Caterpillar PM200 Cold Planer
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Caterpillar PM200 cold planer from Norscot. The PM200 has been designed to efficiently remove asphalt and concrete material from roads and pathways with a standard operating width of 2m with a 2.2 metre option and several cutting rotors available with different pick holder spacing. Powered by a Cat C18 ACERT diesel engine, the chassis is propelled by four track frames offering good manoeuvrability with a hydraulically folding discharge conveyor and a maximum cutting depth of 320mm.
The model from Norscot has captured the aesthetic appearance of the machine with a fully functional folding conveyor frame that can be authentically folded for transport and has a fabric conveyor belt. Lights are mounted to the tip of the conveyor for night time operation along with a painted orange beacon.
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The operator station is accessed from the plastic ladders on both sides of the chassis with two sets of driving controls and seats separated by a central control panel with indentations of the various controls and switches, complete with a pivoting protective cover. The canopy protects the operators from the elements and front mounted safety mirrors are fitted to both sides of the chassis to allow visibility of the front tracks for positioning. |
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The main cutter rotor has modelled tooth detailing and rotates freely although there is no height adjustment possible (according to Scott Stern, a decision made during development as it would not be possible to correctly model the operation in 1:50th scale)
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The collecting conveyor is also fitted with a fabric belt and does have some height adjustment along with a flexible rubber cover between collecting and discharge conveyors. The height adjustment on the sample is non-functional which is a little disappointing and it is not clear if the lack of adjustment is due to extremely stiff cylinders. |
The mounting point for the lift cylinders looks fairly delicate so excessive force could cause damage. The conveyor frame can be angled left and right and has metal guide ropes fitted which look fairly realistic.
Each of the four track frames has pivoting movement with rotating rubber track belts although the replica does not model the steering functionality of the full sized machine. The rear grille has a textured finish with good definition of the side panels on the body and upper surface.
The paint finish on the model is of a good standard with authentic printing of the Cat logos. Fine details include authentically scaled grab railings and light housings although these unfortunately do not have painted lenses. The model is posed below on the Nooteboom 3-axle semi low-loader trailer and makes a convincing load.
