Cat 777 Haul Truck and 776 Tractor with MET-185 pre-production samples

Here are some photos to enjoy over the long weekend. Some changes will be made to these samples for production, but we are really happy with how they look so far!

Models in the house – C175-20 has arrived

We are excited to announce our model of the Cat C175-20 Genset just came in the door today. We will begin shipping them out next week. Our stock are all reserved, but you may find it at one of the fine dealers that carry our models. Check it out here on our website for more details.

In other news, pre-production samples of the Cat 777 Haul Truck and 776 Tractor with MET-185 Trailer came in today! We have been so excited to see these models, and they do not disappoint. We are working through our review and will post photos for you next week. Stay tuned!

CCM Behind the Scenes: Markings and Paint

Although they might seem inconsequential at first glance, the markings and paint on a scale model are like icing on a cake.  When they are right, they enhance the enjoyment of the final product. When they are wrong, they can have a negative impact disproportionate to their size. At CCM we seek the most realism we can achieve in our models and that includes these tiny details. In this Behind the Scenes installment we will look at some of the challenges in this part of our process.

Model numbers, company logos, warning labels, and safety callouts—all are markings commonly seen on the real machines. For modern equipment, the placement and specifications for these are usually straightforward and easy to come by, as manufacturers such as Caterpillar have digital artwork that we can reduce to the proper scale.

A Cat 777 Haul Truck on location where we conducted our machine survey.
Not many markings left on this one.

Vintage machines are the real challenge. Construction and agricultural equipment sees hard use, and over the course of forty or fifty years warning labels face a life of abrasion, fading from the sun, and other abuse. If an old machine gets repainted, those factory-adhered labels are almost never re-applied. Most often it is only the machine numbers that find their way back on a fresh coat of paint. For this reason, the amount of research we have to do to find accurate references for a piece of vintage equipment can be substantial. Old brochures, antique photos, and surveys of existing machines are all necessary.

In the case of our model of the Caterpillar No.12 motor grader, we were lucky to be able to refer to our vast in-house archives of vintage product brochures and sales sheets. Cross referencing this with our machine survey and other photos, we were able to create accurate markings for a machine that is well over sixty years old.

We were lucky to find a rare original label on this old No.12 for reference.

Markings are applied to the surface of our models with a process known as pad printing, often called "Tampo" printing after the leading manufacturer of the equipment. A soft silicone pad stamps a layer of paint on the model in a precise movement, as well as fine registration. This allows for a very crisp graphic that can wrap over a curved surface. Here is a link to examples of various Tampo techniques.

A paint and Tampo guide provided to our manufacturer for
our upcoming Cat 16M Motor Grader cab interior.

Before the markings are placed, however, the model first needs a coat of paint matched to the manufacturer's standard. Next to the company logo, there is nothing more they want to see properly executed on a scale model of their machines. Company colors are an integral part of their brand and manufacturers hold us to a very high standard for proper matches which includes their final approval for both current and vintage colors on our models.

As many enthusiasts know, Caterpillar yellow has changed over the years. The original “Hi-way Yellow” introduced in the 1930’s needed to change to meet the growing environmental requirements introduced in the 1970’s. In 1979 Caterpillar made the decision to modify the color that had been famous for over 47 years to the current Caterpillar “honey yellow”. Although the new paint color is strictly controlled, there was often some variation in the old Hiway Yellow from year to year, manufacturing locations, and paint formulations.

We hope this information is helpful and gives you a better understanding of the process we follow to create the world-class scale models our collectors treasure so highly.

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