|
|
||||
Caterpillar 374D Tracked Excavator Presented here is the Caterpillar 374D tracked excavator in 1:50th scale from Norscot. Weighing in at around 72 ton, the 374D tracked excavator is powered by a Caterpillar C15 ACERT diesel engine generating 476hp that provides plenty of power for any digging application. It is good to see Norscot produce the model based on the mass excavation specification of the machine which makes an interesting change. The undercarriage has individually linked metal tracks with sprung loaded idler wheels and grouser pad detailing with a fairly detailed undercarriage and track frame casting showing the access steps and ground rollers. The tracks rotate freely and have an authentic curve along the top, supported by three non functional rollers. The new styled cab has a replicated interior including the drivers seat and joystick controls with both roof and front window debris protection screens which is an interesting choice to add to the model. The side body casting has integrated access steps leading up to the top engine housing, complete with safety railings and an integrated catwalk along the side of the body, complete with a replicated anti-slip surface. The body casting details the various door panels with black and yellow painted grab rails running along the top edges. The top engine cover has bolt and hinge detailing with cut out cooling grills and plastic exhaust pipe while a catwalk is integrated into the casting along the side of the body for easy maintenance.
The paint finish is very good and it is hard to determine which parts are plastic and which are metal. This also goes for the handrails which curiously are a mixture of metal and plastic with metal railings fitted to the cab side of the model and plastic ones fitted to the opposite side (Pictured above). The heads of the rivets have been painted, as now expected from Norcot and the printing of the Power Edge design and Cat markings are executed well. Many collectors have cried out for a larger tracked excavator in 1:50th scale, specifically the Cat 385/Cat 390 and while we are patiently waiting for such a release, the 374D will fill the gap nicely and is another welcome addition to the Caterpillar model range. |
|||||
|
|