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Caterpillar No 977 Traxcavator

Maker:  Norscot
Model No:  55170
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  April 2011


Norscot Index
Historic Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)8
Detail   (max 30)24
Features   (max 20)12
Quality   (max 25)18
Price   (max 15)13
Overall   (max 100)75%

Footnotes


 
 
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Caterpillar branded box for historic models.
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The limit of the height the bucket can be raised.
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Control levers are a touch large.
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Rivets are large but at least they are painted.
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Track roller guards are reasonably detailed.
Nice plate and bolt details.
It is quite a small machine really.
The Caterpillar No 977 Traxcavator first appeared in 1955 following the acquisition of the Trackson company in 1951.  It had a 100hp Cat diesel engine.

Packaging

The model comes in the better historic-styled box which has information about the real machine, and some of the features of the model are described.  Inside the box the model is contained within a perspex display case with name tag.  The 977 is secured to the base with two removable screws.

There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.

Detail

The underside is simply detailed but the metal tracks are very good.  They are mounted on track frames which have track roller guards that are solid parts with no moving rollers.

The detail level on the body is  nice and at the rear there are good bolt and plate details within the casting.  An excellent detail is the graphics with tiny legible writing. 

The operator's area is convincing with replica levers which are plastic and slightly large, but flexible enough to simulate movement and black seat cushions.

The bucket lift and tilt arms are riveted at the connections but they are painted so they are less obtrusive.  At the front the bucket is a solid casting with anti wear plates on the bottom.

Features

The tracks roll well although the rear sprockets share a common axle so both tracks turn together.

The bucket raises to a moderate height and tips to a reasonable angle.

Quality

This is a good quality model with limited plastic and some very fine graphics work.

Price

It is very reasonably priced considering it includes the display case also.

Overall

Norscot introduced this model in conjunction with the Antique Caterpillar Machinery owners Club (ACMOC).  It is a good little model with enough detail to impress and given its economical price it has just enough to be highly recommended.

Footnotes

The model first appeared in 2007.

 
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Perspex display case.
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Excellent graphics on the back.
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Tipping angle of the bucket is ok.
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View underneath.
Profile view.
On the way to the museum loaded on a Nooteboom low loader.