Caterpillar CT660 Dump Truck
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Caterpillar CT660 vocational truck with tipping light material body from Norscot. The model was launched alongside the full sized trucks at the ConExpo event, March 2011.
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The Caterpillar engine block and transmission have been replicated and are visible from the underside of the model. This detailing is revealed further by opening the large bonnet where the fine detailing of the engine block and cooling systems can be observed.
The bonnet accurately captures the rugged looks of the full sized truck with side cut-outs housing plastic covers complete with the CAT logo while amber and clear tinted lenses have been used for the road and indicator lights. The large front grill has a textured finish with the CAT logo prominently displayed, surrounded by a chromed grill frame and bumper. |
The tyres have an authentic road tread pattern moulded into the surfaces while the large, floatation tyres fitted to the front axle look particularly realistic. The front axle has working steering but the wheels are a loose fit on the sample reviewed here and appear at a slight angle when viewed from the front. The wheel centres are highly chromed with good detailing. |
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While not quite as detailed as a WSI or Sword model, there is enough there to show Norscot are raising the bar a little. |
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The underside of the model has not been forgotten, with simulated suspension detailing added on the rear axles with a driveshaft connecting the rear most axles. The lift axle wheels are raised slightly and have functioning steering which achieves a decent degree of movement which is good to see.
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The cab interior has been replicated with the seat covers having the CAT logo printed upon them while the CT660 text is printed on the inside door panels for extra realism. Rear view mirrors have been added to the cab frame with a silver sun visor and chromed air horns fixed to the roof while the exhaust stacks rise up on both sides of the chassis behind the cabin. The dump body is fitted with a non-functioning canvas cover with the arms bolted to the body and a rolled up cover fixed in place which is a nice addition to the model, although it is a pity that is cannot be extended. |
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The body itself is nicely detailed with steps integrated into the lower frame while bars have been integrated into the side panel casting and highlighted red with a red stripe along the bottom of the body and fixed, red painted extension boards along the top edge.
The rear tailgate pivots as the body is raised and the multi-stage hydraulic cylinder allows the body to be tipped to a reasonable angle, although the method of connecting the piston to the body is a little strange. To finish off the rear, large flexible rubber flaps have been added, complete with printed CAT logos. The paint finish is very good with an even coat allowing the casting detail to show through. The model is pictured below alongside another recent addition, the Cat 374D tracked excavator.
