 |
| Big
Caterpillar branded
box. |
 |
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| Heavy
proportions. |
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| Massive wheels. |
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| Steering shown
at the maximum. |
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| Tipping height
is good. |
 |
| The double body
retaining cables add detail but there is nothing for
them to clip on to. |
 |
| Massive lift
cylinders for the truck body. |
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| Opening hatch
reveals the engine. |
|
The Caterpillar 793F Mining Truck
has a nominal payload capacity of 250 tons and a gross
operating weight of over 400 tons. The top speed
when loaded is 37mph.
This model is fitted with the 'X Body' design which is
intended for new mine sites and contractor mines.
Packaging
As usual the model comes in a standard Caterpillar box
style and it is fixed to the plastic base with tightly
wound ties. The review
model had no defects or missing parts, and there is no
assembly to perform.
The box has no information about the real machine,
but some of the features of the model are described.
Detail
Underneath, the major suspension and transmission
components are present although it looks a little odd as
there is no drive shaft from the engine to the rear
axle. It is good to see that Norscot have modelled
the engine in the 793F which was not the case on some
earlier models. The wheel hubs are plastic and
detailed, and the big rubber tyres are not too shiny, so
they look good.
The majority of the handrails are metal and they look
realistic. The cab deck has a textured surface and
it has nice fire suppression equipment and a double
exhaust. A good detail is that the mirrors are
different with one having a distinct convex shape.
Inside the cab double seats can be seen.
The body has a heavy metal construction although much of
the detailing and the structural ribs is made of
plastic. Fortunately the colour match between plastic
and metal is very good. There is good texturing inside
the body and lifting eyes are suggested in the upper
edge. At the rear there is a pair of
body retaining cables which are stored clipped on the
underside of the body, and debris bars for the rear
wheel pairs.
Features
The front axle steers to an angle which is reasonable
compared to the 36° of the real truck. The
rear axle has working suspension which is heavy but
effective.
The flap on the cab deck lifts to reveal the
engine inside and there is enough friction for it to remain open.
The body is raised by two stage cylinders and
these are stiff enough to hold any pose. The angle of
tilt
is very good. At the rear the body retaining
cables can be lowered but there is no attachment point.
The debris bars can be lowered and adjusted.
Quality
As befits a model of the real machine Norscot have
produced a robust product. A number of parts are
plastic, but with a good colour match. The
paintwork and graphics are fine.
Price
This is a big model and offers plenty for the price.
Overall
Big mining truck models always look impressive and this
is no exception. The detail level is not to the
best of modern standards but the overall impression is
favourable and it is highly recommended.
Footnotes
The model was shown at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2011.
The first version of the model had the 793F graphic
positioned lower on the side of the body.
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|
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|
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| Metal handrails
are good. |
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| A chunky
vehicle. |
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| Anti wear
plates inside the body. The centre
ones are plastic. |
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| Convex mirror
being admired by the Cranes Etc team member.
|
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| Big profile. |
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| Fire
suppression gear on the cab deck. |
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| It will
probably not fit in your garage. |
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