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| The outer
sleeve. |
 |
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| The box and excellent book.
Two parts also. |
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| Excellent book. |
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| Winch at the
back. |
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| Nice spoked
drive sprocket. The blade angle can be altered by
changing the screw position. |
|
|
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| Modern dozer. |
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| Winch at the
back. |
|
This model set traces the history of Caterpillar D7
Track-type Tractors. It includes models of the D7C and
the D7E, and also a book describing the history of
the D7 series.
This set as one of Diecast Masters 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 relevant marketing
sheets, and various photos of machines in
the series.
The review set had no missing parts or defects.
A mini
catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included
and there are two parts which have to be fitted.
The set includes a comprehensive
64 page ring-bound book. It starts with a written
history of this series of machines, and there is a large
photograph section. There is also a
comparison of machine specifications. It is an excellent
reference work to accompany the models.
Detail
The models are fixed to a base plate which has nice
quality badges embedded. The models are fixed by screws
with stands.
The
D7C has nice metal tracks and the old fashioned spoked
drive sprocket looks great. At the rear there is a
towing hitch and a large plastic winch arrangement.
The operator's area
has replica levers
and it is nice to see an operator which is is fixed in
position and is in period clothing. A
plastic umbrella provides protection.
The engine block has a plastic engine which is detailed,
and the exhaust pipe has a hole at the top. At the
front the radiator grille looks convincing and it has
the Caterpillar name on top as well as couple of work
lights.
The blade has wear plates on the bottom and a tiny
Caterpillar logo. The track frames look good too,
with black screw heads the only blemish.
The D7E metal tracks are nicely detailed with bolt
heads. The track frames do not have working rollers
and the drive sprocket is plastic with a slightly off
colour match.
The cab structure is metal with a plastic roof, and
there are plastic grab rails. Inside the cab the
detailing is very good, with the Cat logo on the seat
back. A separate operator is in the usual Diecast
Masters style.
Behind the cab there is a nice grille and also a plastic
access ladder. The winch is mainly modelled in metal
other than the winch cover. Hydraulic hoses are
included.
At the front the engine cover has grille details formed
by graphics and the exhaust and air intake are plastic.
The front grille is plastic and it looks good.
The metal dozing blade has wear plates detailed at the
bottom. There are hydraulic lines running to all
cylinders. The blade frame is secured by black screws
so they stand out a little, but that has been done as
they are designed to be easily removable.
Features
The D7C tracks can be rolled.
The blade can be raised an lowered. It can also be
repositioned from angled one way to straight or angled
the other way by removing two screws.
The D7E tracks roll easily.
The operator can be installed or removed by detaching
the roof, and this gives good display options.
The winch can be rotated.
The blade can be raised and lowered and the mechanism is
reasonably stiff. There is no usable tilt function.
The blade is angled to one side, but by undoing a screw
on each side the blade can be repositioned to straight
or angled in the opposite direction. However, the blade
is not removable.
Quality
The models are very good quality with nice paint and
graphics.
The presentation of the set is excellent.
Price
The set is good value for two models and a reference
book.
Overall
Once again the Diecast Masters Evolution Series delivers
another exceptional package, with the book being an
excellent reference work.
Footnotes
The
set first appeared in 2019.
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|
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| Brochure
reprints in the lid. |
 |
|
Written history in the book. |
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| D7C looks
smart. |
|
|
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|
Operator is fixed in position. |
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| Nice base plate
presentation. |
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| The angle of
the blade can be adjusted. |
 |
| Grille detail
is by graphics. |
|
