Caterpillar 390D LME Tracked Excavator

Presented here is the 1:48th scale Caterpillar 390D LME tracked excavator from CCM. The 390D LME is presented in a mass excavation configuration with short stick and large digging bucket with 36” double grouser shoes.

The main body casting has fine grill detailing cast into the sides with authentically scaled grab railings fitted to the engine cover edges with steps inset into the side panel leading up to the engine area. Service platforms are fitted along both sides with a textured anti-slip upper surface.

The side grills are nicely finished with black highlighting looking sharp while the plastic hand railings behind the cab have been finished in black, contrasting to the metal handrails which are yellow. The rear engine compartment features two opening covers which reveal the replicated 513hp C18 ATAAC engine and filtration components found within along with the hydraulic distribution housing centrally located within the upper carriage, kitted out with flexible hydraulic hoses.

A side opening door uncovers the hydraulic pump, complete with flexible hoses while the photo-etched panels have an intricate pattern allowing more of the internal features and cooling systems to be seen. The design of the rear counterweight is a little different to the 385C and this has been captured on the model along with the two raised lifting eyes.

The cab features an opening door which allows an unobstructed view of the fully modelled interior, a nice addition on the model with all the hand and foot controls present and accurately decorated with a grey internal colour scheme and black seat. The roof has a protective slotted screen with large work light housings facing forward and the entire outer cab is painted black which is a difference to the 385C version.

The hydraulics are stiff in operation and allow a fair range of movement to be demonstrated with flexible hoses and fixed piping cast into the boom, all adding to the realism. The bucket has good ground engaging and wear protection detailing with painted rivet heads and caps covering the pins while the stick has subtle cast surface detailing. One area on the model which is a little out is the range of movement of the bucket linkage, with stops cast into the stick preventing the bucket from curling realistically.

The track pads installed on the undercarriage are wider than those fitted to the 385C shovel version with raised fixing bolt heads visible on each pad and tensioned idler wheels keeping the tracks taut. The paint finish is excellent with an even coating allowing the fine casting details to show through while the printing of the Caterpillar markings are very crisp.