Page 9 - TPM Issue4

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mounted on the side just in front of the
rear wheel which has another fine
mesh screen. On the opposite side is
the new low voltage electrical cabinet
and fire extinguisher.
The articulated steering on the
model is fully functional with a realistic
level of movement. The twin hydraulic
cylinders are present with hydraulic
and electrical piping visible between
the two frame sections. There is a cut Above:
Above: The cabin has a modelled interior visible through The new low voltage electrical cabinet is one of
the opening door and clear windows. out in the centre of the main body and
you can just make out the electrical the changes that is more obvious.
generator components at the heart of
the machine which have all been fully
replicated.
The cab has a complete interior
with monitoring console with printed
indicators, operator hand and foot
controls and realistic looking seat.
Each side of the cab has metal safety
chains fitted along with black painted
glazing seals around all the windows
and front mounted windscreen wiper.
Above: Photo-etch is used to good effect in enhancing Above:
the realism. There is even a pair or maintenance The intricate and operational ladder provides
platforms just below where the loader operator access to the cabin and upper deck.
arms are mounted which are again
systems within. Once the main door is constructed of mesh panels. The cab
open, the two inner doors can also be roof has a large frame with integral
opened out and have a very realistic front facing work lights and large,
metallic look. The rear frame has reflective finished rear-view mirrors
an integrated towing hook with rear which needs fitting to the model
facing work lights and indicators. during the assembly stage. The safety
There is a side access ladder fitted to railings that fit around the entire top of
the fluid tank with a swinging lower the engine area also need fitting.
section while the main engine air The large loader arms are
filtration components are also connected to the frame with stiff
hydraulic cylinders which allow the Above:
model to be poised with the bucket The large opening radiator frame really does cap-
raised without any danger of the ture the realism of the cooling systems.
bucket dropping. The Z bar linkage
arms have simulated greasing
pipework visible and the tip cylinders
have flexible hydraulic pipework
and check valve detailing for added
realism. Two versions of the model
have been produced, one fitted with
a rock bucket and the version here
fitted with a 55 cubic metre bucket
that has some nicely defined teeth
on the cutting edge with cutting plates
between the teeth and this detail really Above:
The engine block is finished in a dark grey colour
adds to the authentic looks of the which is another difference to the original.
model. Only 500 of each version
have been produced and the
new decoration is flawless in
implementation, giving the model
a different look to the original
LeTourneau version.

Summer 2020 - TPMMW Magazine 9