Caterpillar 637K Coal Scraper

Presented here is the 1:48th scale 637K Coal Bowl scraper from CCM and utilises the same front end tractor unit as the 631Kwith an elongated bowl and a rear fitted second engine.

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.

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 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 and the neck achieves almost 90 degree of steering to the left or right. 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 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.

The enlarged bowl has higher sides and a different design of ejector plate which is again fully functional, sliding forward smoothly to reveal the main ejector piston mounted into the heart of the rear chassis. The apron is also higher on the coal version and has two areas with perforations, allowing the operator to see the status of the loading and discharge operations. Interestingly, there is no overspill guard fitted.

The secondary Cat C9.3 ACERT engine on the 637K coal bowl version has open sides allowing the internal engine components to be seen, with access steps and side mounted ladders giving full access for servicing tasks. Attention to detail is superb and they have even added the bleed hose from the engine bay which drains down the rear of the ejector plate.