Caterpillar 950M Wheel Loader

Diecast Masters has released the updated M-series 950M wheel loader in 1:50th scale which has a number of casting changes over the previous K-series model first released by Tonkin Replicas. The most noticeable difference is the black bucket which is fitted to a Fusion quick coupler, allowing it to be removed.

The bucket on the 950M is a different casting which is good to see and there are some subtle changes to the cabin with the rear engine compartment having a new orientation for the side grills which are printed. The rear of the model has a new design that incorporates rear facing lights and a safety camera.

The counterweight on the model is a little different to that of the K series and while the updated models look good, one disappointing aspect of the K-series loaders was the way the loader arms were constructed and unfortunately, this has not been updated on the M-series models, so we can still see the two holes in the outer sides of the loader arms where the cross member is riveted in place.

Another minor disappointment is that the height range of the arms is not that authentic. Diecast Masters has announced they are producing a model of the 980M wheel loader, so it will be interesting to see if that has a better range of movement of the loading arms.

The 950M is from the “High Line” range and come packed in a decorative metal tin giving technical details of the real machine. It is pictured below alongside the 966M and 972M wheel loaders.