Bucyrus 495HR Rope Shovel - LB Version
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Bucyrus 495HR (Hard Rock) rope shovel in the decoration of L.B. This model is a limited edition release of only 300 pieces from a second production run and includes several differences in the castings from the original release.
The upper deck is highly detailed with mesh walkways, handrails and mesh steps throughout. The large cab contains all the details found on the real machine with computer display screen, operator seat and levers all modelled. The two cab doors both open giving access to the walkway and main body housing. Rear view mirrors, windscreen wipers and walkway lighting is all reproduced on the model.
The air conditioning units fitted behind the cab are finished in silver and have photo etch grill detailing, complete with warning labels and flexible hoses while the electric generator has been moved on the second production run and is now mounted to the corner of the upper housing.
The rear frame is where the main boom tip is connected and features mesh walkways, handrails and access ladders with safety cage detailing. The Bucyrus logos are located on the frame sides and the four large cables are riveted to the structure whilst large floodlights are mounted to the sides. One of the noticable differences from the first run is the large Ten Kay air cleaning system mounted on a lattice frame to the rear of the upper deck. This has detailed panels with flexible cabling fitted and gives the model a more impressive appearance from the rear.
The lower deck has plenty of detail with mesh walkways, hand rails, lights, floodlights and access ladder to the bucket door release winch platform. The side of the model has the machine's type printed along with the blue stripe which goes round the entire body.
The other side of the model features more walkways and access to the main winch drums. The rear winch operates the lifting mechanism and the supplied winding key is inserted into the round hole in the body side. The drum is sprung loaded and requires pressure to release the braking mechanism before the drum can be turned. The front drum is accessed through the open window and operates the movement of the dipper. This is achieved using friction so there is no braking mechanism on this drum.
The blue painted handrails go round the entire model and are a striking contrast to the orange boom and body. The gangway on the boom goes all the way to the top and each step has a mesh panel. Two thirds up the boom is another small platform and the gangway then continues up the centre of the boom to the large wheels at the tip.
The underside of the main body has even more detail with electrical cables, slewing motor casing and radiator grill all present. The opposite side of the model also features electrical cables and slewing motor, complete with warning markings underneath the main walkways. The working fold down access gangway uses a hydraulic cylinder which is stiff enough to keep the ladder in the raised position.
The undercarriage is highly detailed with main electricity cable entry boom which swivels and detailed track drive motors. Flexible hoses and electrical cables are also visible and the individaully linked metal tracks are kept taut with the spring tensioned idler wheels. The stinger bar can be positioned to each side of the model and has realistic electrical cable connected to the arm.
The dipper is fully functional by operating the two winches while the bucket has a working door release mechanism which can be operated from the small winch fitted to the boom side. The fast fill shovel has a good level of detail including fully reproduced large teeth with wear protection and this is another difference over the other HR versions which all have the larger shovel fitted. Another less noticable change is the length of the main winch rope which now allows the dipper to be lowered to the ground with prenty of rope to spare.
This is a welcomed follow up to the original version and the small number produced along with the casting differences make the model much more collectable although some collectors who have the original version may be a little dissapointed that these versions have been produced.
Model Specifications |
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Model DimensionsLength: 26.25" / 667mm |
Box DimensionsLength: 29.72" / 755mm |
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