Model Announcement: Cat 983B Track-type Loader

We are pleased to announce our latest 1:48 precision scale die-cast model in our vintage Caterpillar line.

The Machine:
The powerful and versatile 983B Track-Type Loader was introduced in 1978, and produced until 1982. At the time it was the largest track loader made by Cat, and produced 275 flywheel horsepower from its six-cylinder, 893 cubic-inch, 3406 diesel engine. The 983B featured pedal steering, freeing the operator's hands for the transmission and loader controls. An automatic bucket control system allowed the bucket to rise to a pre-set dumping height and return to a pre-set digging angle for fast cycle times.

The Model:
Our die-cast model of the 983B has a fully articulated bucket, lift arms, and hydraulics. The full cab is accessible through opening doors, and the track assemblies are completely functional with free-rolling sprockets, rollers, and metal track links. This replica is planned in two configurations: an open ROPS version with general purpose bucket and counterweight, and a ripper version with enclosed cab and rock bucket.

Each model comes packaged in a collector's box and includes a signed and serial-numbered spec sheet reproduction. Information will be available on our website here:
ccmodels.com/caterpillar-Cat-983B-loader.shtml

The production limit and retail price are yet to be determined, but you can be placed on the request list for this eagerly awaited model by contacting us today.

Email: sales@ccmodels.com

Phone: 503-626-6395, Monday - Friday | 8am - 5pm PT

983B Track-type Loader Standard Version with GP bucket and counterweight

983B Track-type Loader Ripper Version with rock bucket and ripper

Below are some photos of our rapid prototype. Some details may change or be added to what you see here.

Iron Profile: Caterpillar Seventy Track-Type Tractor

In 1934 Caterpillar began selling the Seventy Tractor, the largest its gas-powered tractors, which were being replaced by the newer diesel machines becoming more popular at the time. This precursor to modern track-type tractors has a classic appearance, and is historically significant for being the last large gas-powered Caterpillar tractor made.

In the years emerging from the Great Depression, many municipalities and private contractors used the Seventy in the construction of roads. It was prized for its ability to multi-task as the wide swinging drawbar could pull a variety of equipment. The Seventy also received use in agricultural applications and helped mechanize America’s farms on a larger scale than the Cat Ten did four years earlier. The Seventy was also a favorite of the timber industry, as it could safely and efficiently pull equipment and logs over rough terrain.

The engines were four-cycle, water-cooled, with four cylinders, capable of running 700 rpm when governed at full load, at maximum drawbar pull it was capable of 420 rpm. The overall length was nearly 12’, height was 7.5’, width was almost 9’, with ground clearance over 10”. Other specs of interest are: a 31,000 pound shipping weight, 90 gallon fuel tank, and the steering was controlled by slow speed, heavy duty, dry multiple disc clutch and contracting brake.

 

The Depression years of the 1930s were difficult for all industries, and Caterpillar was no exception. Even though the Seventy had been developed from years of tractor-making experience, sales totaled only 266 machines over the four years of its production. Despite being one of the more rare of the track-type tractors, the Seventy lived on in the diesel powered Seventy-five tractor and later innovations that would propel Caterpillar from agricultural products into a leader of earthmoving equipment.

Iron Profile: Cat 953C Track Loader

The Cat 953C track loader entered the market in 1995 and has proven a big success judging by the estimated 8000 that were produced around globe up until 2005.

The 953C had a wide variety of uses, including backfilling, stripping top soil, landscape contouring, excavating, and truck loading. Ground Engaging Tools (G.E.T.), different buckets, and other assorted attachments allow a multitude of configurations, helping the 953C maximize its performance on any job.

 

The standard bucket capacity is almost 2.5 cubic yards.  Although not as impressive in size as many of the other machines produced by Caterpillar, it still weighs a respectable 16 tons.  The Cat 3116 engine is placed at the rear to provide more balance, and moves the machine with 121 flywheel horsepower. Emissions and fuel consumption have been kept much lower in comparison to its predecessors. The hydrostatic drive eliminates the need for manual shifting and allows the 953C to be considerably faster and more responsive than the 951C.

At the time they were produced, the cab was second to none in operator comfort: sound-proof, rollover protected, and air pressurized to keep out dust and moisture. The electronic monitoring system gives the driver quick visual status updates on data related to critical machine functions, including three warning levels in case of a failure.

The 953C was a showcase for the benefits of track loaders, including the high floatation and traction provided by tracks, as well as the load handling of multiple bucket options. Even today, this machine continues to work hard for its devoted owners.

Model Announcement: Cat 245 Excavator with Grapple

We are pleased to announce our latest 1:48 precision scale die-cast model.

The Machine:
The Caterpillar 245 Excavator, produced from 1974 to 1988, was powered by the six cylinder turbocharged, 3406 engine with 325 flywheel horsepower. Due to its extreme versatility, this machine had many specialized versions created for specific uses. The grapple was one of the best examples of these modifications, used for a wide range of applications such as handling shredded scrap, long structural beams or car bodies, handling waste at recycling and transfer stations and handling rocks at construction sites. The four tines of the grapple were made of low-alloy steel with hardened tips. All pins, cylinders, bearings and hoses were hardened and armored for heavy duty use.

The Model:
The legacy of the Cat 245 lives on in our 1:48 scale die-cast replica of this incredible machine. Our 245 Excavator with Grapple is equipped with wider flotation tracks ideal for working on soft ground, and a cab riser for the operator's increased visibility. Each model comes equipped with working stick and boom, articulated grapple, detailed hydraulic lines, a fully detailed engine and engine compartment accessible through opening engine bay doors as well as spring tensioners in the track frames, and perforated engine covers.

Each model comes packaged in a collector's box and includes a signed and serial numbered spec sheet reproduction. Information will be available on our website here:
ccmodels.com/caterpillar-Cat-245-grapple.shtml

The retail price will be $199.95. Production will be limited to just 182 pieces, so please contact us if you would like to be placed on the request list for this impressive model.

Email: sales@ccmodels.com

Phone: 503-626-6395, Monday - Friday | 8am - 5pm PT

Memorable Model: Manitowoc M250 Crawler Crane

In 1997 we produced a beautiful scale reproduction of the Manitowoc M250 Crawler Crane. It was our eighth crane model, and our most detailed to date. Limited to a single production run of just 300, they came with a registration certificate proving their authenticity, and identifying us as a licensed dealer of Manitowoc. They were also individually serial numbered so that our collectors would be assured  they owned a specific model, never to be made again.

Like all of our models, this edition was complete with many true to life features that were found on the actual machine. In this case, it was three working winch drums which allowed the boom angle and load blocks to be positioned as desired. The gantry is foldable, and one of the most unique features of this replica is the swinging cab, which allowed the operator drastically improved visibility.

The model also includes individually linked, free-rolling tracks with functioning tensioners, an engine cover that lifts to display twin cooling fans, and precise replication of red paint and distinctive graphics. Twin swing drive motors with rotating pinion gears, a highly detailed operator’s cab, and a front mounted auxiliary hydraulic hoist round out the M250.

Each unit was assembled by hand of many individual brass components engineered to a precise 1:48 scale.  The finished product stood 37” high at the tip of the boom, with a width of 6.25”, and a length of 10”.  It weighed a reasonable 7.75 pounds and still looks great on any shelf. They sold originally for $1595, but can command almost twice that in the collector market.

In 2010 we produced 8 of the Manitowoc M250 with Kiewit livery, which retailed for $1895.