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| Transport
Series box sleeve.
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| Impressive
appearance. |
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| Chassis
details. |
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| Tilting hood.
|
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| Loaded. |
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|
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| On site. |
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| Maximum tipping
angle. |
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This truck is a Western Star 4900 SF Dump Truck.
Packaging
The packaging consists of a cardboard outer shipping
carton which encloses a very high quality drawer-style tray
within a picture sleeve.
There were no missing parts
or defects on the review model.
Included with the model are two exhaust pipe extensions
which have to be added. The box has some details of the
real truck. A mini brochure for the Diecast Masters
Transport Series is included.
Detail
The chassis has the engine,
gearbox and transmission detailed in plastic, but it
looks good. The
chromed tanks and boxes are shiny, and there are
soft mud flaps. The plastic wheels are
detailed and there are different tyres on the various
axle types.
The front grille is very good and there is a tiny
Western Star badge at the top. The lights and front
bumper look nice also, although there is no number plate
as this is a generic model.
Around the cab the chrome work is very good and the
mirrors are plastic. The steps are textured.
The exhaust stacks are very detailed and inside the cab
the seats have the Western Star logo printed on.
There is an array of lights and horns on the roof.
The
lift ram for the dump body is multi stage with two of
the stages modelled in grey tough plastic which does not
look so good.
The dump body is metal with plastic ladders at the
front, and red and white graphic highlights along the
bottom edges. The timber top edging is modelled in
plastic. The tailgate has the grain hatch modelled
in a simple non-functional fashion.
The easy cover mechanism is modelled including the cover
material, but it is non-functional.
Features
The
front steering has a limited range of movement, and the
model rolls well. The pusher axle has excellent
steering and it can be raised out of service.
The hood tilts forward to about 45° and can pose in a
tilted position. The engine underneath is detailed.
The dump body can be raised but the mechanism is very
stiff. The maximum angle appears a little less
than the real truck can achieve. The tailgate
opens but it is not free swinging and has a limited
opening angle.
Quality
This model is nice quality with plastic
used on the smaller parts of the Western Star chassis.
The paintwork and graphics are to a high standard.
Price
It is reasonable value.
Overall
This is a good utility dump truck model which poses well
in a diorama with other models.
Footnotes
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| Very nice
grille, but restricted steering angle. |
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On the road. |
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| Pusher axle
raised. |
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| Chrome work. |
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| Tipping. |
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|
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| Posed with a
Peterbilt truck behind.
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