Mini Marvels
When it comes to construction related models, the recognised standard scale is 1:50th which offers great levels of detail and realism, especially with today's technological advances that allow more and more detail to be added. There is however, a growing range of 1:87th scale models which offer good levels of detail and functionality but at a lower price. Being smaller, they also take up less room to display and are ideal to add to any HO scale railway diorama. The range of 1:87th scale Caterpillar models from Norscot continue to be produced with several new releases launched during 2010 alone.
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The latest paving compactors are a good example of the increasing detail that can be added to a rather simple model where there are not many functional parts. |
The wheels rotate while the frame has articulating steering with a rotating drum. The padfoot version even has a functional front blade. |
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The lower price of the 1:87th scale range allows younger collectors to start building their collection although the price of the recent releases have risen a fair bit when compared to previous years. With this said, there is a noticable increase in realism and functionality and this comes at a price.
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The 627G scraper offers good levels of functionality with an articulated frame with simulated hydraulics with a lifting bowl and open engine bay with some engine detailing. The handrails throughout are overscaled although this was a familiar feeling even on the 1:50th scale models from years ago. |
The 160H grader looks the part with a rotating moldboard which can be raised / lowered and a pivoting frame and functional rear ripper unit capturing a fair bit of detailing. There are more plastic parts found on the model than would be preferable but overall, it is not a bad looking model. |
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The level of detail is obviously not as high as on the range of 1:50th scale models, but Norscot have done a good job on the 966G wheel loader. The loader arms on both versions raise to a good height with the log loader version having functioning log forks.
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With a visible cab interior, textured engine grill panels, highlighted access steps with reasonably scaled handrails and an articulating chassis with accurately moulded rubber tyres, the model certainly looks good. The bucket does look a little chunky with the thickness of the metal but it does not detract too much from the overall appearance. |
While the added cost of producing different scales can be considerable, one way to reduce tooling costs is to plan different versions of the same machine and this is something that Norscot have done on several occasions, like the 966G wheel loader above which is available in both shovel and forestry versions and the 730 articulated hauler below which has also been produced as a water tanker.
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The 730 ADT is a sturdy and robust model that features articulated steering and a tipping dump body. The tyres look authentic with details like the mud guards, safety railings and rear view mirrors all added.
The latest release in the 1:87th scale range is the 772 rigid hauler. This machine has already been modelled in 1:50th scale and the 1:87th scale features the same limitations, namely the tipping angle of the dump body. The wheel hubs and tyres look great although the safety railings are again overscaled. Unlike the 1:50th version, the front axle doesn't have functioning steering although the mechanism and linkage has been simulated on the underside. |
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The Klein water tanker body is an unusual addition to the range and yet looks very good. Based on the 730 ADT, it features a pivoting frame with a detailed water tank and associated hose piping on the top and rear. |
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The D9T is possibly one of the best 1:87th scale models released from Norscot with a realistic appearance coupled with nicely detailed tracks, a functional rear 3-shank ripper and the main, semi-U blade which has good structural detailing with working lift and tilt hydraulics. The paint finish is very good with crisp printing of the Caterpillar markings. Also released in 1:87th scale is the Cat D5M which features the familiar high-drive undercarriage with chassis mounted blade arms and PAT blade which has angular and lift adjustment coupled with a detailed cab frame, ROPs and air conditioner. |
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The first 1:87th scale tracked excavator from Norscot was well conceived, with good movement of the boom, stick and bucket linkage and crisp castings. The undercarriage rubber band style tracks were a feature of the larger 1:50th scale excavators until not that long ago and yet they look fine on a small model.
The tilting grading bucket doesn't really look right to the rest of the model but Norscot deserve credit for trying something a little different. The latest tracked excavator model, the 320D L is a cracking little replica with a very realistic range of movement of the boom,stick and bucket linkage with a detailed cab and high quality paint finish with crisp printing of the Cat logos and decoration. |
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The Cat M318 wheeled excavator is a very interesting release with some good detailing and functionality which is unexpected on such a small model. This detailing comes at a price as the bucket linkage appears overscale with the rest of the model, although the functional blade and outriggers are a nice touch on the model. |
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Not content with producing 1:87th scale models of the modern Caterpillar range, Norscot have also produced a very interesting model of the No 12 grader, featuring an open engine bay with modelled plastic engine block detailing along with a rotating moldboard and some nice, all be it non functional detail of the blade and steering control systems.
With more and more models being produced each year, both brand new castings and conpany decorated models, the space available for collectors to display their collection is reducing more and more. Norscot have demonstrated that it is possble to add good detailing to a small model and I would not be surprised to see them increase their 1:87th scale offering in the future.