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Komatsu WA1200 Wheel Loader

Maker:  NZG
Model No:  889
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  May 2015


NZG Index
Mining Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)8
Detail   (max 30)24
Features   (max 20)17
Quality   (max 25)22
Price   (max 15)9
Overall   (max 100)80%

Footnotes


Komatsu WA1200 Wheel Loader Video [YouKu Video]
Komatsu branded box.
Big tyres.
Impressively large.
Grilles in the side.
Inside faces of the wheels are detailed.
Very straight handrails.
The silver screws at the back detract a little.
Big loader arms with discrete rivets.
Loading a 250 ton class mining truck.
Comment on this model.

The Komatsu WA1200 is a wheel loader intended for mining and quarrying operations.  It has an operating weight of around 220 tonnes and a bucket  capacity of 23.5 -45.8 m³. 

This version of the WA1200 is in Komatsu yellow.

Packaging

The model comes in a large Komatsu-branded box, with the model contained within a pair of expanded polystyrene trays.  It is secured to the lower tray with temporary shipping screws.

There were no missing parts or defects on the review model. 

There are detailed technical line drawings and specifications of the real machine printed on the box.  There is no assembly to do as the model is complete. 

Detail

This is a big and heavy model.

The chassis is detailed, and the transmission is good with the drive shafts modelled.   The rubber tyres are high quality and they are hollow and not solid.  They are mounted on detailed wheels which have the inside faces detailed too. 

At the back the radiator grille is very good with real perforations.  Above it the light cluster looks realistic and there is a metal silvered mirror.  The handrails on the model are also very good.  They are of thin metal and are nice and straight.  There are more fine grilles on the sides of the engine housing.

On top of the engine cover there are fine details contained within the casting.  The air cleaners and exhausts are modelled in plastic with the exhausts only having shallow holes. 

The cab detailing keeps up the standard with an aerial, lights, wipers and metal mirrors.  Inside the detailing is good and it includes a trainer seat.

Underneath the cab there is a metal access ladder on one side and an enclosure on the opposite side which is plastic and less good.

A large transmission element is visible and forward or it the pivot point is very good with a mass of hydraulics, steering cylinders and a drive shaft.

At the front, the axle assembly is suitably heavy with the only plastic parts being the light stalks.  Nice details include lifting eyes at the front.

The loader arms have very sharp graphics and discrete rivets are used.  The rams are well detailed and have hydraulic hoses. 

The bucket has some very good detailing including the top grille and teeth.  However the appearance behind the top of the bucket is a little bit spoiled by two large screws which would have been better painted.

Features

It rolls very smoothly helped by the heavy weight. 

The rear axle oscillation is very good with very little sideways movement.

Steering across the pivot point is engineered well with a very good angle obtainable.  The steering rams are nice and stiff.

The bucket achieves a very good cut angle and a good carry position.  The height of lift is realistic and the tipping angle is very good too.

Quality

This is a high quality model which is a heavy chunk of metal. 

The paintwork and graphics are very good.

Price

Compared to some other very large wheel loaders it is pricey, but it is very good quality.

Overall

NZG has produced another model true to its traditions of using diecast metal so it is big and heavy.  It is nicely made and robust.  It is an impressive looking wheel loader.

Footnotes

The model was first announced at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2014 and became available in January 2015.
   A limited edition in white, model 889/01, was also produced.
 
At rest.
Profile view.
Very nice grille at the rear.
Good transmission detail.
Detail at the pivot point.
 
Detailed cab includes a trainer seat.
Very good casting details.
Travelling with a load.