David Wylie reviews the new all-metal 1:50th scale ultra-class DEMAG H485 die-cast model from KPS Models.

Something a bit different today on the blog, as we present another of my Earthmovers colleague, David Wylie's in depth model reviews, this time focusing on the DEMAG H485 in 1:50th scale.

DEMAG H485 Background

In 1986, Demag announced production of the world record breaking 550tonne H485 model for a coal mine in Scotland. The H485 was then continuously developed under a Komatsu/Demag joint ownership to become the forerunner to their class-leading 800t Komatsu PC8000 model.   Today, Komatsu Germany Mining (KGM) – who bought out Demag’s remaining shares - enjoy a market share of 77% of the 800tonnes class of hydraulic mining excavators with around 120 units sold.

Precision die-cast model maker KPS Models has just launched its first Demag model and has replicated history by selecting the mighty H485 in backhoe configuration. A face shovel model will also be produced and limited to just 50 units for each version. Whilst each of the two models will share the same upperstructure, the backhoe model will have a company livery of Saxonvale Coal fitted, and the face shovel will be in standard Demag livery for this classic monster miner.

 Model Review

This KPS model represents the 5th H485 machine off the line - and first in backhoe configuration - in Düsseldorf in 1989, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Demag excavator factory ("Baggerfabrik"). The machine was delivered to the Bulga Coal company, at Saxonvale mine, Australia, in February of 1990 and affectionately known as  ‘Doris‘. Swinging a 26m3 bucket, it could load 1500m3/h of various hard rock, clay and sandstone material.

The standard of each new KPS model is better than the last one. The Demag H485 is quite simply breath-taking in size, detail and this backhoe model is extremely well proportioned and accurate.  The upperstructure rotation is both smooth and taut.  The amount of detailing, quality of manufacturing and sharpness of all the castings, brass panels, photo-etched parts is to KPS’s usual exceptionally high standards. The depth and quality of paint colour, finish and all decals are exquisitely replicated.

KPS co-directors Steve Porter and John Stott are delighted with this model.  Steve said, “I’m known for being a massive O&K fan and didn’t think I’d be saying this Demag H485 backhoe model is my favourite KPS model to date.”

KPS Proto-type H485 face shovel model

Despite a recent and significant increase in metal prices, KPS continue to cast the majority of their models in expensive pewter metal alloy to produce very clean and sharp castings. KPS have once again used etched brass panels for the highly detailed upperstructure on the H485 to ensure the finely detailed radiator cowlings and hydraulic cooling packs and grills are accurately reproduced.

The metal track pads are lacquered dark grey and standout nicely against the rest of Demag yellow undercarriage. The spring-loaded front idler keeps the highly detailed track pads taught - and 8 bottom, 3 top rollers - smoothly rolling and the spoke design drive sprocket and idler are a work of art!  The undercarriage is finished off with highly detailed track motors, gearboxes, hydraulic hoses, and Demag’s unique outer teeth slew ring cover and swing drives.

All-new aluminium front end cylinders/rods have a good range of movement and use grubscrews – which are out of view on the underside - to pose the heavy boom, stick and bucket in any realistic position with an Allan key provided.

The rear access steps slide smoothly down to ground level. The upperstructure has accurately replicated laser-etched treadplates leading to and around the cab area.  The Demag branded service crane lifts vertically and rotates from its stored position, and the hand-held remote control is great. Two auto-grease barrels and small fire extinguisher add to the realism.

The cab door is hinged to open; or the cab can lift off to reveal the operators’ highly detailed work station. 

Windows have a black outer line giving the impression of rubber window frame securing bead. Cab handrails, mirrors and front screen wiper blades are fitted.  Crystal glass for all large work lights add realism to this impressive model. The “boxing ring” handrails on top of the cab roof - to service the air-condition unit and lights -  is another nice touch.

KPS use real rubber hoses, so the look and feel of all the hydraulic hoses on the front-end equipment is simply outstanding. The boom, stick and bucket weighs nearly 2kg! And are extremely well detailed, as are all the pin caps, lifting eyes and bolts on this element – as well as the counter weight - of this machine.  Tiny auto-grease lines running down the stick add incredible detail. And in keeping with this period, the bucket has a light degree of wear package showing.

And if a collector also has a 1980’s period HaulPak haul truck, they make a nice pass-matched pair.

The highly detailed hydraulic fan drive motor at the back of the hydraulic cooling pack.

The near side radiator grill is also finely detailed, as are the huge twin exhausts - from the V16 MTU engine - that stretch all the way back under the body panels.  Lifting eyes for the rear counterweight.

It is difficult to find fault with this model, as KPS and their skilled model makers, have carried out a tremendous amount of research and executed it well in producing this highly-detailed model. Together with a pot of touch-up paint and two spare track pads, it is all these fine details listed in this review that set KPS models apart from other “mass-market” model makers. 

Conclusion 

Demag model collectors will not be disappointed with this model, as KPS have delivered another outstanding 1:50th scale all-metal model designed, crafted, and built in North East of England.  The Demag H485 Backhoe - and the soon to be released face shovel - retails at £1650 + P&P.  To order or for more information, contact KPS at info@kpsmodels.co.uk.