1:50th Scale Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK tracked demolition excavator from Shinsei.

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator

The model is supplied with both a 3 section demolition boom and a standard digging boom. A boom support is also provided in the box and while the booms are plastic, the detail and colour match to the metal parts is very good.

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator

The excavator body is very nicely detailed with textured cooling grills and door panels all cast into the surfaces. The grab rails are plastic and require the mirrors to be clipped into place on both sides of the body.

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator

The cab exterior is exquisitely detailed with a very fine mesh protection screen over the front window and an accurately shaped roof screen. The interior of the cab has been fully captured with the controls and driver's seat all visible.

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator

A nice touch on the model is the removable rear counterweight. Three holes have been drilled in the upper body and when the counterweight is removed (as pictured left), three plastic pins can be inserted into the holes to hide them.

When fitted (pictured below) the contour of the counterweight is a good match to the body shape.

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator

The undercarriage is very nicely cast with linked plastic track pads which have a two tone paint finish. On the inside , the tracks are dull while the outside surfaces are shiny.

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator

The three section demolition boom is supplied with an additional extension piece riveted into place. This is a shame as it would have been excellent if the extension piece could have been easily removed.

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator

The booms are plastic but have nice detailing on the hydraulics including flexible plastic hoses which have a simulated armoured texture to them.

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator

The digging boom features a hydraulically adjustable main joint allowing a number of poses to be achieved. This is another welcomed touch on the model and gives it a more interesting appearance.

The skeleton bucket is also another nice find on the model and has been cast well with pronounced tooth detailing

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK

The attachment mounted to the demolition boom has opening jaws and 360 degree rotation of the head.

It is a pity that large headed rivets have been used throughout the model as they detract from what is otherwise a very good release.

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK

Hitachi Zaxis 350LCK Tracked Excavator