Caterpillar 988K Wheeled Loader
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Caterpillar 988K wheel loader which has been produced by Tonkin Replicas. It is their first Caterpillar release and highlights their determination to produce highly authentic replicas with plenty of detail, functionality and value for money.
As a first release, there is certainly plenty of great detailing to be found, while still maintaining a rugged and sturdy feel when handled, so you don't feel you are going to break it just by picking it up. One nice surprise is a small collector card slotted into a pocket on the inside of the packaging.
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All the safety railings added to the model are produced from accurately scaled metal which is great to see, and it is believed that all 1:50th scale Cat models from Tonkin will feature metal railings.
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The articulating chassis frame has a very good range of movement capturing that of the full sized machine, powered by two hydraulic rams. Flexible hoses have been added between the two chassis sections which add to the realism and a drive shaft is modelled on the front axle. |
The detailing of the engine housing is very nicely done, with the rear radiator grille really looking the part, complete with side located rear facing lights which have painted lenses. The upper walkway surfaces are textured with side grilles also very nicely highlighted with black paint, emphasising the ridged detail. To finish off, tiny safety labels have been added with the Cat logo prominently displayed on the rear grille.
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Small access ladders have been added to both sides of the rear counterweight with an anit-slip textured upper surface. |
The tyres have a very good and authentic moulded pattern with wheel hubs having a ring of tiny bolt heads. The front axle is fixed to the chassis while the rear axle will oscillate. |
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The cabin frame has been modelled with integrated rear view mirrors and front facing work lights with a roof mounted bar topped with an amber beacon and two small rear facing lights and grab rail fitted to the rear of the roof.
The cab interior has been modelled with a grey decorated driver's seat, complete with printed Cat logo on the seat. The front console is also painted grey with a modelled side panel and external windscreen wiper adding to the detail.
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The bucket has been cast with plenty of surface detailing including all the teeth and cutting surfaces with underside wear panels also modelled. The sides of the bucket have cutting plates with bolt fixing holes highlighted while the upper surface of the bucket shows the structural details along with two modelled lifting eyes
The range of movement of the bucket tip linkage and loader arms have been authentically captured, allowing the model to be realistically posed loading a suitable haul truck. |
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The main lift and bucket tip hydraulic cylinders have a nice smooth action and will hold at any position chosen. The addition of flexible hydraulic piping really adds to the realism, as do the small bolt heads that have been cast into the ends of the cylinders. All the pin and rivet heads have been painted over which adds to the visual appearance. |
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The paint finish is of a very high standard with an even coating allowing the surface casting detail to be seen. The markings are authentically applied with all lights and the mirror surfaces decorated.
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The packaging has been well thought out with a cardboard box having front, top and right hand side windows allowing the model within to be clearly seen. The internal clear plastic moulding holds the model well while removing the need for the fiddly ties used by some other manufacturers. |
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What a great introduction to start Tonkin Replicas new range of Caterpillar models. If their other releases are to this same high standard and detail level, Caterpillar will be well represented and this is certainly a step up from what Cat fans have been accustomed to in a mass produced model.
