Claas Torion 639 Wheel Loader

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Claas Torion 639 wheel loader which has been produced in China by NZG using the same tooling as the Liebherr L506 Compact. In real life, the Torion 639 is actually the equivalent of the Liebherr L508 but in model form, the styling between the 506 and 508 are very similar.

The articulating chassis has a fairly good range of movement with a single steering cylinder and simpe underside detailing. The tyres have a realistic tread design with the wheel hubs showing the fixing bolt heads for added realism, finished in red with green centres.

The sloped rear body offers a good range of vision to the rear with a side located exhaust pipe and printed side engine grills. The lower body panel has some good surface detailing including ridges and cut-outs for the rear facing lights which have red painted lenses and the centrally located towing hitch.

The interior of the cabin consists of a plastic casting with highlighted seat and side joystick controls while the central console is topped with a steering wheel. The curved front windscreen is fitted with a photo-etched wiper blade which looks good and the large rear view mirrors have a reflective surface. The roof mounted lights have silver lenses and the large glazed windows have black printed window seals which enhances the looks of the model.

The front loader arms are trapezoidal in shape, fitting onto the chassis close together while widening where they connect with the bucket. The z-bar linkage has been modelled very well with a great range of movement accurately capturing that of the full sized machine. The toothed bucket has surface structural ridge detailing and the hydraulic cylinders are smooth in operation and are capable of holding any position chosen. A larger Claas Torion 1914 has been produced by Conrad and they make a nice pair.