 | | Caterpillar style box. |  |  | | The machine has an AccuGrade sensor fixed to the blade. |  | | Underside view. |  | | Fine grab rails on the engine cover. |  | | Three shank ripper assembly. |
| The Caterpillar D7E is a dozer in the 25 tonne class and its unique feature is the electric drive technology which offers greater efficiency and fuel economy. It can also be fitted with an AccuGrade grading control system and this option is included on the scale model.
Packaging
As for all Norscot Caterpillar models it comes in the usual style of windowed Caterpillar box. Inside it is held between clear plastic formers and tied to the cardboard base with ties which are annoying to remove but do hold the model securely during shipping. The review model had no defects or missing parts.
There is no information about the real machine, but the box does describe the main features of the model.
Detail
The underside of the model has detail within the casting for various access hatches and these look quite effective. The tracks are metal and good quality, and the track frames are reasonable although they do not have working rollers.
The cab is good with wipers and black plastic grab rails, and at the rear there is an air conditioning unit and lights. Around the body there are various yellow plastic grab rails, but the colour match is excellent so they do not affect the look of the model at all. Detailing on the engine cover is very nice, with a realistic looking grille on each side.
At the rear the ripper assembly is pretty robust with strongly featured castings creating a good impression. The blade assembly features a tilt cylinder but as the opposite end is fixed, tilting the blade is not possible.
The blade itself is modelled well, with large wear plates on the bottom edge and the AccuGrade antenna is attached to the blade top. A good detail is that the rivet heads are all painted so they blend in with the rest of the model.
Features
The tracks roll very well, but they are connected by common axles running through the sprockets and idlers, so they can only be moved in tandem in the same direction.
The ripper assembly can be raised and lowered, although the topside cylinder jackets appear a little too long meaning that the rippers cannot be raised very high above the ground.
The blade can be raised and lowered on the single cylinder which is stiff enough to hold any set pose.
Quality
Plastic is used to add detail to the model and it does this well, and the diecasting is generally very good. The paintwork and graphics are good quality.
Price
The D7E is reasonable value for money at its price point.
Overall
This is a nice dozer model which displays well and so would fit with other models in a diorama. It is recommended.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in 2009.
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|  | | Blade raises to a good angle. |  | | The overall impression of the model is very good. |  | | Excellent track details. |  | | The blade has a tilt cylinder to adjust the blade on one side only, but on the model the other end is fixed so tilt cannot be achieved. |  | | Loaded on a Doll Trailer. |
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