|
The outer
sleeve. |
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Models sitting
on a base plate in the box. |
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Models on the
base. |
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Nice looking
966A. |
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Decent height
of lift. |
|
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Nice tyres. |
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Limited
steering angle. |
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This model set traces the history of Caterpillar wheel
loaders from the 966A Traxcavator through to the 966M.
It includes models of the 966A and 966M, and also a book
describing the history of the wheel loader series.
Diecast Masters has introduced this set as the first of
its Evolution series.
Packaging
The set comes in excellent packaging. There is
an outer sleeve which covers a high quality box.
The box has a hinged lid with a ribbon restraint.
Inside the box there are reprints of 966A and 966M
marketing sheets, and various photos of wheel loaders in
the series.
The review set had no missing parts or defects.
A mini
catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included.
Detail
The set includes a 44 page ring-bound book. It is
comprehensive and is drawn with information from the
Caterpillar archives. Each version of the 966 is
described, including the innovations associated with
each version. As a book it is an excellent
reference work to accompany the models.
The models are fixed to a base plate which has nice
quality badges embedded. The models are fixed by
screws with stands. The stand are the same colour
as the models when perhaps black would have been less
obtrusive.
Starting with the 966A, the tyres are of good quality
rubber with a matt finish and a convincing tread
pattern. The wheel detailing is good also.
The casting of the body is high quality with some good
texturing of horizontal surfaces, and the radiator
grille at the back. Hinges on panels are detailed
within the casting, and the lights at the front and rear
look the part. The area around the operator's seat is
very good, with control levers, pedals and instruments
finely replicated. An operator is permanently fixed in
the seat and has appropriate clothing for the period.
An umbrella is an enhancement to the original version of
the model.
The connections on the loader arm is good and although
the rivets used are on the large size, they are painted
so the look of the model is not impaired much. Good
detailing is also seen on the loader arm cylinder
jackets where the hydraulic lines are modelled. Some of
the graphics applied to the loader arm structure are
very small and perfectly legible.
The bucket has teeth and is different from the original
Norscot version of the model.
The 966M has nice quality rubber tyres with a good tread
pattern are mounted on wheels, with detailed plastic
exterior faces and simple inside faces. The engine
cover has graphics for grilles in the sides, and the
rear grille is nicely formed. There is a towing hitch
visible.
The walkways around the cab have a non-slip texture and
the metal handrails are very good. The cab is detailed
with wipers front and back, and the mirror, grab rails
and light assemblies. The interior has the usual
Diecast Masters operator.
The loader arm with the Z-bar linkages is modelled well
with very thin hoses running to the ram jacket, and
decent detail in the metal parts. The rivets in the
loader arm are quite large and visible although they are
touched up with paint which improves the look. The
material handling bucket has good detailing on the
outside.
Features
The
models can be removed from the base plate by unscrewing.
The 966A rolls easily enough, and there is some steering
movement of the rear axle.
The loader mechanism works well with a good tipping
angle.
The 966M rolls well, with limited steering across the
pivot point.
The loader mechanism has a limited lift height, and the
tilting angle is not good.
Quality
The models are very good quality with nice paint and
graphics.
Price
The set is good value.
Overall
The
Evolution series is a step forward by Diecast Masters in
terms of the presentation of models that tell a story.
The included book is excellent and the whole package is
very pleasing.
Footnotes
The
set first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2018.
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Brochure
reprints in the lid. |
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Book is
excellent. |
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966A on the
left, 966M on the right. |
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Good tipping
angle.
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Very nice
presentation. |
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Nice bucket. |
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