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Caterpillar D11T Track-type Tractor - JEL

Maker:  Diecast Masters
Model No:  85565
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  November 2018


Diecast Masters Index
Mining Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10) 9
Detail   (max 30) 25
Features   (max 20) 17
Quality   (max 25) 21
Price   (max 15) 10
Overall   (max 100) 82%

Footnotes


Caterpillar D11T JEL and CD Track-type Tractors Video  [Youku video]
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Caterpillar branded tin.
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Nicely detailed tracks.
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Detail underneath.
 
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Ripper can be posed cutting deeply.
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Detailed instrument clusters.
Opening cover.
Big dozer.
Impressive mining model.


The Caterpillar D11T (JEL Design) has an operating weight of around 113 tonnes.  It is used for large quarry operations.

This version of the model carries a U Blade.

Packaging

The model comes in the usual exemplary packaging.  There is an outer shipping carton which contains a tin which is protected by a nylon bag.  The tin is high quality and includes pictures and details about the real machine.

The review model had no missing parts or defects.

A mini catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included, and a single sheet describes how to place the separately provided operator inside the cab.

Detail

The underside has some detailing including the transverse beam connecting the track frames.  The metal tracks are very good and have bolt head details.  The track frames do not have working rollers, and the high drive sprocket is plastic with a good colour match.

The single-shank ripper assembly is metal and the tooth is sharp.  The rams are plastic but they are detailed and have a good colour match, and there are many soft hydraulic hoses.  

The cab structure is metal and the wipers are formed within the casting.  The black hand rails are metal and thin.  Grab rails are a mix of metal and plastic.  The inside of the cab is detailed with the Cat logo on the seat back and graphics for the instrument clusters which is a nice enhancement of detail.    The roll over protection structure (ROPS) has small lights.  The folding access ladder on the side is plastic and unfortunately has some untidy moulding.

The walkway around the cab has a textured surface, and there is fire suppression equipment at the rear.

The standard Diecast Masters operator can be placed in the seat. 

At the front the engine cover has grille details formed by graphics and the exhausts and air intakes are plastic.  The front grille is very good and there is a tiny Cat logo on top.

The metal U blade has wear plates detailed at the bottom and it is good to see perforations in the grille on the top edge even though that part is plastic.   There are hydraulic lines running to all cylinders.

Features

The tracks roll very easily and are spring-loaded. 

The ripper assembly is very stiff and has very good movement.  It can be parked high or positioned with the ripper down.

The blade can be raised and lowered and the mechanism is reasonably stiff.  The tilting function is modelled well with a large range of movement possible.

The rotating access ladder sits well in the parked position, but is difficult to position in a vertical pose without slanting to the side.

There are opening engine covers on each side and they allow a view of some engine detail.

The ROPS and cab roof is removable allowing the operator to be placed in, or removed from, the cab.  This is flexible arrangement allowing the model to be posed working, or parked with the operator in the cab or out as appropriate.

Quality

It is a very good quality model with a high metal content.

The paint is very good and the graphics are sharp.

Price

It is reasonable value for a large model.

Overall

As usual for this range from Diecast Masters the packaging is exemplary.  It is good to see incremental improvement in some aspects of the modelling  As with other dozer models it would be nice if there was a  removable blade assembly.

Footnotes

The model was announced at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2018 and was released in October 2018.

 
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Ripper parked high.
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Impressive U blade.
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Detailed blade assembly.
 
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Perforations along the blade top.
Profile view.
Ladder rotates down.
At work.