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Caterpillar D11T Track-type Tractor - Matte Silver Finish

Maker:  Diecast Masters
Model No:  85252
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  April 2020


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) 23
Price   (max 15) 10
Overall   (max 100) 84%

Footnotes


Caterpillar D11T Track-type Tractor - Matte Silver Finish Video  [Youku video]
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Caterpillar branded box.
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Excellent display.
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Impressive big Cat.
 
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Detail underneath.
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Matte silver finish looks great.
Details seem to stand out more in this colour scheme.
Handrails are black.
Perforations on top of the blade.
Access ladder rotates down.


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.   It is in a special Matte Silver finish and is one of Diecast Master's Caterpillar Commemorative Series.

Packaging

The model comes in an outer shipping carton which contains a yellow Cat branded box.  Inside is a presentation box.

The review model had no missing parts or defects.

A mini catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included.

Detail

The presentation box is high quality.  It has a photo od the D11T on the inside of the box lid.  The model is supported on a plastic stand on the base.  The base has a mirror finish and there is an etched nameplate.  Overall, the effect of the presentation is stunning.

The underside of the model 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.

The single-shank ripper assembly is metal and the tooth is sharp.  The rams are plastic but they are detailed and the silver finish hides the material type completely.  There are many soft hydraulic hoses which are black.  

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 with the same silver finish.

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

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.   There are hydraulic lines running to all cylinders.

Features

The tracks roll very easily and are spring-loaded.  They are able to be rolled with the model supported on the base.

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.

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 inside of the cab to be seen.  There is no operator figure included with the model. 

Quality

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

The matte silver paint finish is exceptional.

Price

It is reasonable value for a special high quality finish.

Overall

This is a different kind of model in that it is aimed at being a high quality ornament.  It achieves this completely.  The matte silver finish is extraordinarily good, and it seem to make the finer detailing on the model really stand out.

Footnotes

The model was released in late 2019.

 
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Presentation box.
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Super mirror finish base.
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Blade height is very good..
 
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Big ripper.
Profile view.
Heavy blade.
The seat is silver too.
Opening engine cover.
Looks great.