 |
| The box. |
 |
 |
| Impressively
large. |
 |
| High detail.
|
 |
| Heavy loader
arms.
|
|
|
 |
| Massive front
axle. |
 |
| Detailed
bucket.
|
 |
| Profile view. |
 |
| Detailed cab. |
 |
| Decent height
of lift. |
 |
| Opening cab
doors. |
 |
| At work. |
|
The Komatsu WE 1850 is an ultra class wheel loader intended
to load mining trucks with payloads in the 240 to 360 ton
range. It has an operational weight of around 270
tonnes.
Packaging
It comes in a Komatsu branded box. Inside, the model
is contained between a pair of factory-sealed expanded polystyrene
trays.
There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.
There is some assembly of handrails and lights to do, but
there are no instructions. However, it is reasonably
straightforward.
Detail
Underneath, the model has some detail including
folded ladders. The tyres are of large well
moulded rubber with a deep tread. They are mounted on metal
hubs which have tiny safety notices printed on.
At the rear, the huge radiator block is protected by a fine
mesh screen. Behind the screen there is another screen
in front of the radiators. Also at the rear is a towing
hitch bar.
On the left side there is a powered access stair which has
excellent mesh steps. A stair rises up to cab level and
there are metal handrails throughout. Detailed equipment
is modelled under the platform and the visible engine modelling
looks good. There is a fire extinguisher outside the cab
and a large bank of detailed equipment in front of the rear
wheel. Large hydraulic hoses cross the pivot point and tiny
graphics and grab rails add detail.
On the right side is another access step and more detailed
equipment. A full length ladder rises up to the cab.
Outside the cab are excellent mesh platforms. The operator's
cab has air horns and air conditioning equipment on the
roof, and a light bar with excellent mirrors. The
inside of the cab is fully detailed.
The roof of the engine compartment
has a textured surface and two chunky metal exhaust stacks protrude
which reside in a mesh enclosure.
Other equipment and cabinets are modelled.
At the front, the 40yd³bucket is a large heavy piece with
excellent teeth. It also has a pair of lifting eyes
and the top has a serrated window to enable the operator
to see better what is in front of the machine. The
weight of the bucket is indicated on one side. The linkage
arms are heavily built with fine pipe work and hose detailing,
and lifting eyes.
The main lift cylinders have excellent hydraulic hosing
leading to realistic connectors. The cylinder jackets
are plastic with a very good colour match. Just in
front of the cab are some first class mesh walkways and
hand rails, and lighting stalks on each side contain silvered
lights.
Features
The wheels roll well.
The rear axle is 'floating' and allows all wheels
to be remain grounded on a rough surface.
Steering across the pivot
point achieves a good angle.
The bucket can be posed with very good cut and carry
angles.
Raising the bucket works well with the rams being very
stiff so any pose can be held. The 'dump' angle is
a little too shallow compared to the real machine.
Both
cab doors open.
At the rear, the main access stair can be lowered and
raised.
The radiator cover opens, and a further inside cover
also opens.
Under the pivot point two small ladders can be slid out
from their holders to an in-use position.
The model has not been designed to facilitate being used
as a transport load. However, a skilled collector
may be able to attempt some partial dismantling to pose
some parts as loads.
Quality
This a
high quality model with a high metal content,
and plastic used appropriately to provide detailing.
The paint and graphics are excellent.
Price
It is
a large and very detailed model and this is reflected in
the price.
Overall
This
version of a Komatsu ultra class wheel loader maintains
the high standard of previous models in terms of
detailing and functionality. It looks great in a
mini diorama with a suitable mining truck as companion.
Footnotes
This model was first announced in February 2024.
|
|
|
|
 |
| Tipping angle
is shallow. |
 |
| Very good carry
angle on the bucket. |
 |
| Underneath. |
 |
| Pivot point is
very detailed. |
 |
| Excellent mesh
walkways and stairs.
|
|
|
 |
| Excellent
equipment. |
 |
| Opening
radiator covers.
|
 |
| Rear stair
lowered. |
 |
| Carrying rocks. |
 |
| Looks great
with a mining truck. |
|
