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| The outer sleeve.
|
 |
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| Nice 769 front
grille. The stands are over large. |
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| Very good tyres. |
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| Two stage rams.
|
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| Operator in the
cab. |
|
|
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| Tiny graphics on
the suspension rams. |
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| Two stage rams
with grey centre section. |
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| Operator in the
cab. |
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| Displayed
loaded with rocks. |
|
This model set traces the history of Caterpillar 40 Ton
rigid frame haulers. It includes models of the 679 and
the 770.
Packaging
The packaging is high quality with a hinged lid which
opens to reveal photos and documents reproduced on the
inside.
The review set had no missing parts or defects.
A mini catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included.
The set includes a comprehensive 88 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, but the stands are large and obtrusive. The
display would have looked better with smaller stands painted
black.
The 769 has nice tyres mounted on detailed plastic wheels.
There are soft mud flaps behind the front wheels.
At the front the grille looks very good although on close
inspection it is actually formed by graphics. The
lights
are good. The cab has plastic mirrors which have an
excellent colour match. The old style graphics have
the machine name, Cat 769. Inside the cab is an operator
in older style clothing.
At the back the suspension is modelled well, and there are
rock deflectors hanging from the body. The dump body
is all metal with nice side ridges. The hydraulic
rams are two stage with a gray plastic middle section.
Moving on to the 770 and the tyres have a good tread pattern
and they are mounted on hubs which have good detail.
Behind the front wheels large mud flaps are modelled in
plastic.
The front grille is solid with the Caterpillar name on top.
The cab has interior detail and a usual Diecast Masters
operator, and a windscreen wiper on the outside. There
is plenty of hand railing around the cab although it is
soft plastic. Mirrors are provided, and they are also
plastic.
The rear axle is nicely modelled and includes tiny safety
graphics, and there are rock deflectors. The dump body is
cast well with a good representation of structure. The two
stage hydraulic rams are similar to those on the 769.
Features
The models can be removed from the baseplate by undoing
screws.
As the models sit high on the stands the wheels can be spun.
On both models the steering is functional although the range
of movement is limited.
The dump body can be tilted, with a reasonable range of movement although
the rams were rather looser on the 770 at the low end.
Quality
The models are very good quality with nice paint and graphics.
The presentation of the set is excellent.
Price
The set is reasonable value for two models and a reference
book.
Overall
The Diecast Masters Evolution Series provides excellent
history on the real machines covered, and the models are
nice quality too, although the mounting plinths detract
from the display a little. The 769 is a new model
whereas the 770 is a reworking of a previous 772 model.
Footnotes
The set first appeared at the end of 2019.
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| Brochure reprints
in the lid. |
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Profile view. |
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| Decent tilt angle.
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Soft plastic handrails on the 770. |
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| Nice base plate
presentation. |
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| Nice wheels. |
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| Very good tilt
angle on the 770. |
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