Caterpillar 950K Wheeled Loader
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Caterpillar 950K wheel loader which has been produced by Tonkin Replicas. With a number of wheel loader models announced, the results of the 950K are pleasing with some very nice features and details offset by a couple of strange engineering decisions.
On first glance, the model is accurately modelled with the updated body shape looking good, highlighted with inset rear facing lights, rear service access steps and a non-functional towing hitch integrated into the rear counterweight. The tyres have an intricate tread pattern which is fairly deep and looks accurate with the wheel centres showing the fine fixing bolt detailing.
The side and upper grille panels have a fine textured pattern which has been highlighted with paint with a large exhaust pipe extending from the rear engine housing. Black paint is also used on the wheel arches to show the rubber edging strips.
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The model benefits from authentically scaled metal safety railings around the side platforms and above the operator access steps. It is a pity this is not extended to the grab rails around the roof which are made of a flexible plastic material. |
Fine detailing is extended to the chassis where small safety and warning labels have been printed with hydraulic steering cylinders added, achieving a fairly realistic range of steering motion. Black highlighted access steps are located on both sides and light housings extend from the front chassis, complete with painted lenses.. |
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The curved front windscreen is fitted with a wiper arm which is quite a way from the glazed surface making it look a little strange although the rear window wiper fits snugly. Rear facing mirrors are integrated into the brackets fitted to the cab frame and these have silver painted surfaces.
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Flexible hoses have been added to the tip cylinder and these add to the realism however, the engineering of the loader arms has resulted in two large rivets being visible on the outer surface and while these are painted, it somewhat spoils the overall appearance of the model. Hopefully, this is something that can be fixed on a future update. |
One very welcome feature is the Fusion quick coupler which has been fully modelled, allowing the straight edge bucket to be detached by extracting the metal pin. This allows for after-market attachments to be added while it is hoped that Tonkin produce a range of work tools to fit the models at a later date. |
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The loader arms have a reasonable range of movement but height wise, it is a little limited while the bucket curl is also a little off when compared to the full sized machine. The cylinders are smooth in operation and the arms can just about hold the given pose.
All the rivet heads have been painted over and this is good to see, resulting in a more authentic look and the paint finish overall is of a high standard with crisply applied Caterpillar markings. The model is packaged in the new two piece clear plastic holder with a clear front in the box allowing the model to be seen. As with the other new releases, a collector card in included giving brief details of the machine.
