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Caterpillar CT660 Tractor with Lowboy Trailer

Maker:  Norscot
Model No:  55503
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  October 2011


Norscot Index
Low Loader Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)7
Detail   (max 30)18
Features   (max 20)11
Quality   (max 25)15
Price   (max 15)12
Overall   (max 100)63%

Footnotes


Caterpillar CT660 Tractor with Lowboy Trailer Video
Click to see large photo
Caterpillar branded box.
Click to see large photo
Chrome work is plastic.
Click to see large photo
Detail underneath, with some hollow plastic mouldings.
Click to see large photo
Trail King gooseneck.
Click to see large photo
Underneath the trailer.
On the road.
Loading a Caterpillar 336D L.
The Caterpillar CT660 Vocational Truck line was introduced in 2011 and was Caterpillar's first entry into the commercial truck sector.

This model is a day cab tractor coupled with a Trail King lowboy trailer.

Packaging

As usual for a Norscot model the box is the standard style with the model tied very securely to the base.  The review model had no defects or missing parts.

The box mentions the engine of the tractor but there is no other detail about the real machine.  There are a few details about the model.

Detail

There is some detail under the CT660 although the transmission is incomplete and one of the plastic mouldings is hollow underneath.  The engine and gearbox look good, and the tyres have a good tread pattern and are mounted on plastic hubs.

At the front the radiator looks realistic with all the shiny chrome work being plastic.  The air horns look too short and the exhaust stacks too thin compared to photos of the real truck.  Under the hood the engine is well detailed.  Mirrors are plastic.

Inside the cab the seat backs have Cat printed on the back, although the steering wheel appears set too low.

Behind the cab the detail is fairly simple with completely smooth wheel arches, the light bar has lights coloured, and there are real rubber mud flaps.

The trailer gooseneck has a good structure with simple details, and some good graphics.  Underneath the deck, the structure is reasonable and the deck width extenders are represented within the casting.  The trailer deck is good with a realistic timber patterned surface.  At the rear hoses are modelled within the casting on the underside and the rear light bar has painted lights and small graphics.

Features

The front axle steers a moderate amount before the tyres foul on the wheel arches, and the wheels are loosely mounted on their bearings.

The hood of the tractor opens forward fully and can stay posed open.

The gooseneck of the trailer can be detached from the trailer by unlocking a clip underneath although it is initially very hard to pull off probably due to paint thicknesses. 

The loading ramps can be folded up, or down for loading.

Quality

This is a moderate quality model with significant plastic on the tractor.  The paintwork and graphics are satisfactory.

Price

In terms of price it is an inexpensive model given its overall size.

Overall

It is good that this model of the CT660 has been produced although it has not been pitched at the higher end of the truck collectibles market in terms of detail and quality.  However it would fulfill the requirement of any collector wanting to display their Cat construction machines being hauled.

Footnotes

The model was produced in tandem with the introduction of the real machine and became available in mid 2011. 

 
Click to see large photo
Cat name on the radiator.
Click to see large photo
Mudflaps are rubber.
Click to see large photo
Plastic timber deck is a pretty good rendition of wood.
Click to see large photo
Rear axles.
Unloaded.
Looks good with a load.
Cat at the front, Cat on the back.