Dressta TD-40E Bulldozer

Presented here is the 1:50th scale model of the flagship Dressta TD-40E bulldozer which has been produced in China and was introduced at the Intermat trade show in April 2015.

The replica has some rather nice touches including the engine compartment which has see-through mesh panels allowing a glimpse of the internal engine block outline. Grab rails are located along the upper edge of the engine housing on both sides with tiny printed warning labels adding realism. The main blade lift cylinders have fixed and flexible hydraulic lines which look great.

The undercarriage has good surface detailing of the track frames with tensioned idler wheels and toothed sprocket drive wheels showing plenty of fine detailing of the final drive casings with individually linked tracks that have raised, single grouser pads.

The cabin has hinged doors on each side which can be opened to get a better view of the interior which has been replicated. The cab frame is solidly constructed with a ROPs protective frame and integrated front & rear facing work lights with silver painted lenses.

An air conditioning housing is integrated into the rear of the cabin just below the roof line with fine printing of the grille. The clear glazing has printed window seals around the edges with screen wipers observed on the front and rear windows.

The rear of the model houses a single shank ripper assembly with a detailed ripper tooth and non-functioning pin puller, although the pin is friction fit and can be extracted to adjust the ripper shank as required. Flexible hydraulic lines have been added to the hydraulic cylinders.

The main semi-u blade offers both height and tilt adjustment with a good range of movement coupled with hydraulic hose detailing front and back and metal safety grab handles and access steps integrated into the arms.

The paint finish is of a high standard with accurate placement of the Dressta markings and logos while the small safety and warning labels found around the model are a welcome touch. During Intermat, the marketing staff indicated that this is the first of a new range of 1:50th scale die-cast models which they plan to introduce in the coming years from their product range.