The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
C70
1:87 Scale
Rating
7.5/10
C70 Class Gondola
XingXing Model / Orangutan
Prototype Information
The C70 class hopper was an improvement over the hugely popular C64 class appearing in late 2005. Like their predecessors, they are transport a wide range of cargo from containers, coal, ballast and general goods. While almost identical in dimensions and appearance, the C70's have an increased load capacity of 70 tons. They are rated to a maximum speed of 120kph. The class were initially painted in an attractive dark blue livery, however this was quickly replaced with standard black as the blue paint was found to fade rapidly when in service, as can be seen in this photo with fresh blue patchwork.
General Information
A huge amount of C70 hoppers has been produced by XingXing/Orangutan since 2012. The table above may not be exhaustive of all the road numbers or production runs, so if you have any further information or road numbers not shown in the table, please message me so they can be included. They feature a plastic body, separate plastic floor and a metal weight spliced between the two. Bogies are plastic and wheels are steel.
Packaging
XingXing/Orangutan's C70 models come in a one piece thin cardboard box with an attractive photo on the front. Inside is a two piece plastic clam shell to support the model. No spare parts or information sheet is included.
The second production run had a packaging facelift and the box was replaced with a more sturdy two piece cardboard box with a plain design and "Orangutan Model" logo in the center.
Details
Most details are molded into the shell and XingXing have done well to achieve a very good looking model. The upper lip is a bit on the wide side, but unavoidable with today's plastic injection molded technology. All other lines are very crisp and sharp and they have a high level of realism. Side ladders are metal, as are the uncoupling rods. The other details such as hand brake assembly and footsteps are plastic. The brake wheel and chain detail isn't great, I believe as a result of excessive paint on these parts. The handrail above the park brake wheel also has its holes drilled out a bit excessively. The undercarriage detail is all there and looks quite good asides from some minor flash lines from the manufacturing process.
The base color paint is applied well, although the blue version in my eyes is far too bright compared to the prototypes. The early C70's that wore this color were almost navy blue (and I promise the blue in these photos is darker than what the model actually is). I bought this example knowing this so I could write up a review and intend to weather it fairly heavily so not so much a big deal for me, but it may bother those who are after a more realistic looking wagon. The lettering is not too bad for the most part, but some of the larger numerals appear a bit on the thin side.
The plastic coal load is fairly Spartan, but can be easily improved with a bit of paint and crushed coal or stones on top. The load is removable and it exposes the completely blank wagon interior. There is a large imperfection in the center of the shell which is a byproduct of the injection molding process.
Performance
The wheels are metal and are chemically darkened. The wheels are double insulated and all arrived in gauge. The bogies are mounted to the frame with screws and pivot well with a slight amount of vertical play. They roll extremely freely.
Couplers
The C70's come with plastic knuckle couplers. All photos in this review show the cars already fitted with my replacement #156 Kadee couplers (long shank, scale heads) with magnetic pins removed. Changing couplers is a simple process - unscrew coupler box plate, remove stock coupler, add new coupler, screw coupler box plate back on.