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Caterpillar 793F Mining Truck

Maker:  Norscot
Model No:  55273
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  April 2011


Norscot Index
Mining Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)7
Detail   (max 30)24
Features   (max 20)15
Quality   (max 25)18
Price   (max 15)12
Overall   (max 100)76%

Footnotes


Caterpillar 793F Mining Truck Video
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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.
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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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.
Big profile.
Fire suppression gear on the cab deck.
It will probably not fit in your garage.