PLANTMOBILIA

CUSTOM MONSTER MINERS

David Wylie reviews a limited edition 1:50-scale model of an 800-tonne Komatsu face shovel, produced by BYMO in Drummond livery

In recent years BYMO has produced some of the most highly detailed and cost eff ective 1:50-scale die-cast mining shovel models available. Their fi rst replica of a Komatsu PC8000 was launched in 2013, which was subsequently upgraded to a fantastic, highly detailed model of the Dash 6 version of this monster miner. Infl uential collector Tim Mitchell identifi ed a demand for four custom versions of this model and worked with BYMO and the mining companies to produce a run of limited-edition models. This example is one of only 150 pieces in the livery of the US-based mining company Drummond, which operates a large fl eet of PC8000s. Tim ensured that it was an accurate replica of their fl eet number 62-48, the 100th PC8000 made by Komatsu Germany, which was delivered to Pribbenow surface mine in Columbia during 2013.

The high-voltage cable drum is extremely well detailed and features a length of cable that can be reeled in/out for added realism. The quality of paint fi nish on this model is exceptional, as is the sharpness of all the company logos, fl eet numbers and all the safety notices dotted around the upper-structure and stick.

Weighing in at a hefty 8.1kg, the model features an all-metal boom, stick and bucket, all of which can be put through their full operational range and posed thanks to appropriate resistance in the cylinders. That said, it would have been nice to have seen the boom hoist cylinders fi tted with grub screws, to provide reassurance the heavy front-end equipment would remain up in its posed position. These limited-edition models may still be available from good die-cast model retailers for around £470 plus postage. My thanks to Jon Hall of Diecast Construction Models for supplying this example.

Details such as catwalks, handrails, etched grilles, hydraulic rubber hoses and metal pipework running across the boom and stick are also to a very high standard. The cab features a highly detailed interior, complete with instrument panel, seat, control levers and pedals. The highly detailed, individually linked, free-rolling metal track pads wrap round working tensioners, idlers and bogeys to complete the undercarriage in stunning detail. The emergency egress ladder drops down to fl oor level and the handrail mounting brackets even have small bolt heads that are just visible with the naked eye.