Iron Profile: Cat D11R

In March of 1996, Caterpillar introduced the D11R which was equipped with a 3508B EUI—turbocharged and aftercooled—increasing output from the 770 horsepower of the D11N model to 850 horsepower. The new machine also meet new EPA emission standards, but by and large the performance metrics were comparable to the D11N, which had dominated the size class with 70% of sales the decade prior.

The other improvements to Caterpillar’s largest track type bulldozer occurred primarily in the cab. An Electric Clutch Brake (ECB) steering system with Finger Tip Control (FTC) put into a single panel allowed the operator to control steering, machine direction, and gear selection all with the left hand. The blade and ripper controls remained on the right hand side of the cab. This increase in comfort and ease of operation improved performance, reduced human error, and shortened job time

There were also noteworthy improvements made to the brakes, including thicker plates and disks which provided higher torque capacity and increased service life. The oil cooling valve controls 75 gallons per minute, representing an almost 80% increase. These improvements were key, as it takes a lot to slow and stop a 108-ton piece of equipment.

Several months after the release of the D11R, Caterpillar unveiled the D11R CD (Carrydozer). The CD featured a taller, deeper curved blade that would allow pushing of more material over greater distances. The machine also had other improvements to help the increased load, such as a strengthened structure, rock guards and deflector shields to protect lift and tilt cylinders from spillover. The unique blade also enabled the tractor to operate on steeper slopes.

Cat No.12 Grader prototype

Now that we have the sample of our 1:24 scale brass No.12 Motor Grader model, we thought we'd share a few more photos of this impressive piece. The first is a size comparison with our classic D8H brass model, which is also 1:24 scale. To say this machine has a high amount of detail is an understatement. Look at those universal joints!

Just for fun, we tested out the blade's range of motion compared to images in a vintage brochure for the real machine. How's that for realism?

Ordinary bank cut

Extra long reach extreme bank cut

Flat bottom ditch cut (notice the tilting front wheels)

Cat No.12 Grader Photos

Here's a few more prototype photos for you to enjoy of our exciting new 1:24th scale brass model project, the Cat No.12 Grader. Drop us a line and tell us what you think.

Memorable Model: Caterpillar 583T Pipelayer

 

Although it seems like yesterday, it has been seven years since we rolled out the Cat 583T Pipelayer model. One of our more unique pieces due to the real machine’s application, it is immediately recognizable to enthusiasts of construction equipment, and one of our favorites.
 
At 1:48th scale in brass, the model weighs just over a pound and is approximately 8” wide from the counterweight to the end of the boom. Only 4.25” long from the front to the hitch, it most stands out because of the boom which is nearly 7” tall and displays a complex sheave block and hook with six parts of line, just as the real machine would have.

Other nice details include, individually linked and free-rolling tracks, operator’s seat with control panel and joysticks, counterweight and mast that can move into position for transport or operation.

Only 310 these models were ever made. 225 came in the standard open ROPS configuration, while 85 units included the cab. Retailing at the time for $795 and $875 respectively, they still hold their value today due to the limited production run.

Model Announcement: Cat No.12 Motor Grader

The Machine:

The venerable Caterpillar No.12 motor grader was first introduced in 1957, and has proved so successful, there is still a modernized version of the 12 in Caterpillar's current product line. Only manufactured in the USA, the 12 was a central part of the company's aggressive push into the grader market, and it is estimated over 4,200 of these machines were produced.

The 12 came standard with a D318 six-cylinder engine, producing 115 flywheel horsepower. It featured tandem drive rear wheels and a choice of push-button gas starting engine or 24-volt direct electric starting of the diesel engine. The grader's blade had an incredible range of movement, allowing it to cut anything from a level roadway to a vertical embankment. When it came to demanding road work, there was not much the 12 couldn't handle.

Production of the Cat 12 ended in 1959, when it was replaced by the Caterpillar 12E. Even today one can still find these machines in service to those who enjoy putting a piece of history to use.

