Volvo EW180E Wheeled Excavator
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Volvo EW180E wheeled excavator which has been produced by Motorart, who have concentrated recently on updating the range of tracked excavators so it is refreshing to see the wheeled excavator get some attention, and what a nice job they have done on realising the EW180E
With a typical weight of between 18 and 21 ton depending on the configuration, the EW180 is a versatile machine with a powerful Volvo D6J diesel engine which has been replicated very well on the model, hidden beneath a hinged engine cover and fully decorated, from the green engine block and red pipes to the silver silencer and radiator housing. The side panels have surface detailing of the handles and the grill pattern is very well executed with a crisp recessed textured finish.
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The undercarriage does not have functional steering which is a surprise, although the drive-shaft is replicated to the axles with storage boxes on both sides of the chassis frame.
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The functional outriggers and blade are both fitted with hinged covers protecting the cylinders with pivoting pads and painted pin heads. |
Tha cabin has a modelled, single colour interior complete with the seat, console and steering wheel while the exterior has grab rails, screen wiper and a mounted amber beacon. The door has good surface engraving of the handle and hinges with small warning labels printed on the sides.
The upper body has all metal safety railings and handles with hydraulic hose detailing fitted to the boom and stick which looks better than the hoses on the tracked excavators. The cylinders are fairly stiff, allowing any chosen pose to be held and the range of movement is fairly authentic. It is a pity they did not touch up several of the rivets which are silver and look distracting compared to the painted heads.
The large toothed digging bucket is nicely modelled and has a non functional quick coupler system which could be made operational by drilling out the rivets. The EW180E is a very nice addition to the Volvo model fleet with an accurate decoration, printed safety labels and Volvo markings.
