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| The box. |
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| Inclusions. |
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| Rear view. |
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| Mounted on a
support bracket. |
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| Operator and
controls. |
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| Attractive old
timer. |
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This model is of the Caterpillar 966A which is a
machine that was sold between 1961 and 1963.
It is one of Diecast Masters Vintage series.
Packaging
The set comes in excellent packaging. Within an
outer shipping carton there is
an outer sleeve which covers a high quality box. The
box has a hinged lid with a ribbon restraint. Inside
the box lid there is information about the real machine.
The review set had no missing parts or defects.
A mini
catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included and
there is a part which has to be fitted.
Also included is a display board and a blank
replacement
strip for the display base nameplate.
Detail
The model is fixed to a base plate which has the name of
the machine engraved on an insert.
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. He even has
'Caterpillar' printed on his cap.
A plastic umbrella has sharp graphics.
The rivets used on the loader arms are on the large
size, but 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 pipes
are modelled. Some of the graphics applied to the
loader arm structure are very small and perfectly
legible.
The bucket has teeth.
Features
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 model can be removed from the base by undoing
screws.
Quality
The model is very good quality with nice paint and
graphics.
The presentation is excellent.
Price
It is reasonable value overall.
Overall
The Vintage Series gives the option for Diecast Masters
to present a variety of historic machines. Both
the presentation and the model are very pleasing.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in 2022 in the Vintage Series.
It was previously included in the 966 Evolution Series.
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| In the box. |
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Bucket raised. |
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| Reasonable rear
wheel steering. |
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Nice mechanical linkages. |
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| Base plate with
engraved name.. |
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| Tiny graphics. |
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| Underneath. |
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