Caterpillar D10T2 Track-Type Tractor "Coal Blade Version"

Diecast replicas come in many scales and sizes, and while the recognised scale for construction equipment is 1:50th, there is no denying that a large machine modelled in 1:24th scale is going to look impressive, and that is certainly the case with the Cat D10T2. Just unpacking the box, you get a feeling for the impressive size of the model and once the cover is removed, you are greeted with a stunningly detailed replica which looks like someone has taken a shrinking gun and reduced a real machine to miniature size.

The track frames are tensioned to keep the tracks taut with each of the lower rollers freely rotating and the bogies pivoting while the final drive housings show every bolt head.

On both sides of the model, the engine panels can be opened to reveal the fully replicated interior where the silver finished exhaust piping contrasts with the black radiator and yellow piping for the air filters.

The cabin is equally represented with the interior fully modelled, from the textured floor mat to the printed markings on the control panel. Both cabin doors open to allow glimpses of the hand controls and driver’s seat which once again are expertly finished.

Access to the cabin is achieved from the folding ladder which clips into the raised position and has a smooth transition from stowed to deployed.

Safety is paramount on equipment and the safety railings and ridged anti-slip floor panels have been replicated on the side and rear of the upper body, complete with red painted fire extinguisher for that extra touch of realism.

The coal blade version of the model is fitted with a rear counterweight which is of a simplistic design with two receptacles mounted on the upper edge connected to flexible pipes which appear to be used for ground level refilling of the diesel and hydraulic tanks which again shows the attention to detail put into each model.

CCM should be credited with producing the D10T2 from diecast rather than the brass construction used on previous 1:24th scale projects like the D9T and D11R models which open up the possibility for more collectors to be able to afford to add one to their collection and there is certainly no loss of detail as a result.