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Caterpillar
branded tin. |
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Side grilles
are graphics. |
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Detailed cab. |
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Thin hoses and
silvered connectors |
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On site loading
a tipper. |
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Operator in the
cab. |
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At work. |
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Digging down is
a little short. |
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The Caterpillar 320GC Next Generation Hydraulic
Excavator is aimed at emerging markets where the demand
is for a simpler and robust machine without high
technology.
It is used
for earthmoving, roadwork, and material handling operations.
Packaging
The model comes in excellent packaging. There is
an outer shipping carton which contains a tin which is
protected by a nylon bag. The tin is high quality
and includes pictures and details about the real
machine.
The review model had no missing parts or defects.
A mini
catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included. A
simple instruction sheet describes how the operator
can be inserted in the cab.
Detail
The undercarriage is mainly metal with a plastic
baseplate. The tracks are metal with triple
grouser shoes. They are mounted on decent track
frames with static rollers, and there are a couple of
tiny graphics on each frame.
The cab has got
a plastic mirror and the wiper is formed within the cab
structure. There is a metal grab rail and the
plastic roof is solid. Inside the
detail is very good with Cat on the seatback and also on
the left control console. An operator
wearing bright high visibility clothing can be fixed in
the cab.
The body casting represents the body shape very well and
the side grille is formed by graphics. The Cat
graphics are very sharp and there are some tiny warning
signs. On top the engine cover is plastic with
more graphics used as grilles. The colour match on
the engine cover is slightly off to the metal parts.
There are textured walkway surfaces and the handrails
are metal with a plastic mirror.
Soft hydraulic lines run to the boom and silvered
connectors are modelled. More pipes and hoses run to the
stick and again the connectors are modelled. Rivets on the boom, stick and tools are painted
and there are small graphics on the stick.
The metal bucket is a nice casting with sharp teeth.
Features
The tracks roll easily, and they are mounted on
spring-loaded idlers to maintain tension.
It rotates well.
The boom and stick have a good range of movement, and
the bucket movement is reasonably good too. It is
a little short of the movement possible by the real
machine.
The operator can be installed in the cab for when the
model is posed digging, or the cab can be empty to
represent the machine being parked up or transported.
Quality
It is a robust model with a high metal content.
The paint is good and the graphics are sharp.
Price
It is reasonable value.
Overall
The model is beautifully presented. It looks good
with small graphics adding detail. The range of
movement of the stick is improved in this version of the
model and the removable operator gives more flexibility
when displaying the model.
Footnotes
The model became available in May 2018.
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Parked up. |
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Some detailing
under the body. |
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Textured steps
and metal handrails. |
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Being
transported.
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Profile view. |
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Looks good. |
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