The Caterpillar 583 D&RGW in 1:48th scale was in 2003 released by Overland Models.
Overland Models released in 2002 the Caterpillar 583 D&RGW in two versions, each in a limited edition. Both models are all hand crafted from brass in scale 1:48.
Both versions are really worth because they are completely different built and executed. Luckily I got the pictures from a collector friend that has both models already in its possession, and therefore there are plenty of pictures to enjoy. (Thanks "A").
The Caterpillar 583 D&RGW was specifically developed in America and is used to help when a train has derailed. This often occurs in hard to reach places, and therefore the use of a Telescopic Crane is often not an option.
Based on a Caterpillar 583 Pipelayer the concept of a "Tracked train hoist and tow Truck" is designed to put a crashed train or wagon back on track in the worst and most poorly accessible terrain or in the worst case get the Wreck removed and the rails back free again.
This scale model is rightfully be called a masterpiece. Some of the many features of this unique model the folding boom, individually linked metal tracks, working voltage holders for the caterpillars, fully functional bogeys and an authentic OPEN ROPS to protect the operator.
The scale model Caterpillar 583 D&RGW is completed by providing it with the light units, handles and railings and hydraulic lines. Tight painted, neatly finished.
This review is established with the background information and photos from Ad Gevers and Tim Twichell.
If you want to see the other version of the Caterpillar 583 D&RGW then click on the picture below:
The Caterpillar D&RGW scale models look mostly like Caterpillar 583’s or maybe 594’s of the H or K vintage.
The Union Pacific Railroad, and the Burlington Northern “Now BNSF after merger with the Santa Fe. Also the Maine Central Railroad had them set up like that. They were moved to train wrecks on flatcars that were part of the “Wreck or Relief” train. The machine had the 9 or 8C blades and Hyster D-89C or Carco winches of about 50 tons pull on the back.
The booms were cut and hinged to allow them clearance on the railroad right-of-way. When they got to the site of the derailment they unloaded and went to work. The railroad still called in contract derailment firms also, but these machines, being loaded on rail cars could get into places where highways could not reach. Some of the wreck sites are very remote and can be many miles from any good road. CP Rail in Canada and CN rail also had preloaded side booms on flat cars. Still now days almost all railroads use contractors. The little video shows Winters Rigging side booms re-railing a couple covered hopper cars, each car weighs about 100 tons. This is a very simple job compared to a real “Train Wreck”, but it gives you the idea how side booms are used in pairs and groups to handle things on a job.
It is quite a challenge to learn to work as teams on the bigger wrecks. Running a side boom takes some real practice to master it in rough terrain moving very heavy loads. They have recovered loads as big as 450 tons with just side booms and dozers/winch tractors on jobs.
About 90% of the machines are in use by the four major contractors are the Caterpillar 583 and 572. Some have used 594’s and others have a few newer John Deere hydraulic side booms also. A Caterpillar 583 will lift 100 tons right against the boom and travel with it.
