Diecast Masters CAT 242D3

My latest diecast model is one that I've been waiting a long time for because it will be my first Skid Steer Loader. This is also one of the first 1:50 scale Skid Steer Loaders that I've seen. 

Diecast Masters released the 242 with its tracked sibling the 259 during 2022. For it size this must be one of my most expensive models to date.

The model comes with four different interchangeable attachments.

Transporting is not a problem. The real machine weights around 1 ton.

The bucket has a nice high lift and the arms are stiff enough for it to keep a pose.

The operator is well modelled inside the cab.

Next to my largest loader, the 994, for a size comparison.

The 242 easily fits into the 994's bucket.

Diecast Masters D11 TKN

 King of the Dozer, the mighty D11.

As usual with the High Line range of Diecast Masters it comes in a nice tin box.

Little detail like to spot light on top of the cab makes this model really special.

A new feature with the large CAT dozer is the side ladder. On the model it works.

New also is the engine panels that can open to view the engine.

On both sides.

Nice movement on the blade.

The business end on a D11.

Nice detail inside.

Interesting to see a three shank ripper on this D11. On the real D11 you normally see only one.

Fire suppression system on the back. Are D11's known to catch fire I wonder?

Impression movement on the blade and ripper.

A hovering D11.

Small vs Big. D5 (now D4) vs D11

Very small to big D9, D10 and D11.

One, two, three shanks. Again the big size difference between a D11 and the rest is noticeable.

Nice size comparison.

New vs Old. D11 R vs D11 KZN. Norscot vs Diecast Masters.

Diecast Masters CAT 18M3

 My latest arrival is the magnificent CAT 18M3 from Diecast Masters. A lot of reviewers agree that this is one of the best grader diecast models available today. 

As usual all high line models come in a nice thin box. Well packaged and protected.

What set the Diecast Masters models apart from the previous Norscot ones are the attention to detail. 

Look at the texture of the walking boards, really impressive. Some nice extra touches like the fire suppression system bottle.

A pity that you can't open up the cab like in other Diecast Masters models by removing the roof. From the outside the cab detail inside looks impressive.

Enough hydraulic piping. 

The tin has some nice info about the real machine. Interesting the 18 use the same engine, C13, as the 16 & 14 but with higher output.

My 3 newest graders next too each other. I have a 140 all so not show making 4 in my collection. The 150 and the 18M are Diecast Masters while the 14M is a Norscot.

Size-wise the 18M3 wins by a large margin. Mostly used in mining to keep the haul roads in good condition. The 150 (left) will be used for residential road construction while the 14M (right) for larger road construction jobs.