Caterpillar D9H Bulldozer

Presented here is the 1:48th scale die-cast Caterpillar DD9H historic bulldozer from Classic Construction Models. This model was announced a number of years before it was finally released with quality issues preventing the release of the first production run, and now the models have finally arrived, there are still some assembly issues which are very unusual for CCM, who are well known for their very high standards.

The DD9H is an interesting development with a pair of tractors connected one behind the other for assisting in scraper loading operations with a single operator located in the front-most tractor which had a small blade specifically suited for pushing the rear of a large scraper. The design offers reduced purchasing and operation costs over two independent tractors with a combined power output of 820hp and a weight of over 80 tonnes.

The model features a raised and offset driver’s station which is mounted at a 45 degree angle to give a good view of the front blade and rear tractor while protected from the elements with an open ROPS canopy. All hand and foot controls have been modelled with a set of controls also present on the rear unit although as typical at the time, the rear seat has been omitted.

The connection between the tractors is with a pivoting frame and a socket allowing both units to remain connected over rough terrain with a cable bundle linking the two together. The rear structure of the front tractor has good bolt fixing definition with authentically scaled metal grab rails added throughout the model.

The individually linked single grouser metal tracks have surface bolt head detailing on each link and rotate fairly freely. The assembly of the right track appears to have been done a little too aggressively which has caused the internal dimensions of the track to narrow to the point where they do not allow the drive sprocket to rest within the channel which is another example of the poor assembly of the model. The front idler wheels are connected to a sliding tensioned frame which works well, keeping the tracks nice and taut although the thickness of the idler wheels causes the tracks to look a little out of shape.

The open engine compartments of both tractors are filled with a fully replicated engine block with piping, filters and cooling systems all visible within, topped with fine photo-etched front grills which are different to those fitted on the standard D9H.

The paint finish is fairly good overall however there are several small areas where manual touch-up has been done and this is a slightly different shade. The colour match of the plastic and metal parts is very good however while the printing of the Caterpillar markings and designation are crisply applied. In my opinion, the DD9H is the best of the three versions in terms of quality although still not quite what you would expect from CCM. The model is pictured below alongside the D9H and SxS D9H