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The
box. |
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Impressive
counterweight.
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Very detailed
track frames. |
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Tiny seat in
the cab. |
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Great detail in
a small size. |
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Dipper flap
open. |
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Profile view. |
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Access stairs
lowered. |
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The P&H 4100XPC is an electric mining shovel that provides
a nominal payload of up to 120 ton loading capacity. The
dipper SAE struck capacity is up to 100ydł. It is designed
for use in mines operating large mining trucks in the 240-400
ton range and it is one of the largest shovels in the world.
This model is in the unusual small scale of 1:160. This
scale is also N-scale as used in model railway layouts.
Packaging
It comes in a P&H / Komatsu branded box, which is delivered
inside an outer shipping carton. Inside, the model
is contained between a pair of expanded polystyrene trays.
The model is secured to the base with a twist tie and care
is required to remove this without damaging the delicate
parts of the model. It is interesting to note that the lower
tray is marked TWH 123 suggesting the model has had a long
gestation.
There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.
Included with the model is a small instruction sheet which
describes how to remove the model from the box and the assembly
of separate handrails. In fact no assembly was required
on the review model as it was complete out of the box.
A reprint of a P&H brochure about the P&H line of
shovels is included. A winding key is provided for
operating the model.
Detail
The model is remarkably detailed considering its small size.
There is some nice detailing underneath the body, and the
track frames are very detailed. There are no working
rollers, but the tracks appear to be metal and are very
nice.
The drive sprockets have massive motors attached and these
are linked to the electric stinger assembly which has a
cable drum with coiled cable.
The body of the real machine is huge and so is large even
in this small scale. At the rear the counterweight
has the feel of being made of solid chunks of metal with
the casting detail and P&H letters stand out. Around
the body are various walkways and stairs with fine realistic
scale metal handrails which all give a high quality look.
Doors are modelled with hinges and glazing.
There are many tiny graphics such as warning notices and
the larger graphics are very sharp. Moving to the
roof, it is covered with fine gauge metal mesh walkway panels
and these look great against the yellow paintwork.
There also three glazed roof lights and these have protective
rails around them. Around the model are a number of
floodlights.
At the rear the Air Scrub Pro canopy is modelled
well with its distinctive shape, and underneath there is
lattice work, hoses and a fan array. The boom support
structure has more excellent walkways and stairs and the
main connectors to the silver boom support cables look
great.
The cab is impressive
and a tiny operator's seat can be seen, and there are
cabinets behind. The cab roof was slightly
misaligned on the review model which was easily
correctable. Tiny handrails and a ladder safety
cage add to the detailed look.
The boom is of heavy box beam construction. There are stairways to the top where the
two spoked rope wheels are located.
The twin dipper handles are metal with a toothed underside
for the crowding action, and they are fixed to the bucket
with necessarily large friction rivets.
The dipper is a very chunky piece of metal. It has
very thick walls and a heavy handle. The pulley
shapes are cast in to the bucket. The detailing of the
bucket is excellent given the scale.
Features
The tracks
roll very easily. The idler wheel on each track frame is spring
loaded so it is easy to remove the tracks.
There are two means of access. The main access
staircase lowers and reaches the ground nicely.
The rotation is very smooth and easy.
The dipper is raised and lowered by inserting the
supplied key in a false window of a door on the side.
Pressure is applied to release the brake and the key wound
or unwound to move the dipper. Moving the dipper handle in and
out is done by hand.
The dipper flap can be opened
and closed.
Quality
This
a high quality small scale model with a high metal
content.
The paint and graphics are very good.
Price
The
price is reasonable given the high detail and unique
nature of the model.
Overall
In many ways this a remarkable model of the P&H 4100XPC.
A giant machine has been reduced in size to something
small which would look great on a desk or in a suitable
display case..
Footnotes
This model first appeared in 2018 and was also made in a
weathered version.
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Contents of the
box. |
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Electric cable
reel at the back. |
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At rest. |
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Very detailed
roof.
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Cable drum. |
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Excellent
bucket. |
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Rocks in the
bucket. |
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