Tooling updates to Cat 777 and 776 trucks

After reviewing our tooling sample prototype, and with thoughtful feedback from our customers, we have made a few small changes to improve our upcoming models of the Cat 777 haul truck and 776 tractor.

The structure of the cab was far too thin to properly represent the integrated ROPS (Roll Over Protection System). We have now beefed that up to a proper thickness, as well as added other small refinements that will add to the overall realism that we strive for.

Before and after.

The only downside of making such changes is the time it takes to make revised tooling before we can proceed with production. However, we believe that these details make a better final product. We owe thanks to our dedicated collectors for all their great feedback.

Classic Construction Models on Facebook

We just wanted to remind everyone that we have a Facebook page. This is where we post smaller articles and updates, and is great way to give us quick feedback. Please check it out and be sure to show your enthusiasm by "liking" us with a thumbs-up! Click here to visit CCM's Facebook page.

Dresser Tractors and CCM's First Diecast Model

Dresser Industries began in the oil fields of Pennsylvania in 1880, and over the years acquired various other oil and construction related companies. In 1982 the company obtained the construction equipment division of International Harvester and its well-respected line of crawler tractors.

One of these tractors was the TD-40. In development since the late 1970s, the TD-40 weighed over 67 tons when fully outfitted, and its Cummins diesel engine thundered out 460 horsepower. It was the largest International Harvester tractor at the time, then sold under the Dresser name.

The TD-40 was further developed into the TD-40B series and later into the TD-40C in 1997. At this point the TD-40C Crawler Tractor had reached 520 flywheel horsepower with its Cummins QSK19, 6-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine, and topped out at 67.6 tons with standard equipment.

Even as the Dresser line of construction equipment switched hands a number of times, to Komatsu and finally to LiuGong under the Dressta Co. name, the TD-40 series continues as the star in their lineup of machines.

 

In 1995 we saw the TD-40B Crawler Tractor as the perfect construction machine to release as our very first diecast model. Until then, we had only produced high-end brass replicas, and the diecast process allowed us to offer collectors something in a different price range, while adhering to our standards of precision and quality.

The B variation being a soldout success, we produced a model of the TD-40C Crawler Tractor the following year and it proved just as popular. At the time, these were the first scale models of these machines ever made.

Each model featured details that would become standard qualities we would build upon and refine in future diecast pieces: free-rolling linked metal tracks, moving guide wheels, blade and ripper with realistic ranges of movement, detailed operator's cab, scale hydraulic hoses, and accurate paint and markings.

Iron Profile: Cat 914G Wheel Loader

When Caterpillar introduced the 914G wheel loader in 1995, it did much more than just update an older machine. The 914G represented a totally new concept in wheel loaders at the time and was one of the first Cat machines designed using virtual reality computer technology, shortening the production from seven years down to three. So significant was the design that Caterpillar had it patented. Program manager Jeff Griffith said at the time, “from the ground up, the 914G is a new machine, the only thing that stayed the same was the color.”

Key features of the 914G’s design included a hydrostatic drive transmission, spacious cab with 67% more glass than previous designs for enhanced visibility, and a Cat 3054T diesel engine transversely mounted at the rear of the machine to provide better balance and easier access to the engine compartment.

The 914G was available in a standard wheel loader configuration or as an integrated tool carrier, the IT14G, featuring an integrated quick coupler that allowed easy changes from a bucket to forks or one of many other attachments that would increase productivity.
 
The most interesting aspects of the 914G was the product development. Design engineers used 3-dimensional software models of the machine's cab interior to evaluate multiple designs without having to build prototypes, saving significant time and money. With the aid of “virtual dirt” the engineers were better able to simulate ripping, digging, and dumping in different soil types, and design the most efficient configurations for the machine.

In 1997, we introduced the 914G as our first 1:48 scale model. The size was ideal for our collectors because it allowed plenty of detail while fitting nicely on a shelf.

“We chose to produce a model of the 914G because it is the first wheel loader in Cat’s new G series,” said CCM’s former president, Bob Peterson. “We recognized Caterpillar felt the design of the 914G was important enough to warrant a patent, so our goal was to create a model that was equally unique.”

The exceptional quality of the 914G model so impressed Caterpillar that the first ten replicas produced were given to executives in the company as commemorative gifts.
 
With detail as impressive as its true-life counterpart, our all-brass 914G model had windshield wipers, “cornerless” windows, rubber tires, working hydraulic cylinders, muffler, turn signals, an AC compressor and drive belt, and authentic Caterpillar markings. The model’s detail showcased the creature comforts of the ergonomically-designed 914G cab, complete down to the miniature rearview mirrors. All was was fully articulated and hand-assembled from more than 250 parts.

Only 300 of these models were made. Each came with certificate of authenticity and were individually serial numbered. Originally priced at $359.95, the rarity and quality have allowed them to hold their value over time.

Cat D9L with 631E Towed Scraper has Arrived

It's been busy around here. The new 1:48 scale Cat D9L with 631E Towed Scraper models have just been unloaded off the truck, and we are very excited. This one is a favorite of ours for representing such a unique piece of construction equipment history. Check out more details here on our website.

We will begin shipping on these as soon as we clear them with Cat licensing and ship out some other models.

These pieces are all requested for sale to customers, so if you missed this one we remind you to always put yourself on on our wait list for a model as soon as it's announced. It doesn't cost you anything, just give us a call at 503-626-6395.