 |
| The outer
sleeve. |
 |
 |
| Models sitting
on a base plate, and the book. |
 |
| The 977D
ripper. |
 |
| Operator has
Caterpillar printed on the cap. |
 |
| Extra holes
drilled in the base to accommodate the fixings. |
|
|
 |
| Simple ripper
on the 963K. |
 |
| Decent bucket. |
 |
| Extra fixing
holes drilled in the bottom of the 963K. |
 |
| Just clears a
low sided tipper. |
|
This model set traces the history of Caterpillar
track loaders from the D2 Traxcavator through to the 963K.
It includes models of the 977D and 963K, and also a book
describing the history of the track loader series.
Diecast Masters has introduced this set as one 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 977D and 963K marketing
sheets, and various photos of track 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. Various versions of track
loader 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 stands are not visible when the models
are mounted.
Starting with the 977D, the small metal tracks are good
and they are mounted on detailed track frames.
There are no working rollers, but the upper rollers are
modelled.
The ripper attachment has three tines and the hydraulic
ram has hoses running from it. An excellent detail
at the back is the graphics with tiny legible writing.
The operator's area is convincing with replica levers
which are plastic and slightly large, but flexible
enough to simulate movement. An operator is fixed in
position and he is in period clothing. A nice
touch is that Caterpillar is printed on his cap. A
plastic umbrella provides protection.
At the front the radiator grille looks very good.
The bucket lift and tilt arms have large riveted
connections but they are painted so they are less
obtrusive.
At the front the bucket is a simple but solid casting
with anti wear plates on the bottom.
The 963K has metal tracks and they are mounted on
detailed track frames. There are no working
rollers.
At the back there is a simple ripper attachment, and the
radiator grille is nicely modelled. The side
grilles are formed by graphics and the grab handles are
in tough plastic.
The cab has door handles detailed in the glass, and
there are plastic grab rails and wipers. Inside
the cab is the usual modern-style Diecast Masters
operator.
At the front the loader arms have discrete pained
connections and the 963K graphics are very sharp.
The bucket is a nice casting with good structure and
teeth.
Features
The
models can be removed from the base plate by unscrewing.
The 977D has fairly stiff tracks which share common
axles so they turn together. They can be rotated
by hand.
The ripper has a good range of movement, particularly
downwards. The loader reaches high and the
mechanism is stiff. The tilt angle is a little
restricted as is the carry angle when the bucket is
down..
The 963K has free rolling tracks.
The ripper has very restricted downward movement.
The loader mechanism has a limited lift height, but the
tilting angle is very good. There is no carry
position when the bucket is down.
Quality
The models are very good quality with nice paint and
graphics.
Price
The set is good value.
Overall
This second set in the Evolution series provides another
interesting insight into the history of some Caterpillar
machines. The functionality of the models is not
the best, but as a display piece the set looks really
good.
Footnotes
The
set first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2018.
|
|
|
|
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| Brochure
reprints in the lid. |
 |
|
Overall look is great. |
 |
| Very nice
radiator grille. |
|
|
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| Good height on
the 977D.
|
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| Nice base plate
presentation. |
 |
| Height of lift
seems a bit low. |
 |
| Nice pair. |
|
