1:50th Scale Komatsu WA500 Wheeled Loader
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Komatsu WA500 wheeled loader fin the distinctive Malcolm Construction Services decoration from First Gear. The underside of the model has a great amount of detail with front and rear axles having full drive shaft detail with transfer box all reproduced. While this detail is seldom seen on a model, it's addition really enhances the realism of the model.
The model has freely rotating wheels with authentic rubber tyres, detailed wheel hubs both inside and outside and working articulated steering complete with working cylinders, reproduced drivetrain and flexible hydraulic hose details between the front and rear chassis sections.
The cab is exceptionally well detailed with all the details of the real machine produced in miniature. Access grab rails have been added to both sides of the cab and access ladders are present on both sides along with plastic hand rails behind the cab.
Front facing work lights are fitted to the roof along with twin antenna and rear view mirrors which have a silver painted surface. The cab interior is fully reproduced with side console, complete with switch and dial panel and arm rest, front mounted steering console with stalk mounted levers and full sized steering wheel and a detailed seat with raised integral arm rest. The rear of the model features a large counterweight with light clusters on each side of the body, complete with simulated brake, indicator and reversing lights.
The rear cooling grill is made of photo etched metal and clearly shows the radiator and cooling fan details behind it. A rear mounted mirror has been added to give the operator a good view behind the machine and the engine covers have accurately scaled handrails on both sides.
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The front loader arms can be raised and have a very good range of movement allowing the model to be posed loading a high sided truck. The Z bar bucket linkage features authentic hydraulic hose detailing on the tip cylinder with painted piston ends which is a nice touch on the model and gives it a much more realistic look. The Malcolm name is accurately printed on the loader arms and follows the contour nicely. |
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The paint finish is very good, although the shades of the blue and green colours are a little dark in comparison with the other Malcolm models that have been produced. The Malcolm logos are accurately replicated on the sides of the cab with the website details printed on the engine side panels. This is the second model from First Gear that has been decorated in the Malcolm livery, joining the previously released Komatsu WB146 (Pictured below) and I would not be surprised to see further models released in the future.
