Komatsu WA1200-6 Wheel Loader
When it comes to wheel loaders, they don’t come much bigger than the Komatsu WA1200-6, a gigantic monster designed for the efficient loading of large mining trucks. Following on from the successful WA1200-3, the updated machine benefits from Tier 2 emissions with better fuel economy, increased safety features and a higher operation ratio. The powerplant for this behemoth is the Komatsu SSDA16V160E-2 diesel engine with modular common rail injection system which delivers a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and a power output of 1765hp. Tipping the scales at over 220 ton with a bucket capacity between 18 to 35m3, it is the perfect partner to load 320 ton capacity mining trucks.
It has been a long wait for a scale model of the WA1200 to appear with various rumours over the years that one was ‘in the works’ with several model manufacturers believed to be producing the scale replica and finally, the model was announced by NZG early in 2014 with the model finally appearing in January 2015.
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Out of the box, it is clear that NZG has done a fine job in recreating the imposing dimensions of the loader with plenty of detailing throughout the model, starting at the rear with the large photo-etched grill and metal safety railings around the counterweight. The side engine panels have fine printing of the small grill openings with metal railings running around the entire upper deck and engine housing. |
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The upper engine bay is dominated with the air intakes and twin exhaust stacks rising up with access to the cabin mainly from the rear with steps inset into the wheel arches with an emergency ladder mounted to the side of the chassis.
The articulating frame has a very good range of movement with the drive-shafts and hydraulic hose connections crossing the articulation point which is controlled by a pair of cylinders which have smooth movement.
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The cabin has a multi-colour interior which captures the surrounding panel work along with the seating and operator controls while rear view and safety mirrors are integrated into the railings. |
The tyres deserve mention as they have a crisply moulded tread pattern with good detailing of the hubs showing all the bolt fixings, even on the inside surface of the wheels which is good to see. |
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The loader arms rise up to an authentic height with a good tipping angle for the bucket which is superbly modelled with good surface definition of the wear plating and contoured teeth fitted to the angular cutting edge. The upper spill guard looks great with the numerous cast slots but the only let down on the model are the pair of silver headed screws holding it in place. It would have been better to paint the heads over with matching paint to help hide them. That aside, NZG has done a fine job bringing the Komatsu WA1200-6 model to reality.
