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| High quality
box. |
 |
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| Detailed 225
bodywork. |
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| 225
counterweight. |
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| Hydraulics are
modelled. |
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| Thin bucket. |
|
|
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| Detailed
hydraulics. |
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| 323 bucket. |
|
This model set traces the history of Caterpillar 20+ ton
excavators and includes models of the 225 and 323 Next
Generation, and also a book describing the history of
the excavator line.
This set as one of Diecast Masters Evolution series.
Packaging
The set comes in excellent packaging. There is
an outer sleeve which covers a high quality box. The
box has a hinged lid with a ribbon restraint. Inside
the box there are reprints of relevant marketing
sheets, and various photos of machines in
the series.
The review set had no missing parts or defects.
A mini
catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included
and there are two parts which have to be fitted.
The set includes a comprehensive
64 page ring-bound book. It starts with a written
history of this series of machines, and there is a large
photograph section. There is also a
comparison of machine specifications. It is an excellent
reference work to accompany the models.
Detail
The models are fixed to a base plate which has nice
quality badges embedded. The models are fixed by screws
with stands.
The 3225 has tracks are they are mounted on track frames
with static rollers.
The cab has a metal grab rail and the
plastic door with a slight colour mismatch to the metal
parts. The interior detail is simple. An operator
wearing older style clothing can be fixed in
the cab.
The body casting has finely detailed rivet heads, panels
and grilles. Detail on the roof includes a straight
exhaust pipe. Old style Cat
graphics look sharp. There are textured walkway surfaces.
Soft hydraulic lines are modelled. Rivets on the boom, stick and tools are painted
and an old style Caterpillar graphic is on the boom.
The thin metal bucket is a nice casting with sharp
teeth.
The 323 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 a separate wiper is
attached to 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. 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.
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.
The quick connector is modelled.
Features
The tracks of both model are mounted on spring-loaded
idlers to maintain tension and the models rotate well.
The boom and stick on both have a good range of
movement, and the bucket movement is reasonably good
too.
Operators can be installed in the cabs for when the
model is posed working, or the cab can be empty to
represent being parked up.
The 225 has an opening cab door although it clashed a
little with the grab rail outside the cab.
Quality
The models are very good quality with nice paint and
graphics.
The presentation of the set is excellent.
Price
The set is reasonable value for two models and a reference
book.
Overall
As the latest in the Evolution Series this set maintains
the high standard of presentation of previous sets and
it is interesting to see the model of the old
Caterpillar 225.
Footnotes
This set first appeared in 2024.
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| In the box. |
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Opening 225 cab door. |
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| Detailed top of
the 225. |
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|
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Tiny graphics on the 323 track frames. |
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| Nice base plate
presentation. |
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| Modern 323 rear
end. |
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| Cable routes
are highlighted in black. |
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