 |
| Caterpillar
branded tin. |
 |
 |
| At work. |
 |
| Transmission is
moulded in the casting. |
 |
| Opening cab
door. |
 |
| Detailed
hydraulics. |
|
|
 |
| Opening panel
door. |
 |
| Engine details. |
 |
| Many details on
top. |
 |
| Digging at
depth. |
|
The New Generation Caterpillar
M318 Wheeled Excavator has an operating weight up to 20 tonnes. 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.
An information sheet describes
how to install an operator and a mini
catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included.
Detail
The undercarriage is
mainly metal with the transmission detail formed within
the casting. Between the wheels are plastic steps
with tiny graphics above,
and the blade and outriggers are metal. The
detailed wheels are plastic with good quality tyres.
The cab has
plastic mirrors and wipers. Inside the usual operator
figure can be installed.
The body casting is good with
separate highlighted panel
handles. The hinges for the
opening panels are not too
obtrusive. There are a
number of very small graphics
which add to the realism. Many
different components are
modelled on top.
Soft hydraulic lines run to the
second boom section, and plastic
pipes and lines run to the cylinder and tool point on the
stick. Rivets on the boom, stick and tools are small
and painted.
Two buckets are provided and are both simple metal
castings. A material grab
is a decent metal part without
perforations, with some graphics applied.
Features
The
wheels roll easily and there is moderate steering on one
axle, but no oscillation.
The outriggers are stiff with rotating pads, and the
blade is also stiff but with good movement. The
model can be held wheels-free.
It rotates well, with the review
model having some initial
stiffness.
The boom
and stick have a very good range of movement.
The tool is are removable, with a choice of buckets
available. The grab rotates and
opens and closes.
The operator can be installed or
left out.
The cab door opens to a decent
angle. Two side panels can
also be opened.
Quality
The model is robust and well
made.
The paint is very good and the graphics are sharp.
Price
It is reasonable value.
Overall
This upgraded version of the
M318 has opening doors and
panels , an additional bucket,
and the operator is removable.
It is a worthwhile upgrade on
the previous version of the
model.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in
January 2023.
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|
|
|
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| In the tin. |
 |
| Grab rails and
mirrors are plastic. |
 |
| Metal
outriggers. |
|
|
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| As a transport
load.
|
 |
| Profile view. |
 |
| Opening panel
hinges are not too obtrusive. |
 |
| Loaded with
tools also. |
 |
| Using the grab. |
|
