Category: Journal

Spring sees the release of 3 new scale model toys to join the growing JCB fleet!

The first two out of the blocks are 1:32nd scale models by Britains, a classic British model brand that celebrate 100 years in 2021. The 1CXT is the smallest Backhoe Loader in the JCB range but it packs a mighty punch when it comes to the number of jobs it can do. Check out our video of the real machine in our Videos section and you’ll see what we mean! The model is released in January and features moving rubber tracks, extending rear digging arm (backhoe) and a fully functional front loader arm with shovel (bucket).

The model started life around 12 months ago as real machine data was collected (CAD – Computer Aided Design) alongside photographs from all angles of the machine. The Britains team then create a first (tooling) sample followed by a decorated sample before moving onto make the final production models. There’s lots of checking and adjustments made throughout the whole process to make sure the final model is as accurate as possible but also just as important built for play!

The second 1:32nd scale model is the 6 Tonne Dumper which is launching in February. This model is based on a very new design from JCB and features a swivel tip on the large front bucket (the skip). The real machine version is made at JCB’s world HQ in Staffordshire.

The final new toy for Spring is made by Bruder in Germany – the JCB Teletruk. This is in a larger scale of 1:16th and is the first time an electric (zero emissions) machine has been created in scale toy form. Like all Bruder toys the JCB Teletruk features lots of authentic details and functions ‘just like the real thing’. Bruder also make many different play figures and accessories to create even more authentic play possibilities for children

JCB currently hold 3 official guinness world records for speed!  The first was set in 2006 at Bonneville in the USA and saw the JCB Dieselmax set a record of 350 miles per hour (mph) – the fastest diesel-powered car ever.  There was a great deal of excitement around the time of the event and we captured the sleek speedstar in 1:50^th scale with a die-cast metal model.  The model came with special packaging which set the car on the Bonneville salt flats style base and background.  Around 2,000 of those miniature models were made and they are now quite rare to find. 

In November 2014, it was the JCB GT that took centre stage in Australia when setting the world record for the fastest Backhoe Loader.  Driven by JCB’s Matt Lucas, the GT reached an average of over 70 mph.  The huge rear tyres and supersized exhausts on the GT were real stand out features on the machine so when it came to creating a model of this record-breaker we felt we wanted to have a more caricature style.  A resin model with oversized tyres and posed in ‘wheelie’ format was produced in limited 600 pcs with a scale of around 1:32. 

Finally, in 2019 TV motoring star Guy Martin drove a specially modified Fastrac into the record books at Elvington in the UK.  The Fastrac achieved an average speed of 135 mph, smashing the previous record.  This time we created a detailed scale model of the special Fastrac at 1:32^nd scale (2,500 pcs worldwide) as well as a slightly larger Resin model version (limited to 600 pcs worldwide). 

Our JCBshop currently sells all the models (except the Dieselmax)

Perhaps the most colourful JCB machine in the world is the ‘Rainbow JCB’! I mean who doesn’t love a rainbow coloured digger right?!

The uniquely decorated JCB 3CX backhoe loader is owned by machinery plant hire company Flannery Plant, a family company that started life in London in 1972 with a 3C JCB Backhoe Loader. #RainbowJCB came into being around 3 years ago to help promote the Building Equality campaign which has grown significantly in the last few years. The Building Equality campaign is dedicated to creating a construction industry what is wholly welcoming, inclusive and supportive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other related communities.

The special machine has appeared up and down the UK supporting Pride and inclusivity events. Crowds of over 1.5 million people attended the Pride London parade where the #RainbowJCB was one of the highlights.

A special 1:32nd scale model was even created for the machine so that Flannery could help thank people who supported their campaign. Even in miniature form, the 3CX looks amazing!

What a positive story and what a bright machine!

A brand new book has been launched which takes its inspiration from the world renowned JCB Backhoe Loader. ‘The Little Yellow Digger that saved christmas’ is the first of a proposed series of children’s story books written by a JCB UK employee Matthew Wroe and features a very recognisable 4CX at the heart of it.

This is Matthew’s first book and as well as the obvious JCB link, his young family have also played a big part in creating the first in the series. Indeed they even feature in illustrated format throughout the book as they come face to face with a certain special seasonal visitor! The drawings were created by an Australian based illustrator friend of Matthew’s called Crystal Rose Stott. A global collaboration that was completed during the height of the Covid lockdowns in both countries.

True to Matthew’s generous and charitable spirit, all profits from the books will be donated to children charities including NSPCC, Unicef, Ronald McDonald Foundation and The Birmingham Children’s Hospital. We think this is something incredibly positive created at a time of great uncertainty and we wholeheartedly recommend you checking it out especially if you have any young JCB fans in your family or simply if you love a good heartwarming Christmas read with the kids.

The book is available now from Amazon