 | | The big box. |  |  | | Blade at the front. |  | | Mass of detail on the backhoe. Pins on chains keep the stabilisers in position. |  | | Stabilisers lowered. |  | | Backhoe folded for transport. |  | | The shovel lifts to a good height. |
| This is a large scale model of the first JCB ever made. It is a backhoe mounted on a Fordson Major tractor with loader, and in addition it includes a blade which was a rare attachment.
The original machine stands in the JCB world headquarters and over 500 were built in the period 1954 to 1957.
Packaging
The box is very large and includes photos of the original machine as well as the model, and a brief history of the Mk1. The model is contained within expanded polystyrene trays which protects it well and the review model had no defects or missing parts.
A simple instruction sheet explains some of the functions. There is no assembly to to and the only other part supplied is a clip to secure the loader in a raised position if desired.
Detail
Despite the large box and scale the model is not particularly heavy and that is because much of it is in high grade plastic which is a material Universal Hobbies are skilled at using.
The detail underneath the model is very good with the engine and steering mechanism modelled well. The large scale allows the wheels to be authentically reproduced with very nice rubber tyres and plastic hubs which have tiny details including wheel nuts and tyre valves.
The engine is plastic although the cover is metal. Inside the engine there is some excellent details with extremely fine representations of hoses and cables. The cab is plastic but as with the rest of the model the colour match to the metal parts is excellent so the nature of the material is not apparent. Inside the rudimentary nature of the original machine is reflected well with basic controls and instruments and the need to reach outside the cab to operate the shovel.
The backhoe details are excellent and again it is a composite metal and plastic piece with most of it plastic. The hydraulic lines look great as they have realistic connectors where they attach to the control box. The bucket is entirely metal.
At the front the loader mechanism framework is mostly metal as is the blade, but the shovel is plastic. The hydraulics box is finely detailed with rivets and hydraulic connectors.
Features
The front axle steers and there is a working linkage to the steering wheel although it turns only very slightly when the wheels turn. The front axle also has a degree of up and down oscillation.
Inside the cab the backhoe seat can be raised out of use and lowered to drive the backhoe.
The whole backhoe assembly can be raised and lowered however because of its weight there is no easy way to keep it free of the ground as if the JCB was being driven along. The stabiliser extensions can be unpinned and folded down to enable digging throughout the arc. The range of movement on the backhoe components is good with the cylinders being stiff enough to hold any pose.
The loader assembly works well and it can lift the bucket to a good height. Tipping the bucket can be done by pulling the lever outside the cab just like on the original. The blade can be raised up but there seems to be no way to keep it raised to enable the shovel to be used for digging.
Quality
This model follows Universal Hobbies approach of using a significant amount of plastic which no doubt keeps the cost of the model down and also allows some finer detail. Fortunately the quality of the plastic and the colour match is very good so the model looks very nice.
Price
The model is good value given its size and detail.
Overall
This is an impressive looking model which makes a good display piece because of its relative large size. Although the use of plastic will not be to every collector's taste, it has been done in way which does not impinge on the look of the model. With that said it is highly recommended.
Footnotes
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|  | | The JCB sits in the tray. |  | | Excellent details around the cab. No windows allow for air conditioning. |  | | Set up and digging. |  | | The high detail level continues underneath. |  | | The tyres and hubs look very authentic. |  | | Hydraulics box hangs on the side. |  | | The radiator is reproduced well. |
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