Caterpillar 631K Scraper

The Cat 631K single engine motor scraper has been released by Classic Construction Models in their 1:48th scale modern equipment line and is packed full of detail to make the model really stand out. The front of the model features a photo-etch grill with a rippled shape and tiny perforations allowing glimpses of the area behind the grill. On each side are inset lights with printed silver and orange lenses.

Access steps are integrated into the side of the chassis with metal grab handles and safety railings all added. The engine compartment has an opening upper cover that reveals the interior, consisting of the painted and printed engine block silver radiator fan housing and other components to give a real feeling of realism.

The cabin has an opening door that reveals the fully finished interior, consisting of a medium grey finish on the side panels and floor which also has a ridged anti-slip texture with black seat, steering wheel, side console complete with a printed display panel and several levers. Access steps are integrated into the bodywork along with filler caps and very small printing of the warning and safety labels. The cab exterior has screen wiper, aerial, air horn and an amber beacon with two small fan housings visible in the top of the air conditioning unit mounted just below the roof line behind the cabin.

One of the most impressive areas on the model is the gooseneck which incorporates a working cushion hitch assembly with all the fixed and flexible hydraulic lines finished to perfection with silver painted connectors and valves. The neck achieves almost 90 degree of steering to the left or right

The rear of the tractor unit has more detailing including the hydraulic fluid tank and all the connections for the hydraulic hoses, each terminating with a silver valve or connector. Even here, tiny warning labels have been printed on the mud guards. The tyres have a wide footprint with an accurately moulded tread pattern and a number of raised bolt heads on the driven wheel hubs.

The bowl has a working ejector plate and rising apron with a sloping rear chassis incorporating a push block and metal safety railings alongside textured walk panels for servicing needs. A spill guard with photo-etch mesh panels is fitted to the rear of the bowl and with the ejector fully deployed, the hydraulic cylinder and piston is visible.

The finish of the paint is excellent with no flaws and no areas with overly thick coverage so that all the surface casting details can be observed. The addition of tiny printed warning labels alongside the Cat logos and machine designation are all authentically applied and in my opinion, this is one of the nicest scraper models produced to date.