Caterpillar 795F AC Mining Truck
The Caterpillar 795F AC enters a new 345-ton-capacity (313-tonne-capacity) size class which complements the current offerings while satisfying the demand for electric drive haulers, powered by a new C175-16 quad turbocharged 16-cylinder diesel engine delivering an impressive 3400hp. The AC drive system rates in at 2600 volts operating at a relatively low current for reduced heat generation coupled with Mitsubishi Electric IGBT phase modules in the inverter and a brushless design, 3-phase traction generator powering the AC induction type traction motors mounted to the rear axle.
It is not surprising that Caterpillar have commissioned the production of a 1:50th scale replica of the 795F AC which has been manufactured by Norscot and has some rather nice features. The front of the model is dominated by the radiator grille which has a textured surface with access steps leading up the front of the model.
The lower section of the access ladder is fitted in a pivoting configuration, allowing it to rise up when not in use and this works well, with metal safety railings used on the model including two functional safety gates which swing open, another nice addition from Norscot.
At the heart of the chassis is a plastic mock-up of the Cat C175-16 diesel engine which can be seen from the lower sides of the model while the upper deck has an opening cover revealing the top section of the 16 cylinder engine block.
The front axle features functional hydraulically controlled steering with a simplistic tie-rod mechanism which does allow a fair range of steering movement while the rear axle has good modelling of the final drive and electric motor housings, highlighting all the fixing bolts with the axle mounted to the chassis with simulated suspension struts.
The alternator/generator housing has been authentically captured and is located low down to aid the balance and centre of gravity of the truck, finished with a number of flexible cables connected to the chassis frame.
The accurately shaped cabin incorporating integrated ROPS protection has a replicated interior which can be seen through the clear glazing with hinged rear view mirrors located on both sides, finished with a silver coating simulating a mirrored surface.
The upper deck area is dominated with the large control power inverter cabinet which has good definition of the various panels, with a set of steps leading down behind the cabinet to the lower chassis. Located to the rear of the upper deck is the radial designed grid housing which is decorated with silver printing to simulate the fine mesh cover.
The rear MSD II body has been authentically modelled with lower protective lining plates and a square patterned rear lip section looking very realistic with underside safety servicing cables fitted to mimic the cables used to secure the body in a raised position during servicing.
The body can be raised and offers a good degree of tipping movement, powered by two stage tip cylinders which are fairly tight, allowing the body to remain in the chosen position. The underside of the body has accurate structural ribbing with crisply applied Caterpillar markings on the body sides.
Fine detailing on the model includes modelled wheel chocks fitted to the front bumper, side mounted fuel tank and servicing cabinet, plastic mud flaps, twin exhaust stacks and authentically placed working lights with silver printed lenses.
