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Caterpillar 330 Hydraulic Excavator - Next Generation

Maker:  Diecast Masters
Model No:  85585
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  June 2020


Diecast Masters Index
Earthmoving Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10) 9
Detail   (max 30) 26
Features   (max 20) 14
Quality   (max 25) 20
Price   (max 15) 11
Overall   (max 100) 80%

Footnotes


Caterpillar 330 Next Generation Hydraulic Excavator Video  [Youku video]
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Caterpillar branded tin.
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Parked up.
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Some detailing under the body.
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High detail on the top of the body.
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On the road.
 
Maximum depth of dig is not realistic.
At work.
Electric cable to the work light is highlighted.


The Caterpillar 330 Next Generation Hydraulic Excavator is a machine in the popular 30 tonne class. 

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, and a tool is provided for the purpose.

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 has a window.  Inside the detail is very good with Cat on the seatback and also on the left control console.  There is also a graphic on the side cab window. An operator wearing bright high visibility clothing can be fixed in the cab. 

The body has highlighted panel handles and the side grille is formed by graphics.  The new-style 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.

The boom and stick have been modelled with the plastic insert on one side rather than the underside, but the colour match is excellent.  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.  Electric cables to the work lights are highlighted in black.  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.  The ability to dig at depth is compromised with significant amount of the ram pistons unable to be retracted..

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 as usual for models in Diecast Masters Highline Series.  The detailing is very nice, and the functionality is very good other than lowering the boom to the maximum.

Footnotes

The model became available in May 2020.

 
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The contents of the tin.
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Sharp Cat logos.
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The grilles are formed of graphics.
 
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Decent bucket.
Profile view.
Overall appearance is convincing.
Poses well in transport mode.
On site.