Caterpillar 963D Tracked Loader

The Caterpillar 963D tracked loader model in 1:50th scale from Norscot is another release featuring excellent levels of detail and realism. The linked metal tracks have grouser and bolt detail on each pad with fixed idler wheels. The tracks will rotate but may be a little stiff.

The rear of the model has a three shank ripper which can be lowered and all rivets have been painted over which makes the model so much better than having the large silver rivets found on their earlier models. All the grab rails on the model are to scale and are a mixture of metal and plastic, although it is hard to tell which is which.

The cab features a fully detailed interior with centre console, detailed seat and operator controls all visible through the clear windows. Front and rear windscreen wipers have been added along with forward facing work lights mounted in the roof. The loader arms and Z linkage are functional allowing the model to be posed like the real machine although the range of movement on the bucket is limited when the loader arms are fully lowered as the linkage makes contact with the body.

The paint finish is very good on the model with the distinctive yellow and black colours and "Power Edge" markings printed on the cab sides and loader arms. This model, along with the D6K and D6T models have shown an amazing increase in detail level from Norscot and are amongst my favourite models of 2007.