2012 Roundup

With the Intermat trade show and MinExpo in 2012, there were high expectations of new releases and yet, while some new models surfaced, the majority of releases were company decorated models with VINCI taking the prize for the most new coloured models and Heavy Transport Models for their impressive line up.

Classic Construction Models continue to announce new additions to the historic Caterpillar range and the D9H models finally arrived, although I suspect some collectors wished they hadn't. CCM are well known for their quality releases and the D9H models fell short of the mark in terms of build quality, somewhat of a dissapointment considering the models were originally held back because of quality concerns. I do believe lessons have been learnt and I look forward to the arrival of the D9L models during the first half of 2013.

Caterpillar 1:48th scale D9H models

Early in 2012, Norscot lost their exclusive Caterpillar model licence and this has opened the door for other model manufacturers to take a close look at the situation. It will be interesting to see what Tonkin produce with their Cat licence and TWH Collectibles have already released Caterpillar versions of the 495HR / 495HF rope shovels and I suspect a large hydraulic shovel is not too far away. Norscot have negotiated a new licence agreement which also allows them to produce models for other OEM's so it will be interesting to see if the competition will improve the quality of Caterpillar models.

1:50th scale Caterpillar 7495HF rope shovel from TWH Collectibles accompanied by the Cat 785D with Mega MWT30 water tank and the D8T dozer, both from Norscot

Liebherr were fairly quiet in 2012 with 6 new models launched during the year. The SR714 welding tractor from NZG is a rather interesting piece of kit and the Maats company are looking to produce further models in due course. The R936 tracked excavator is one of my favourite Liebherr pieces of 2012 while the A918 and L576 are great additions to the range, the latter demonstrating increased levels of detail from Conrad which has been followed up on the R9100 tracked excavator which made its debut at MinExpo. WSI Models have produced an amazing model in the LTM1350-6.1 which has some outstanding detailing for a 1:50th scale model.

Liebherr LTM1350-6.1 mobile crane from WSI

The Merchandise Company (TMC Scalemodels) introduced their first 1:50th scale Hitachi model in the form of the ZX250-5 tracked excavator which demonstrates excellent levels of detail and realism and at a very competitive price. Their next release will be another great hit and will arrive in the first quarter of 2013

TMC Scalemodels Hiatchi Zaxis ZX250-5 tracked excavator.

Motorart have been quiet during 2012 but they have plans to introduce in excess of 20 models during 2013 including a number of new Volvo models, several JCB models and 7 models for several other OEM's which are likely to be unveiled at the toyfair.

Universal Hobbies have been concentrating on agricultural models during 2012 with only a single model release in the 1:50th scale mode line, the Komatsu D155AX bulldozer. Rumours suggest they are working on new models for Case, Komatsu and the Wacker Neuson / Kramer Allrad companies, likely new releases for Bauma.

With Bauma in mind, I firmly believe we could see over 50 new models announced, with Liebherr and the Wirtgen group accounting for maybe 15 of these while Volvo, Caterpillar, JCB, New Holland, Case, Sennebogen, Tadano, Ammann, Komatsu and Hitachi are all likely to have new models.

My top 5 models of 2012 are

1st - Kleemann Mobirex MR110Z EVO Crusher
2nd - Caterpillar 7495HF Rope Shovel
3rd - Liebherr LTM1350-6.1 Mobile Crane
4th - Hitachi ZX250-5 Tracked Excavator
 5th - Liebherr R936 Tracked Excavator

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