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The Machine
According to ThomasNet ®
"The 49 series drills, which are known for their
reliable performance, will be put to work in copper
mines. Designed for their ability to be productive in
hard rock situations,
Bucyrus' 49HR drills are designed to handle the
toughest mining requirements, providing many features
for reduced maintenance and increased productivity.
Components are designed for easy access and maximum
longevity. Gear trains, including mast machinery, are
engineered for strength and durability. A reliable
electrical system performs in all weather conditions and
an efficient and comfortable cab support maximum
operator productivity". ThomasNet ®
continues "The 49HR provides angle hole drilling of up
to 25 degrees with a 9-5/8" to 16" (251 mm to 406 mm)
hole diameter and includes several upgrades compared to
earlier models. Fully cleated crawler links with an
increased pin bearing area provide smoother operation
and longevity. A tubular mast with a forged and machined
rack provides a long lasting rack life and stable
structure that resists cracks. A new water injection
system provides cost-effective dust control with
resistance to water contamination".
The Model
The
TWH Collectibles Bucyrus 49HR Blasthole Drill is, without question, the finest example
of the modeler's craft I have seen in over 15 years of
collecting! TWH's attention to detail is amazing!
It is hard to come up with the words to describe this
masterpiece.
Like many good ideas, the 49HR was
born from researching another project. In this
case a tooling model review of the Bucyrus 495HR Mining
Shovel in 2005.
Once it was decided to introduce
the Bucyrus 49HR into the TWH Collectibles
product lineup a 9 - 12 month process began.
First, a resin tooling model was made and approved.
After the resin tooling model is produced and approved,
tooling is produced which the metal parts are molded
from.
Metal samples are produced and approved by the customer.
Toward the end of his process, the custom designed
packaging , information booklet, assembly instructions,
product sheets, and packing containers were all planned.
Finally, the 49HR was released in the Fall of 2007.
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Click on
Photo to Enlarge
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| This 1:50
scale diecast / multi-material
model is 13.5 " long, has a
width of 5.5", weights 5.30
lbs., and stands 23.25 " with
the mast up. needless to say,
this is a very large model.
It comes
partially assembled and
very well packed It is
very easy to add the remaining
parts. However, like all
detailed models, I would suggest
using the enclosed cotton gloves
when handling the model.
Current
decorations available are:
Click Here to see colors
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Bucyrus
- White
with Blue Mast
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White/Blue with White Mast
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Orange
- White
with Red Mast
Functions:
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Supplied key operates
pulldown gear system and
hoist rotary machinery
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Replicated angle drill
operations
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Functional outriggers
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Removable covers features
the following:
- Engine compartment
- Lubrication system
- Compressor and radiator
fan
- Electrical compartment and
switch wall
- Hydraulic room
Features:
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Precise location of mast
torsion boxes
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Engineered routing and
locations of hoses and
conduits
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Detailed inner cab
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Engineered deck for easy
access to components and to
view drilling area
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Photoetch catwalk
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Realistic safety rails,
cages, ladders, and grates
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Realistic lighting
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Highly detailed graphics
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Opening doors
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Using the supplied keys, the
pulldown gear system allows the collector easily hoist
and lower the rotary machinery. Notice the detail
presented in the photograph to the right of the ladder,
electrical wiring, hoses and detailed warning graphics.
Using the keys, the housing can travel the entire length
of the mast.
Additionally, the winch can be
hoisted and lowered by using the same key. This
devise is located at the bottom of the mast.
Like the real machine, the model's
tubular drill mast can be adjusted to various
drilling positions. This procedure is done by
simply moving the mast to the desired position and
inserting the backstay pins to lock the mast.
The drill hollow
drill rod is easily inserted into the bottom of the
drill motor.
After taking a very close look at the drill rod and bit,
I was amazed at the detail TWH Collectibles placed into
this assembly! WOW! The drill bit even shows
some signs of use. The drill rods are colored to
simulate use. The drilling deck is a exact
reproduction of the real machine, including all piping ,
electric connections, and ladders.
Close up of detail drill bit
The model's cab
presents astonishing detail. The cab is
highlighted by a detailed interior with complete
operator board layout, chair, computer screen, and
diamond plate rubber floor covering.
Interior detail
The cab also displays
realistic flood lighting, opening doors, highly detailed
air conditioning unit, and a window grill that can be
raised. Again, there are clean crisp graphics
surrounding the cab.
Under the cab are
four square holes. There are hole covers inside
the shipping box that cover these holes. Be
careful, when moving this model. Unless you glue
these, they will fall off.
Opposite of the cab
are the compressor and radiator fan compartments.
These areas have opening doors that, when opened,
provide access to these areas. Of particular
interest are the tubes and electrical wiring that feed
the radiator fan. Yes, you can even see the fan
motor and the electrical wire powering it and the
radiator hoses.
The model features
functional tracks and outriggers. Note: the
outriggers were used to level this model for
photographs.
The model comes with
three removable roof panels. When removed, the
switch wall, electrical compartment, and hydraulic room
can the displayed. All the switches are labeled
and even cables go to the electrical panel. You
can tell the quality of the workmanship of this piece by
looking at the detail built into this area of the model.
Nothing is left out!
Also, displayed are
realistic safety rails, ladders and photoetched
catwalks. Notice the outside lighting, opening
door, retractable ladder, and signage on the photo
below. Detail, Detail, Detail is the name of the game
with TWH Collectibles!
Finally the rear of
the model show the electric cable feed and the position
of the backstay pins. The cable actually has a
mechanism that moves horizontally across the length of
the cable feed.
Conclusion
The folks at TWH
Collectibles do their research before they produce any
model. In this case, they partnered with Bucyrus
to produce one of the best looking mining models I have
seen in over fifteen years of collecting.
The attention to
detail, graphics, and functional devices makes this
model one that can be passed down from generation to
generation with each generation just as amazed as the
prior!
TWH Collectibles from
Manitowoc, Wisconsin, applies knowledge, hard work,
teamwork , and enthusiasm to produce on of the
most spectacular models I have ever seen.
At the beginning of
this review I wrote "I could not come up with the words
to describe this masterpiece!" I've tried, and
still find to hard to describe this work of art.
However, one word would sums it up..... WOW!
On a Wow factor of
1 - 5, I give this model a 5!
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