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Caterpillar D9T Track-type Tractor - Weathered

Maker:  Diecast Masters
Model No:  85702
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  November 2020


Diecast Masters Index
Earthworks Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10) 8
Detail   (max 30) 27
Features   (max 20) 15
Quality   (max 25) 20
Price   (max 15) 10
Overall   (max 100) 79%

Footnotes


Caterpillar D9T Track-type Tractor - Weathered Video  [Youku video]
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Weathered Series box sleeve.
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Resin base is very good.
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Nice metal tracks.
 
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Realistic decoration on the ripper.
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Operator in the cab.
Weathered blade.
Realistic.
Looks good.


The Caterpillar D9T weighs around 48 tonnes.  It is used for large earthmoving operations.

This version of the model is in a weathered finish, and is the first in a line of models designated the Weathered Series.

Packaging

The model comes in an outer shipping carton which contains a sleeve which covers a presentation box. 

The review model had no missing parts or defects.

There is no information for the model, but a mini catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included. There is no information about the real machine.

Detail

The model comes with a heavy resin base which has rubber pads underneath.  The detaining of the base is very good and it includes track pattern.

The underside has some good detailing within the casting and there are transverse beams connecting the track frames.  The metal tracks are nicely detailed with bolt heads.  The weathered finish applied underneath the model is excellent.  The track frames have the rollers modelled within the casting and they are non-functional.  The high drive sprocket is plastic but this is disguised by the weathering.

The cab structure is metal and there are wipers on the windows.  The hand rails are metal and thin.  Grab rails are a mix of metal and plastic. and are also weathered.  Inside the cab there is the usual operator for Diecast Masters. There is a dusty look to the roof and it is also applied to the graphics.

Behind the cab there are work lights and red painted stop lights.  The single-shank ripper assembly is metal and the tooth is sharp.  The rams are plastic but they are detailed. There are plenty of hydraulic lines although the connection points are a little crude.  Again the weathering is excellent and includes the hydraulic lines.  Some is also applied to the pistons although they may have been better left clean.

At the front the engine cover has grille details formed by graphics and the exhaust and air intake are plastic.  The front grille is plastic and it looks good.

The metal dozing blade has wear plates detailed at the bottom although there are no perforations in the grille on the top edge.   The weathering is convincing.  There are hydraulic lines running to all cylinders.

Features

The model poses well on the base, or separately.

The tracks roll very easily in the hand and are spring-loaded. 

The ripper assembly has a reasonable amount of movement.  It can be parked high or positioned with the ripper down, although the depth of penetration is shallow.

The blade can be raised and lowered and the mechanism is reasonably stiff.  The tilting function is modelled well. Some sideways rotation is also possible.

Quality

It is a good quality model with a high metal content.

The weathering is generally excellent for a mass produced product.

Price

It is good value.

Overall

This model is nicely detailed with very good functionality.  As a first example of the new Weathered Series is very good, and is nice change from the usual pristine factory colours.

Footnotes

The model first appeared in late 2020.

 
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Inside the box.
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Convincing realistic look.
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Weathering is underneath too.
 
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Only the screw head detracts from the look a little.
Profile view.
Detailed weathering.
Attractive display piece.