 |
| Caterpillar
branded tin. |
 |
 |
| Angled VPAT
blade. |
 |
| Metal tracks. |
|
|
 |
| Looking good. |
 |
| Tiny graphics
on the track frames. |
 |
| Complex VPAT
mechanism. |
 |
| Panel opened. |
 |
| High detail
inside the cab. |
 |
| Unloading. |
 |
| A little wide
because of the blade. |
|
The Caterpillar D5
is a smaller dozer in the
Caterpillar line.
This model of it is fitted with Low Ground Pressure
(LGP) tracks and a Variable Pitch Angle and Tilt (VPAT) blade.
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.
An instruction sheet is included which describes how to
install the operator, and there is also a mini
catalogue of the Diecast Masters range.
Detail
The underside has simple detailing and the C-frame of
the blade support is modelled
well. The metal tracks are nicely detailed with
bolt heads. The track frames have the outline of
the rollers formed within the casting and tiny graphics
are applied. The high drive
sprocket is plastic and detailed.
The cab structure is metal and the hand rails
are soft plastic, and the roof is plastic also.
Inside the cab the seat back has the Cat logo and there
is a detailed console with graphics on the computer
screens. The operator
is in the usual Diecast Masters style.
Behind the cab there is a large Cat logo in the latest
style, and to one side is a plastic access ladder.
There is a ripper assembly at
the rear. It has
well-defined teeth and there are
hoses running to the ram.
At the front the engine cover
has grille details formed by
graphics and the exhaust is plastic.
The sides of the engine
enclosure have visible hinges.
The metal blade has wear plates detailed at
the bottom. The complex VPAT system is
modelled well and there are hydraulic lines running to the
rams.
Features
The tracks roll easily and are spring-loaded.
The blade can be raised and lowered somewhat and the mechanism is
reasonably stiff. It can be angled to one side or the
other, and slight rotation is possible.
The rear access ladder can be folded down.
The operator can be added or removed via the detachable
roof.
Both cab doors can be opened to
a reasonable angle.
Engine panels can be opened on
both sides.
The ripper can be lowered
although the ram on the review
model was fairly loose.
Quality
It is a high quality model with
plastic used appropriately.
The paint is very good and the graphics are sharp.
Price
It is reasonable value.
Overall
This model of the D5 has
additional functionality
compared to earlier models but
that comes with a compromise as
the hinges on the engine panels
are visible and may not be to
every collector's taste.
However, that aside the model is
very detailed and presented very
well.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in
January 2023.
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|
|
|
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| In the
tin. |
 |
| Ripper at
the rear. |
 |
| Underneath. |
|
|
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| Sharp ripper
teeth and fold-down ladder.
|
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| Profile view. |
 |
| Hinged engine
panel is a visual compromise. |
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| Panel opened. |
 |
| Opening cab
doors. |
 |
| On the road. |
|
