Caterpillar 769B Haul Truck
Presented here is the Caterpillar 769B haul truck in 1:48th scale, manufactured by CCM. It is an update to the original 769 with both new and original castings and a new shape tipping body.
Detailing on the model is very high with a sloping fuel tank, flexible rubber mud guards connected to brackets hanging from the underside of the dump body, accurately modelled air and hydraulic tanks and clear plastic light lenses just some of the noticable additions with more fine details than the original 769 model release.
The cab has a replicated interior visible through the clear windows with accurately scaled metal grab rails fitted to the frame. An etched side platform is fitted which has an intricate pattern with access steps fitted to both sides of the engine compartment.
The front grill has a series of small circular holes etched into it and is held in place with small pins while clear plastic lenses have been added to the light housings integrated into the bonnet. While the front protective frame is the same as the original, the cab shape is a little different and there are other small differences which are noticed only by close inspection.
The three stage chromed piston rods lift the low sided dump bed to a very realistic height and angle of tip and are stiff enough to hold the body in any position chosen. This also reveals the reproduced drive shaft, rear axle detailing and transmission within the chassis.
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The tipping body has ridged structural detailing along the sides with a sloped bottom and rock clearing bars which are very stiff and don't quite line up between the rear tyres are fitted beneath the bed. One nice addition is the heated bed option which has been modelled with a frame fitted to the overhang, fitted with photo-etched mesh screens for added realism. |
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The steering of the front wheels is functional with small cylinders and linkage bars all visible underneath the model. Also visible is the engine block and drivetrain to the rear axle which is partially hidden by the panel fitted to the front of the chassis to protect the engine. All the pins and rivets have been painted which offers a much more pleasing appearance.
The rubber tyres have an upgraded pattern with a shaped tread instead of the slotted tyres fitted to the original, complete with detailed metal wheel hubs which are all freely rotating along with slight oscillation of the rear axle. The model is being made in a run of 750 pieces and is presented in a quality cardboard box with inner polystyrene protection for the model. The model looks great alongside the previously released Caterpillar 769 haul truck.