The Model:

CCM's upcoming precision-scale model of the No.12 is yet another in our history of museum-grade works of art. Crafted in fine brass at 1:24th scale, one can be assured that no detail will be spared. It  will be approximately 13” long, 7” wide, 5” tall, and comprised of well over 250 individual brass parts.

All the control linkages to the steering have been re-created, as well as the drives to the moldboard side shift rack. Cabin interior is accessed by the opening doors and all controls and gauges are visible. The highly detailed D318 pony motor can be viewed easily through the open sided engine compartment.  In addition to the standard blade, our model also includes the optional V-type scarifier attachment. All of this detail sits upon realistic rubber tires. The No.12 has been finished with paint accurate to the period, and appropriate markings and safety labels.

Each model comes proudly packaged in a deluxe collector's box and includes a signed and serial numbered vintage spec brochure reproduction.

Please contact us if you would like to be placed on the waiting list for this unique creation, of which there will only be an estimated 200 pieces produced.

Email: sales@ccmodels.com
Phone: (503) 626-6395, Monday - Friday | 8am - 5pm PT

The No.12 prototype, still missing a few parts, but coming along nicely.

Memorable Model: Cat 953C Track Loader

In 2006, CCM proudly rolled out the 953C Track Loader model. This 1:48 scale precision model was made entirely of etched and investment-cast brass parts. All 300 models were assembled and painted by hand. 125 came with a standard configuration, 125 came with a 3-pronged ripper, and the final 50 were the most unique with a scale Allied Power Products Inc. winch package on the back of the loader.

 

The model had several life-like movable parts, including tracks which were individually linked and free-rolling, working track tensioners, a positionable bucket, remarkably detailed operator’s cab, and vented engine cover. Finer additions, such as hydraulic lines, lights, and grab handles, added to its realism.

Caterpillar licensed this model for production and its accuracy was verified by the project engineers who worked on the real machine. The model came in an original box, with a serial number, and a certificate proving its authenticity.

This model was 5.25” long, 2” wide, and 2.5” tall.  They sold out quickly at a price of $559.95 for the standard version. The ripper and winch versions were an additional $30.

Iron Profile: Caterpillar 631E and 637E Scrapers

Introduced in the 1980s, the Caterpillar 631E wheeled tractor-scraper was the latest iteration of Caterpillar’s highly successful scraper line. By combining speed and mobility with substantial earth-moving prowess, these units handled large capacities of topsoil more effectively than bulldozers. Its most significant benefit was the capability to move loads over distances at speed. Soon after the release of the 631E, Caterpillar released the 637E which had a second motor situated behind the debris bin. This gave additional power, traction, and a slight increase in speed over its predecessor, although the capacity was largely the same.

The 631E came standard with a four-stroke 3408 turbocharged V-8 engine which generated 450 flywheel horsepower and propelled the fully loaded scraper up to 30 mph. This included a direct-injection CAT fuel system with individual, adjustment-free injection pumps, variable injection timing and water jacket aftercooling. A 24-volt electric starting system with an ether starting aid was included for use in harsh temperatures. An electric monitoring system oversaw critical functions of its operation.

Tractor and scraper together weighed 95,000 pounds when empty, but over 171,000 pounds when its 75,000 (~31 cubic yds) capacity load was maxed. The scraper could cut as deep as 17.2” with a blade width of nearly 11.5’ giving it substantial ability to remove and relocate large amounts of top soil. They were frequently utilized to level and/or flatten areas that were turned into housing developments, parking lots, and shopping malls.

Caterpillar released the 637E which had the benefit of  a second motor situated behind the debris bin. This gave additional power, traction, and a slight increase in speed although the scraper's capacity was largely the same.

It isn’t unusual to see more than one 631E or 637E working in the same area at a time. While they can be run single file, they are more often seen side-by-side (offset a little bit) working in a loop, scraping off dirt in one area and depositing it elsewhere as needed. The scrapers popularity and quality is well evidenced thirty years later as these machines can still be found turning mountains into mole hills.