 | | CAT style box. |  |  | | Ripper attachment at the rear. |  | | AccuGrade laser receivers on the blade. |  | | It fits on a low loader but the non-removable blade means it is too wide for road transport. |
| The XW version of the D6T Tractor has a 200hp engine, and features an elevated final drive which lessens impact loads and extends the life of the drive train. This version has a 90in track gauge and the Variable Pitch Angle Tilt (VPAT) blade gives a more versatile tool for many applications. The machine has an operating weight 47,000lb (21t).
Packaging
As for most current CAT models it comes in a windowed box which in this case is a little large compared to the model inside. It is tied down to the base of the inner former with very secure ties and you can expect to get quite annoyed undoing them, although the pain passes quickly. There were no defects or missing parts on the review model, and there is no assembly required.
The box lacks any information about the real machine which is a missed opportunity.
Detail
The model has a compact and chunky feel and the very nice metal tracks are one of the main reasons for this. The shoes and links are faithful to the original and the track frames and drive train are a very good attempt at capturing the detail of the real machine.
The operator's cab is also good with windscreen wipers and well formed seals around the windows. Lights and grab rails complete the detail. The engine block is fine, with some tiny graphics and a convincing radiator grill.
The blade mechanisms are modelled well, and it is always good to see rivets painted the colour of the model so that they do not look obtrusive. The VPAT blade structure and detail is very good, and there are a couple of AccuGrade sensors mounted which are made of plastic and are very flexible.
At the rear the ripper assembly has enough detail to look the part and the ripper teeth look menacing enough.
Features
The tracks roll very well but surprisingly they roll as a pair as they are connected through the elevated drive sprockets. This is not an issue for posing the model of course but some how it would have felt nicer to be able to roll each track independently. In reality this is a minor point however.
The blade can be raised, lowered, rotated, and, to a degree, tilted.
At the rear the ripper mechanism can be raised and lowered.
Quality
The quality of manufacture is actually very good on this model, and the paint and graphics hold up their end too. There is some plastic used, but it hardly shows and so does not lower the tone of the model.
Price
This is another good value offering from Norscot which gives a lot for the money.
Overall
For the price, this is a highly recommended model. The level of detail is fairly high and it is a good copy of the real machine. A pinned connection for the blade would have been a nice touch to allow the D6T to be displayed on a low loader, but this is a small gripe against a model which in other respects hits the spot.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in 2008.
|
| |
|  | | Good detail on the blade with anti wear strips on the bottom. |  | | Very nice track and sprocket details. |  | | Lights around the cab window. |
|
