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Caterpillar Twenty Track-Type Tractor

Maker:  Norscot
Model No:  55201
Scale:  1:16
Review Date:  October 2010


Norscot Index
Historic Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)9
Detail   (max 30)24
Features   (max 20)12
Quality   (max 25)19
Price   (max 15)13
Overall   (max 100)77%

Footnotes


The Caterpillar Twenty.
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Box style is 'historic'.
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Chunky metal.
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The printing of the signs is exceptional.
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Front aspect.
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Track frame is detailed.
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Underneath detail looks great.
The Caterpillar Twenty was introduced in 1927, soon after the formation of the Caterpillar company, and was the new company's first product.  When introduced it was finished in grey with red trim as 'Caterpillar yellow' was not used until the end of 1931.  The machine had a four cylinder engine and could muster 20HP. 

This model was developed in conjunction with the Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club (ACMOC).

Packaging

It comes in a non-standard packaging for a Caterpillar model, with the model contained within a good quality perspex display case which includes a plaque.  The Twenty is secured to the base by four screws which are straightforward to remove.

The box has a photo of the real machine with some of its key features indicated, and the model features are described also.  A small plastic pointer is provided which is used to open the engine covers.

Detail

The model is heavy out of the box and is quite large in 1:16 scale with the weight due to the model being mostly of metal.

Detail underneath is very good with the structure represented well, and bolt heads are clearly visible.  The track links look great in this scale, and the track frames are similarly detailed.

At the rear, machine notices are printed in exceptionally fine print which is high quality, and there is a towing hitch with pin.  The operator's area has a padded seat which flexes like a real seat when you press it and this is a very nice detail.  The controls are also very good, with pedals, levers and a small key modelled well.

The engine cover has water and fuel caps on top, and the Caterpillar and Twenty names are beautifully rendered in the casting.  The radiator looks authentic and there is a starting handle and strap.  Under the covers is a plastic engine which has some detailed wiring and a cooling fan.

Features

The tracks roll extremely smoothly.

Both engine covers can be raised revealing the engine.

Quality

This is a good quality model with the larger scale allowing some pleasing details.  The paintwork and finish is very good, and some of the graphics are exceptional.

Price

The model is very good value for money given its size.

Overall

Models in 1:16 scale are not common, but it does allow an impressive and detailed model to be produced, and at 18cm long it looks very good on display.  It is an interesting model and highly recommended.

Footnotes

The model first appeared in 2008.

 
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It comes in its own perspex case.
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The seat and controls are excellent.
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Rear aspect with towing hitch.
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Starting handle and strap.
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Opening engine cover.
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Flaps open, ready for take off.