Atlas Copco Pit Viper PV351 Blast Hole Drill

The Atlas Copco Pit Viper Series PV-351 is the flagship machine for the drilling of holes in hard rock with a diameter between 207mm and 406mm to a depth of 19.8 metres in a single pass and drilling to a total depth of 41 metres using multi-pass drilling with a drill rod carousel. The rotary head has a torque of up to 25.7 kNm and the onboard compressor has a capacity of 107.6 cubic metres of air per minute at a pressure of 7.6 bar.

The onboard RCS (Rig Control System) provides automation capability for increased productivity and the live tower can be raised with a full carousel with the rotary head at the top of the tower. Weighing in at around 180 ton, the machine is powered by either a Caterpillar 3512 engine rated at 1650hp or a Cummins QSK45 engine at 1500hp.

The 1:50th scale model has been produced in China with many of the components produced in die-cast metal with plastic parts used for added detail. The undercarriage is fairly basic and fitted with rubber band style tracks which do have some moulded surface detail but to today’s standard, it is a little disappointing that they are not individually linked. The main chassis frame is metal with a metal tower, support frame and cabin.

All the safety railings running around the edge of the structure are plastic, as are the access stairways and detailing parts of the tower. The large cabin has a simply modelled interior highlighting the operator station facing the drill head with a raised monitor panel and controls. The four large hydraulic jacks can be lowered and have a smooth inner surface with the screw thread hidden, extending enough to raise the tracks off the ground.

The model depicts the diesel version with the main engine block clearly visible along with the various exhaust outlets and coolant piping leading to the two large radiator modules which have a patterned texture on the outside with fan blade detailing on the inside surfaces. The compressor tank is also modelled along with the control cabinets and other components on the rear deck.

The tower can be positioned in the lowered travel position or raised to the drilling position with a fitted drill rod, complete with drill bit already connected to the rotary head which is in turn connected to a sliding frame which can be adjusted on the tower. The carousel is also modelled with operating rod handling arms at the bottom and higher up the frame which adds extra realism.

Flexible rubber skirts are fitted below the drill deck to prevent debris being thrown which is a nice addition and the paint finish is of a good standard with a close colour match between metal and plastic parts. The Atlas Copco markings are authentically placed and round out a rather nice and impressive model, touching over 640mm in height with the mast raised.