Friend and fellow collector and custom scale model builder Gertjan Veld used the Caterpillar D9R Track-Type Tractor from NZG and a white metal boom kit made by HIMOBO in 1:50th scale to create his custom built Caterpillar 578 Pipelayer.

As a base for this project Gertjan uses the Caterpillar D9R Track-Type Tractor from NZG and two white metal/ brass kits from the Caterpillar 578 Boom made by HIMOBO and the rear winch kit #23 made in 2001 by cADSttachments in 1:50th scale which were purchased by Gertjan of Norbert Mietz - Modellspielwaren Mietz (msw-modelle.de), a German scale modelshop on the NAMAC swapmeeting at Houten, The Netherlands.

It is our goal for the coming period in this "Making-of Caterpillar 578 Pipelayer" to show how this custom model will be achieved.

Gertjan shares his building skills through the photos with little notes guiding us in the construction process. Gradually it shows the making of his Caterpillar 578 Pipelayer.

Enjoy reading & watching!

Gertjan and Wouter

Caterpillar 578 Pipelayer

The Caterpillar 578 Pipelayer was produced between 1989 and 1997. The Caterpillar 578 series machines had a #8HB serial number prefix.