Volvo PL4611 Pipe Layer
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Volvo PL4611 tracked pipe layer from Motorart. The PL4611 has been purpose built to provide a solution to the demands of pipe laying applications, offering a robust and powerful machine powered by a 329hp Volvo D12D EAE3 Tier 3 V-ACT engine with a load management system, 360 degree rotation and extra wide undercarriage for exceptional stability and floatation. The model, while a long time in development, features some very fine detailing and engineering touches.
The opening engine cover reveals the modelled Volvo engine block and the upper panels have an intricate circular textured anti-slip finish which looks good. The safety railings are plastic but look to be accurately scaled. One of the most striking features on the model are the engine grills which are actually all cut out allowing the inner components to be seen (as pictured below). This has to be one of the most realistic looking models from the point of view of the body panels and Motorart should be congratulated for putting this amount of detail into the model.
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The rear counterweight has been accurately modelled with the integrated lights, complete with plastic lenses and the inset central section with the Volvo name. The addition of a non-functional hydraulic counterweight lifting system is another nice touch on the model.
The undercarriage jacks are a very nice piece of engineering and it is a big surprise that, for all the nice detail, the track frames cannot be detached as they can on the full sized machine for transport. This is a real shame and prevents the model from being posed realistically in a transport configuration. |
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The model features fully operational jacking supports which swing out from the undercarriage and clip into position. The jack legs can then be extended (As pictured above) and have screw threaded pads which can also be extended. The jacks then fold down by 90 degrees and lock into place (pictured below) |
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The metal track links fitted to the model have an unusual appearance with a single grouser on each pad. The track frames are tensioned and the tracks rotate smoothly. The rugged appearance of the tracks actually make the model look more interesting and the wide stance gives the model excellent stability.
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The hook block (pictured right) is a single piece casting with 2 pulleys modelled. One of the biggest surprises on this model is that the rope is actually elastic and the winch drum is non functional. This is very dissapointing considering the whole point of a pipe layer is for lifting and for Motorart to not add a working winch is a real letdown, detracting from all the other great features.
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The boom can be adjusted and the hydraulic cylinder is very stiff, allowing the boom to remain in position while the boom tip has a single cast pulley head and printed green, yellow and red load management display panel to simulate the actual load sensing system fitted to the real machine. |
The cab interior has been fully modelled with the seat and arm rests all visible, complete with controls cast into the arm rests and highlighted with silver paint. Even the flask holder has been added to the rear storage area for total realism. The paint finish is very good with all the detail in the castings clearly visible and the markings are crisp with paint used to pick out the cab door handle. Collectors have waited over two years for the release of this model and yet, now it has arrived, I am personally dissapointed that the winch does not function. Apart from that, the model shows some great engineering touches.
