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| Core Classics
box design. |
 |
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| Steering is
sprung so cannot be posed. |
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| Simple detailed
chassis. |
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| Operator in the
cab struggles with the steering wheel..
|
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| Detailed
graphics on the gooseneck. |
|
|
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| Detailed rear
end. |
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| Loading the
compactor. |
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| Simple details. |
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| The operator in
the cab is not included with the model. |
 |
| Single axle
booster. |
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| Other loads on
board. |
|
The Caterpillar CT660 Vocational
Truck line was introduced in 2011 and was Caterpillar's
first entry into the commercial truck sector. The line
was short-lived and was cancelled in 2016.
The model is a Caterpillar CT660 Day Cab Tractor
with an XL 120 Low Profile HDG Trailer and a Caterpillar
CB-534D XW Vibratory Asphalt Compactor. Two boosters
for the trailer are also
included.
This model is one of Diecast Master's Core Collection.
Packaging
The packaging consists of a cardboard outer shipping
carton which encloses plastic formers holding the model.
There were no defects or missing parts on the review
model.
There is information about the real machines printed on
the box, but there is nothing about the model. The
compactor is rigidly fixed to the trailer with a screwed
part, but this is easily removed if required.
A Diecast Masters mini brochure is included.
Detail
There is some detail under the CT660 although the
transmission is incomplete and one of the plastic
mouldings is hollow underneath. The engine and
gearbox look good, and the tyres
have a good tread pattern and are mounted on plastic
hubs.
At the front the radiator looks realistic with
all the shiny chrome work being plastic. The air horns
are short and the exhaust stacks seem thin compared
to photos of the real truck. Under the hood the engine is
well detailed. Mirrors are plastic.
Inside the cab the seat backs have Cat printed on the
back, and there is a driver figure, but the steering
wheel looks too large.
Behind the cab the detail is fairly simple with
completely smooth wheel arches, the light
bar has lights coloured, and there are soft mud flaps.
There are no coiled lines.
The trailer is made up of the gooseneck, the
trailer, and a 1-axle or 2-axle booster in the East Coast design.
The gooseneck is a metal part. It has sharp
graphics applied.
The trailer is a heavy metal part. There are
plastic ramps at the front, and the deck has plastic
replica timber surfaces which have a nice texture and
pattern. The edges have the outriggers modelled in
the casting and there are sharp graphics. The deck
has a good-looking pre-camber.
At the rear, the axle assemblies are modelled well, and
the wheels are detailed. There is a textured
surface on top and there are soft mud flaps at the back.
The rear lights look convincing.
The two boosters are very similar with the difference
being the number of axles. They are mainly metal
with sharp graphics and the same plastic wheels as the
trailer, and soft mud flaps. They lack a drop leg
jack so they can stand properly when not connected.
An 'Oversize Load' sign can be attached to the rear of
the trailer or boosters.
The compactor is very simple underneath. The drums
look good although the paint finish around the edges was
scruffy on the review model. The inner faces of
the drums have some decent bolt head detailing.
At the front there is a Caterpillar logo and the lights
are highlighted. The detailing at the back is
similar. The engine cover has the grilles marked
by graphics and there is a loose fitting exhaust.
There are useable lifting eyes at each corner.
The cab area is completely plastic.
Features
The front axle steers a moderate amount with the
steering being sprung so posing the model being steered
is difficult.
The hood of the tractor opens forward fully and can stay
posed open.
The gooseneck is detachable from the deck and is hinged
so the angle is adjustable.
The deck has fold-down ramps at the front. The
rear axles have a degree of vertical float.
Either the one-axle or two-axle booster can be added to
increase the capacity of the trailer.
The compactor drums turn without being free rolling.
Steering across the pivot point is simple, but it
achieves a good angle. An operator can be fitted
in the cab, although one is not supplied in the box.
Quality
This is a moderate quality model with significant
plastic on the tractor and compactor
The paintwork is mostly good, and the graphics are very
good.
Price
This is a lower cost model and is reasonable value.
Overall
The Core Classics line from Diecast Masters generally
comprises older and more value-oriented models. As
a compromise the quality is lower than the High Line
series, and the detailing and features are of a lower
standard. However, it is a good way to obtain a
lower cost heavy haulage model and load.
Footnotes
The model appeared in May 2019.
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|
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| The parts. |
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The model in basic
configuration. |
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| No coiled
lines. |
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| Opening hood. |
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| Underneath the
trailer. |
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| . |
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|
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| Two boosters
are included.
|
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| Cab area is all
plastic. |
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| Drum surface is
nice. |
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Nice camber on the deck. |
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