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| Conrad box.
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| Heavy looking
machine. |
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| Excellent mesh
detail over the engine. |
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| Details at the
articulated joint. |
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| Tipping its
load.
|
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| It is a good
match for the LH621
Underground Loader. |
|
The Sandvik TH550 is designed for
underground rock excavations where headroom is a
problem. The real machine weighs around 36 tonnes
and has a payload of 50 tonnes.
Packaging
The model comes in a Sandvik branded presentation box
with a good photo.
The review model had no defects or missing parts.
There is some information on the box about the real vehicle
but no instructions for the model. The only assembly
required is to fit two mirrors which only takes moments.
Detail
It is a heavy model with a high metal content and
underneath the main transmission elements are modelled.
The tyres are particularly nice and chunky with a strong
tread pattern and the wheel hubs are detailed.
The front end is modelled well with plenty of detail
contained within the metal casting including cab door
hinges and textured surfaces. There is a metal grille
on the top of the model which is particularly finely
rendered.
On the side and front there are plastic grilles and good
details are the fire extinguisher which is stowed at the
front and a safety grille on the rear cab window.
The dump body of the truck is a solid metal casting and
as a nice detail includes lifting eyes along the top
edge for removal of the body.
Features
The front axle oscillates up and down.
Steering the truck can be achieved using the articulated
joint in the centre and a good angle can be obtained.
The front grilles can be opened to give access to
cooling equipment within the engine.
The tipping angle of the body is very good and the
hydraulic cylinders are stiff enough to hold any pose
set. A neat feature is a safety bar under the body
which can be folded down to act as a prop and provide
safe working when the vehicle chassis is being
maintained.
Quality
This is another strong Conrad model with little plastic.
It is painted well and finished with good graphics.
Price
It is good value considering the large metal content.
Overall
This is another interesting model of a Sandvik machine
and looks good when paired with the LH621 Underground
Loader. It is highly recommended.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2011.
It was made in two versions - the version made for
Sandvik had some green decoration. A
revised version
of the model was introduced in early 2012.
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|
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| Foam
rubber packing. |
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| Big tyres have
good tread. |
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| Warning
chevrons abound.
|
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| Opening
grilles.
|
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| Tipping angle
is very good.
|
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| Profile view. |
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