Caterpillar 776 with MEGA Met-185 Trailer
Presented here is the 1:48th scale Cat 776 prime mover with MEGA MET-185 low loader trailer from Classic Construction Models. With a load carrying capacity of 185 tons, the truck-trailer combination is used to quickly and efficiently move equipment around the mine site with simplistic drive on and off loading and unloading of the equipment using the integrated rear ramps.
The tractor is based on the Cat 777 with the removal of the dump body and tip cylinders which have been replaced with a rear frame incorporating covers over the rear wheels and a pivoting hitch allowing it to connect with the MEGA MET-185 low loader trailer.
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The opening upper engine bay covers reveal the quality modelled interior with the Cat D384 V12 diesel engine taking centre stage along with the front radiator module with integrated fan assembly. The front of the model has a large photo-etched perforated grill with access ladders with integrated railings located on both sides leading to the upper deck where metal safety railings run around the outer edge and black printing is used on the flooring to highlight the anti-slip mats. |
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The side mounted cabin has opening doors on both sides with a light tan finished interior that includes both driver and observer seating and controls. The rear window has a mesh screen with printing used to highlight the window seals throughout the cabin. Cut-outs in the body house the lights which have small plastic lenses and the main exhaust pipe has been relocated to within the rear bulkhead structure. |
The underside of the truck has a modelled automatic power shift transmission and drive-train to the rear axle with hydraulically powered movement of the front axle steering mechanism and functional rear suspension. Both fixed piping and flexible hoses have been added on the undersaide with an embossed CCM logo located on the lower engine protection cover.
The frame-mounted, yoke-type hitch with a kingpin base allows two-way oscillation, helping to relieve stresses to the hitch area over uneven ground and this has been replicated on the model. The wide stance of the rear wheels offers good stability with loading ramps integrated into the frame of the trailer bed and topped with simulated wooden deck panels. The model is pictured below loaded with a 1:50th scale Cat 5130B backhoe excavator from NZG.
