Model Predictions for 2010

The year has started off with a bang with Classic Construction Models announcing a further three models in their range of 1:48th scale historic Caterpillar models. The D9H is likely to sell like hot cakes and the SxS and DD9H variations, limited to only 375 pieces each are likely to be sold out in a matter of days, even though they are not expected to be released until late spring.

The international toy fair is less than a month away with manufacturers all hard at work preparing the samples and literature for their new models. As this is a Bauma year, the offerings at the toy fair are likely to be limited with the bulk of the new models kept under wraps until Bauma begins. There are a number of models rumoured to be produced and, at the last Bauma, there were over 50 new models available to purchase during the event which is great for us collectors, although with the current financial climate, I suspect there will not be anywhere near as many releases at this year's event.

Liebherr have increased their stand presence at Bauma and will be displaying a number of new products, some of which are favourite to also appear in model form. The gigantic R9800 would be a good bet to appear in 1:50th scale, although maybe not at Bauma while the new R9100 tracked excavator, RL64 pipe layer, LTC1045-3.1 city class crane, R924C Compact tunnelling machine and the long awaited articulated dump truck are very likely. The LTM11200-9.1 looks to have been a huge success and it would be no surprise to see the LTR11200 appear in 1:50th scale in the next year or two.

Case have a good model program, producing replicas of their current range and the historic Poclain series and I would not be surprised to see at least one Poclain and one Case model. I would personally like to see a front shovel version of the TY45 produced to complete the set and there have been rumours of a GC120 for a long time. A 30-40 ton tracked excavator with specialist demolition attachment would also be a good addition to the Case model range.

Mecalac are another company that may have a new model on display. During the Intermat show, I spoke with one of the sales staff and they said the company was hard at work on an update to the Mecalac MSX/MTX range of multifunction machines and I would not be surprised if this becomes the next release in the 1:50th scale model range.

Putzmeister and Schwing usually commission a new model for Bauma and there are a number of choices for new models. I would expect to see a new model from both these equipment manufacturers, likely to be produced by Conrad.

Norscot have already released details of their first quarter model releases, all of which are likely to be available in the next couple of months. I would not be surprised to see additional new models at Bauma and the 777F has been rumoured for over a year now. I would personally like to see a demolition excavator, the bigger the better along with a new forestry machine, preferably a tracked harvester/ feller buncher or a tracked skidder. A new model from the ADT line is long overdue and the 740 would make a good choice, particularly if modelled with an ejector body. A zero tailswing tracked excavator would also be a nice addition to the model range.

It is hard to say what is happening with Motorart. I have tried to contact them several times to enquire about the Volvo pipe layer and EC700 demolition models announced last year and so far, I have had no replies which is unusual from Motorart. There are rumours that Volvo are looking to have their models produced by a new manufacturer and this might explain why we are still waiting for the new models to be released.

Soilmec are still on target to have the SR100 model available at Bauma and there could be a new Bauer foundation model, even though the RTG RT21 piling hammer model from Bymo has still not been released to the model trade. Doosan may have a model of their MT31 ADT available during Bauma and I would not be surprised to see several new truck models from MAN, Scania & Mercedes Benz. Sennebogen may have a new model for Bauma and I suspect there might be new models from Ammann, Bomag and New Holland.

Universal Hobbies are rumoured to be producing a model of the Komatsu PW148-8 wheeled excavator and it will be interesting to see what new models are announced by Universal Hobbies at the toy fair. The recent announcement of the 1:50th scale Kramer wheel loaders is interesting and I would not be surprised if several new Wacker Neuson models are unveiled at Bauma. A large Komatsu mining machine would be a good release to accompany the 960E and the latest rumours are a PC8000 shovel, although it is not clear who would be producing it.

A number of equipment manufacturers are looking for any oportunity to save money and postponing their model program is one way of reducing costs. I would be very surprised to see any new models from Terex during 2010 and Hitachi appear to be holding back on giving licenses for new models with no news on the Hitachi models from Ertl and WSI which were touted during 2009. Even the EH5000 mining truck from EMD has not yet appeared.

Another way of saving costs is to reduce the exhibition space at the Bauma show and there are rumours that some companies who usually sell merchandise and models may not be doing so this year.

2010 already looks like being another good year for model releases and a hard time on the wallet.

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