Caterpillar D11T Bulldozer
Presented here is the 1:50th scale D11T tracked dozer from Norscot which is an update to the previously released D11R and D11R-CD versions. The main differences on the T revision are the new blade shape and upper engine layout of the exhaust stacks and filters.
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The undercarriage frame castings incorporate the 8 main roller bogies which have detailed front surfaces although there are no actual rollers fitted. The individually linked metal tracks have single grouser and bolt head detailing on each pad which gives a realistic appearance, enhanced by the droop on the tracks which looks great. The main drive wheels are made of plastic with detailed front casting pattern complete with visible bolt heads and toothed edges.
The large ripper frame mounted to the rear of the model also acts as a couterweight for the semi-U blade and has an integrated cast ripper tooth with non functional pin puller detailing on the side of the frame. The hydraulics allow the ripper to be positioned in the lowered or raised position and the angle of the ripper tooth can also be adjusted. |
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The rear of the cab has a centrally mounted work light with painted lense along with two forward facing work lights mounted to the ends of the ROPs frame. Accurately scaled grab rails have been added to both sides of the rear body casting along with modelled filler caps for the hydraulic and fuel tanks. |
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The Semi-U blade features bolt detailing on the cutting edges along with an integrated top guard which, unfortunately, does not have actual cutouts which would have greatly added to the look of realism on the model. This is the only dissapointment for me and it is a pity that Norscot could not have followed what First Gear did with the blade on the Komatsu D375 model.
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The engine sides have a fine textured grill pattern with more grab rails fitted to the top of the engine bay
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The new layout on the engine housing has the twin exhaust stacks mounted further back towards the cab with the air filters mounted just in front. The cab frame has integral grab rails on the front section and above each doorway and the replicated cab interior can be seen through the clear windows. |
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The blade arms have side mounted hydraulics allowing the blade to be angled or tipped although the height adjustment of the blade is very limited. |
The paint finish on the model is good throughout although on the sample presented here, the back of the blade has a matt black finish on most of the surface with gloss finish on the edges where as cab and the top of the engine bay have a gloss black finish.