 | | Hitachi branded box. |  |  | | Warning graphics on the counterweight. |  | | Metal track pads have bolt head details. |  | | Textured walking surfaces on top. |  | | High detail. |  | | Opening door to the very detailed cab. |  | | Convincing transport load. |  | | Mirror could be folded in for transport. |  | | Silver connections on the bucket stand out a bit. |
|  Comment on this model.
The Hitachi ZAXIS 250LCN-5 is an excavator with an operating weight in the range of 25 - 27 tonnes. It has a bucket capacity of between 1.0 and 1.62m³.
This model is of the version of the machine with a monoblock boom.
Packaging
The box consists of a combination of a shaped clear plastic former and expanded polystyrene tray held within an outer cardboard box.
There is a table and a couple of graphics on the box showing the dimensions and digging characteristics of the real machine.
A bag of parts is included with spare track links and two mirrors which have to be fitted. There is no information about where the mirrors have to be fitted (they go on the grab rails at the front) and they are very loose fitting so need to be secured by glue or something else to prevent loss.
Detail
The metal tracks have detailed pads with individual bolt details and they are mounted on good track frames but the rollers are solid and non-functioning. There are small graphics indicating the lifting points. The underside of the undercarriage has a plastic plate.
The cab is very good. The window frames are finely detailed and the grab rail is thin although there was some untidy gluing on the review model. There are some very small graphics on the door but they are not completely sharp. The light bar above the windscreen is entirely in clear plastic and so does not like quite right. Inside the cab the detailing is excellent with a sculpted floor, a full set of controls and a computer console. The inside of the plastic door has an extremely fine grab rail and the ceiling of the cab is detailed too. The Hitachi name is printed onto the seat.
The body casting has grilles which are either painted or formed of slots through the casting. The standard of the graphics is high and the counterweight has neat warning signs, and there is a video camera on top. The top of the body has small bolt heads within the casting and textured walking surfaces. It is good to see the exhaust pipe has a hole, and the engine cover has a very thin handle although the hinge is a little large and obvious. Under the hatch the engine is very detailed including a fine-gauge mesh.
The hydraulics are of an excellent standard throughout. Silver connectors are used on the hoses and pipes, the cylinder jackets have separate pipes, and the hoses between the boom and stick are wrapped by tiny springs to represent reinforced hoses.
The boom and stick have other details within the castings and only the silver rivets used around the bucket connection look a little out of place and would have been better painted. The metal bucket is a reasonable casting.
Features
The tracks roll on a rough surface but are a little stiff and they are tensioned with spring loaded idlers. They are made of individual hooked links which separate easily if the tracks are removed from the frames.
The body rotates smoothly and the boom, stick and bucket have a good range of movement and can be posed in any position.
The bucket is removable by undoing the tiny nuts and bolts opening the way to the use of different tools in future.
The cab door can be opened to a wide angle although the mechanism on the review model was delicate and the fit of the door into the frame was not the best.
The engine cover is hinged and can be opened up and stays in the open position. The hinge bracket is a little unsightly and would look better painted.
Quality
This is a high quality detailed model.
The paintwork and graphics are to a high standard.
Price
It is very competitively priced and very good value for the quality offered.
Overall
As a first model by TMC Scale Models the ZX 250 sets a high standard at a good price. It is very detailed and realistic with plenty of features and is classed as outstanding.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in December 2012.
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|  | | Profile view. |  | | Excellent hydraulics make the model look realistic. |  | | Thin hand rail at the front with mirror attached. |  | | Overall look is convincing. |  | | Excellent hydraulic pipes, hoses and connections. |  | | Excellent hydraulics at the boom foot. |  | | Opening cover reveals a fine engine. |  | | Loading a tipper. |  | | Good range of movement is possible on the boom and stick. |  | | Removable bucket. |
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