stiff enough to hold the arms in the position chosen.
The main hydraulic drive motors are push fit and can be removed from the model. This appears to have been engineered into the model to allow the trencher attachment to be removed and depending on the fit, the motors on the sample here are very loose and do tend to fall off. Maybe a touch or wood glue can be used to hold them in place. The hydraulic pipe work on the model really adds to the overall feel of realism with silver check valves added to the drive motor connections.
The model is securely packaged in a two piece polystyrene carton with outer printed box and two small leaflets are included which give details of the full sized machine along with instructions for fitting the drag arms. This is another amazing model from TWH Collectibles with an excellent level of engineering throughout. The subject matter should make this a highly sought model and it looks great alongside the T1255 Terrain Leveler model.