Volvo EC700C HR Demolition Excavator
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Volvo EC700C HR tracked excavator in high reach demolition configuration. The model has been produced in China directly for Volvo and released by Motorart. The model is based on the full sized machine with a maximum pin height of 32 metres including a 3 metre boom extension and 29 metre main boom and stick configuration.
The model is an improvement over the original Volvo EC700B with a totally different undercarriage which features extending track frames with very realistic looking individually linked metal tracks.
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The cab has been constructed with a tilting mechanism which gives the driver a better view of the work area and this is functional on the model, achieving about 30 degree tilt with a plastic guard over the front and roof window. The interior has been accurately captured with authentically scaled grab rails and highlighted rubber window seals all adding to the level of realism. |
The rear body has two opening engine covers which reveal a plastic engine moulding beneath. The detail is reasonable and the opening doors are a nice touch on the model.
The upper body has an intricately cast textured anti-slip surface which is highlighted in grey and looks very good, as do the crisp grill castings on the side engine panels with a walkway running along the side of the super structure.
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The large, three section demolition boom is made from metal so is rather heavy and while the stick hydraulics are rather stiff, the main lift hydraulics are not stiff enough to keep the boom raised on their own. A plastic clip is provided in the box to lock the boom in the raised position but this does not look particularly good and fixes the boom in one position. The attachment is a little dissapointing, as there is no functional rotation of the head and the hydraulics for the jaws are very loose on the model reviewed here and do not stay open. The boom has been modelled with an extension section but this is a single piece casting which somewhat spoils the look of the model. It is also a shame that the entire boom cannot be detached from the base, as it can on the real machine. It would have been preferred that the boom extension was a separate piece, although the pipework cast into the top and sides of the boom has been implemented well and looks good. |
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Overall, this is a good model with a quality paint finish and crisp printing of the Volvo logos. The undercarriage, with the addition of the accurately scaled track pads is a big improvement over the previous EC700B model, as pictured below and the high reach demolition boom configuration looks good.
