Diecast Masters 71033 Western Star 4700 SF mixer review: a shorter red truck with a plastic drum
Choose the red Western Star 4700 for a compact mixer display while checking its plastic drum, limited steering and extended chute space.
At a Glance
Model essentials
- Metallic red cab · gray body
- 1:50 Transport Series
- Approx. 7.375-inch catalog length
Collection highlights
- Rotating drum and repositionable chute
- Opening hood reveals the engine
Before you choose
- Plastic mixer drum
- Restricted front steering
Available from Diecast Models Wholesale
View model at retailer ↗Price and availability subject to change
The 4700’s most consequential compromise is hidden by a broad catalog phrase: a diecast truck can still have a plastic mixer drum. On 71033, that distinction affects the largest visible component behind the cab. It is a reason to look closely at the finish, not to assume either an all-metal model or a poor-looking one.
| Area | What the original inspection establishes | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Drum | Plastic, with a well-finished painted surface | A metal-drum collector should exclude it; a shelf collector can judge the appearance |
| Cab front | Detailed grille and chrome work | The truck retains interest with its discharge equipment stowed |
| Rear access and chute | Plastic ladder, platform and chute parts | The rear is more than a metal body with a few small plastic accessories |
The 71033 inspection treats the finish more favorably than the material mix. That is the distinction missing from an assessment based only on the word diecast. The model can satisfy someone collecting Western Star decoration while disappointing someone collecting metal mixer mechanisms.
What the smaller truck still does
The drum turns, the chute moves sideways and two extension sections can be fitted. Together with the opening hood, that gives the red truck useful mechanical interest without the Bridgemaster’s elaborate auxiliary-axle arrangement. Restricted front steering remains a limitation for a sharply turning position.
The merchant’s approximate 7.375-inch length describes an unspecified pose. It is shorter than the blue 4900’s listed 8.75 inches, but neither number is an extended-chute measurement. The 4700–4900 comparison is useful if the material difference has already ruled one truck in or out.
Pros & Cons Analysis
See the source attributions and review limitations below.
Pros
- Two clip-on chute extensions let the inspected truck reach beyond its traveling outline. That is useful for a pour scene, provided the extra space is planned.
- The chrome around the cab gives the front of the truck visual interest even when the mixer is parked.
Cons
- The inspection identifies substantial plastic content, including rear access parts. Buy for the appearance and working arrangement rather than an all-metal expectation.
- Limited steering makes a straight approach easier to depict than a sharp turn into a narrow entrance.
The finish can justify it; all-metal expectations cannot
For a red Western Star collection, the finished drum and cab detailing can be enough. For a collection built around metal mixer bodies, 71033 fails that requirement regardless of the quality of its paint. The shorter listed outline is a secondary advantage, not a substitute for the right construction.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Diecast Masters |
|---|---|
| Product code | 71033 |
| Subject | Western Star 4700 SF mixer |
| Edition / version | Transport Series |
| Color / livery | Metallic red with gray body |
| Scale | 1:50 |
| Model type | Concrete mixer truck |
| Materials | Diecast metal and plastic; plastic mixer drum |
| Length | 7.375 in |
| Width | 2.5 in |
| Height | 3 in |
| Measurement basis | Approximate catalog dimensions; pose unspecified |
| Opening panels | Tilting hood |
| Moving parts | Front steering; rotating drum; swiveling chute |
| Lighting | Unknown |
| Power source | Unknown |
| Included figures | Unknown |
| Included equipment | Two clip-on chute extensions — inspection |
| Display base | Unknown |
Diecast Masters 71081 Kenworth T880 SFFA mixer review: plan the discharge side
