Hitachi ZX345US-7 Tracked Excavator

The Hitachi ZX345US-7 is the largest of the ultra-short tail swing excavators available, tipping the scales around the 36 ton mark and powered by a 249hp Izuzu 6HK1X 6-cylinder diesel engine. Model manufacturer Replicars have surprised everyone with the release of a very impressive 1:50^th scale model, capturing all the detail and functionality of the original, starting with the cabin which has a fully kitted out interior visible through the large windows and opening cabin door. Everything is in place, from the armrests with integrated joystick controls to the tracking levers, pedals and hydraulic cut-off lever. The side body panels have a very fine textured surface for the grill openings while the upper engine panel can be opened to reveal a detailed replica of the Izuzu powerplant. Printing is used to good effect for the anti-slip panels on the upper surface of the body with safety railings added to the opposite side of the superstructure. A full set of hydraulic lines have been added to the model, from the fixed lines raised on the back of the boom to the armoured hoses with silver printing used to highlight the valves. The tracked undercarriage offers a sturdy footing, with individually linked track pads that have a good tension, keeping them taut while still allowing them to rotate. The front-end equipment faithfully captures the range of movement of the original well, with the ram ends and pins all painted orange showing good attention to the smaller details.