TWH 022 - Bucyrus 49HR Blast Hole Drill
Model Review May 2008

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The 49HR is a large model.

Bucyrus box.

Inside the box.

All the parts out of the box.

The mast folded for transport.

The Bucyrus 49HR is a hard rock drilling rig used in opencast mines for rotary drilling holes which are later packed with charges and fired to break up the rock and enable easier excavation by shovels and draglines.  The 49HR can drill holes up to around 400mm (16in) diameter which can be angled by up to 25° and the mast height is typically nearly 20m (65ft).  The drill motor is fixed to a trolley which travels up and down the mast using a rack and pinion system.  This design allows constant pressure to the drill head when drilling.

The model is made in China by TWH and is 1:50 scale.  It has been produced in a variety of different colour schemes and this version is white with a blue mast.

Packaging

The picture box is fairly large and the model is contained within a pair of expanded polystyrene trays.  Judging from the condition of the outer plain box it was clear that it had be subject to some rough handling in the post and as a consequence there were a few loose pieces inside the box when opened.  These were easily refixed in position.  One of the track links was broken and a new set of tracks was promptly provided.

Included in the box is a small 20 page booklet which gives information about the 49HR and also the Bucyrus company.  A double sided instruction leaflet is provided and it is very good, with clear photos and a listing of parts.  A useful plastic pick tool makes it easy to open the various doors on the model without needing long fingernails.

Detail

The metal tracks are very good and finely detailed and this level of detail continues to the track frames which have rivets and electrical wiring from the idlers.  There are four stabilisers and these have large pads on the end of realistic hydraulic pistons.

At the front of the body is the operator's cab and this is highly detailed with very good graphics on the outside.  Inside there is an excellent console arrangement with detailed screens, equipment and operator's seat.  Outside the cab is a ladder leading to the cab roof where there is a number of spotlights and a fine air conditioning unit.  The high quality handrails also have a siren attached completed with wiring leading into the cab.

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