Caterpillar 583 Pipelayer - Spiecapag

Presented here is the limited edition Caterpillar 583 tracked pipe layer from Conrad. The model has been commissioned by Spiecapac, the pipe laying division within the VINCI Group to highlight their activities on pipeline projects throughout the world. The fleet consist of over 300 machines, many of which are Caterpillars so it is no surprise that this rather old casting has been dusted off for another outing.

Being an old casting, it does not feature some of the more refined details and functionality of today's models, but having said this, the overall appearance is pleasing and it highlights the cutting edge of model design from 15-20 years ago.

The boom elevation is adjusted by one of the two working winches integrated into the counterweight frame and both have a small knurled plastic ring allowing them to be easily rotated. There is enough rope to allow the boom to rest horizontally and there is enough weight in the boom for it to remain in position, coupled to the fact that the resistance of the winch is good.

The second winch operates the lifting block which is chuncky, allowing it to keep the rope taut. The open cab area is sparce from today's standards, with very basic representations of the controls and console. The counterweight block is adjusted by two hydraulic cylinders and these are stiff enough to allow the frame to be set at any position required.

Interestingly, there are no Caterpillar markings anywhere on the model which is likely to be due to licencing issues. The Spiecapag name is found in different locations on the model, from the rear fuel tank, the rear of the counterweight and across the front engine housing which is open, giving a view of the engine mock-up within.

The individually linked metal tracks are a little overscaled and now look out of date when compared to the tracks found on most of the models today. They do rotate smoothly and the track frames have simple casting details of the rollers.

This is an interesting release from the VINCI Group of a rather rare model. It is presented in a two section polystyrene carton with a specially printed cardboard sleeve showing an image of one of the real machines at work.