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P&H 4100XPC Electric Mining Shovel

Maker:  Weiss Brothers
Model No:  022
Scale:  1:160
Review Date:  December 2018


Weiss Brothers Index
Mining Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10) 8
Detail   (max 30) 27
Features   (max 20) 16
Quality   (max 25) 23
Price   (max 15) 10
Overall   (max 100) 84%

Footnotes


P&H 4100XPC Electric Mining Shovel Video  [Youku video]
The box.
Where to buy
Impressive counterweight.
Very detailed track frames.
Tiny seat in the cab.
 
Great detail in a small size.
Dipper flap open.
Profile view.
Access stairs lowered.



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.
 
Contents of the box.
Electric cable reel at the back.
At rest.
Very detailed roof.
Cable drum.
 
Excellent bucket.
Rocks in the bucket.