New Holland B115B Backhoe Loader
Presented here is the 1:50th scale New Holland B115B backhoe loader from NZG. This is one of two new 1:50th scale New Holland models from NZG and the attention to detail is exceptional throughout. While Ros have previously produced a model of the LB115B backhoe loader, the latest release from NZG is superior in every aspect and is, in my opinion, the best 1:50th scale backhoe loader model so far produced from any manufacturer.
Everywhere you look on the model, you are greeted with small details including very realistic looking flexible hydraulic piping throughout the model and NZG have improved on the Terex 860 backhoe in this respect as the rubberized feel to the piping allows it to droop and hold much more realistically. Even the cylinders have cast pipework added which has been highlighted with silver paint for even more effect.
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The front bucket has an opening clam which is connected by small hydraulics allowing it to be posed in any position.
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The addition of the flip over pallet forks which can be adjusted along the length of the bucket is another great touch. |
The front axle has a good amount of steering lock when the loader arms are raised and has guards over the top of the tyres which turn with the wheel. The tyres look great and even have small diamond patterns moulded into the side walls of each tyre. The sloping bonnet has a crisply cast front grill with the prominent New Holland logo centrally placed.
The cab interior has been fully captured with the seat, complete with integrated armrests as well as the front console with steering wheel and both front and rear facing joystick controls all visible through the large glazed windows. The cab frame has door hinge detailing along with scaled grab rails with integrated rear view mirrors and work light modules. A front windscreen wiper has been added with the New Holland name printed across the top edge of the front window along with driving lights, complete with silver printed lenses, integrated into the roof casting.
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The backhoe boom folds tightly along the back of the model with the stick resting within the width of the chassis which is great to see. |
Other nice touches on the model include the cab access steps that have textured anti-slip surfaces and the small light clusters with amber painted indicator lights. The markings are crisp and clear with warning and safety labels all replicated. |
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The rear boom and stick have a good amount of movement allowing the bucket to be posed in a number of positions. The extending stick works well and the bucket linkage has a fairly good range of movement. The added pipework looks great and really adds to the level of realism, as do the extending stabilisers which are very stiff allowing the wheels to remain raised off the ground. The king post slides smoothly bach and forth with a full 180 degrees of turn.
The front loader arms can be lifted high and the bucket tip linkage works well. The pins used to assemble the pivoting components have been painted grey and this looks good on the model. The packaging consists of a two piece polystyrene carton that securely holds the model in place with an outer printed cardboard box. The model is pictured below alongside the LB115B from Ros and clearly shows the difference in realism throughout.
