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Caterpillar CS56 Smooth Drum Vibratory Soil Compactor

Maker:  Norscot
Model No:  55246
Scale:  1:87
Review Date:  November 2010


Norscot Index
Earthmoving Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)7
Detail   (max 30)23
Features   (max 20)12
Quality   (max 25)16
Price   (max 15)12
Overall   (max 100)70%

Footnotes


The Caterpillar CS56 Smooth Drum Compactor.
Caterpillar style box.
Cab details are good considering the scale.
Details underneath.
The Caterpillar CS56 Smooth Drum has an operating weight of around 12 tonnes.  It works by having eccentric weights in the drum which rotate and provide the vibratory force.

Packaging

As usual the model comes in a Caterpillar branded box, and is held between clear plastic formers and tied to the base.  The review model had no defects or missing parts.

The box has some details about the model printed on it, but no details about the real machine.

Detail

This is a very small model as it is 1:87 scale.  The rubber tyres are nice with a realistic tread pattern and the cab detailing is good with the steering wheel and seat formed well. It has a windscreen wiper and mirrors, although the mirror surfaces are not silvered.

The engine cover is cast well with an integral grille pattern and a very small Caterpillar label at the rear.  At the front the metal smooth drum roller is nicely made.

Features

The model rolls along nicely with the roller turning particularly smoothly.  The steering pivot works so the CP56 can be posed turning.

Quality

There is perhaps a surprisingly high metal content and the casting in this scale is pretty good too.  The paintwork and graphics are fine.

Price

It has a relatively low price reflecting the small size but it is good value.

Overall

This is a nice model in 1:87 scale and would also make a good haulage load on a vehicle of the same scale.  It is recommended.

Footnotes

The model appeared at dealers from September 2010 onwards.

 
Good treaded tyres.
Articulation is reasonably good.
Next to its brother, the CP56.