The Caterpillar 988K in 1:50th scale is released by Tonkin Replicas in 2013 with #TR10001.
The Caterpillar 988K Wheel Loader scale model is made in scale 1:50. In 2013 Tonkin Replicas first Caterpillar release and it shows their determination to produce highly authentic replicas with excellent detail, functionality and a great value for money. As you expect from Tonkin Replicas this magnificent model has plenty of detail and functioning parts as suspension, metal railing and amazing details like the tiny warning signs just like the real machine. Excellent job!
One noticeable difference between Tonkin and Norscot models in their packaging choise is the extra firm brown carton transport box which protects both the Caterpillar cardboard show box aswell as the scale model inside. This is in my opion a very important step forward to asure the scale model arrives in good order as one should expect.
The model is fitting nicely between two clear plastic forms which snap together and securely hold the model. The Caterpillar 988K Wheel Loader cardboard showbox is having front, top and right hand side windows allowing the model within to be clearly seen.
Again there is certainly plenty of great detailing to be found, while still maintaining a rugged and sturdy feel when handled, so you don't feel you are going to break this Caterpillar 988K Wheel Loader just by picking it up.
A nice touch, which indicates the level of effort Tonkin Replicas puts in their new diecast series Caterpillar scale models, is the small full color collector card with relevant spec sheet information about the Caterpillar 988 Wheel Loader slotted into a pocket on the inside of the packaging.
The rubber tires have a finely and authentic moulded replicated tread pattern which looks good, while the plastic inner wheel hubs having a ring of tiny fixing bolt heads. The front axle is fixed to the chassis while the rear axle will oscillate. Flexible hydraulic hoses have been added between the two chassis sections and the drive shaft is modelled on the front axle.The articulating chassis is functional with a pair of hydraulic cylinders controlling the steering movement.
An fixed access ladder is fitted on one side of the chassis providing access to the cabin platform and accurately scaled grab rails have been added to the cab door and frame. Beware that the platform access gate is NOT made functional. So do not try to open it. The two other options to enter the engine compartment or the cabin are the small access ladders added to both sides of the rear counterweight with an anti-slip textured upper surface.
The engine bay has cast handle detailing with a prominent exhaust stack and air intake. There is a non functional tow eye with pin molded into the underside of the counterweight. The rear counterweight has painted lenses and surface detailing with the rear engine grille nicely capturing the looks of the 1:1 Caterpillar 988K Wheel Loader.
The detailing of the engine housing is very nicely done complete with side located rear facing lights and a rear camera. The Engine side grilles are textured and highlighted with black paint, emphasising the ridged detail of this Caterpillar 988K Wheel Loader. The rear grille has a prominently displayed CAT pyramid logo and to finish off, tiny safety labels have been added. Tonkin Replicas has modelled the cabin interior including a CAT logo on the grey operator seat and added some fine external detailing of the cab including a rear view mirrors, front and rear facing lights integrated into the roof and an nice looking, but fragily, orange flashlight fitted on top of the cab. External windscreen wipers on the front and rear window are the last details of this long list.
Tonkin Replicas made the loader arms from their Caterpillar 988K Wheel Loader raise to a reasonable height and the range of movement of the bucket tip linkage and loader arms have been authentically captured, allowing the model to be realistically posed loading a suitable Off-Highway truck as the Caterpillar 775G without any problems.
The main lift and bucket tip hydraulic cylinders have a nice smooth action and will hold at any position chosen. The addition of flexible hydraulic piping really adds to the realism. All the pin and rivet heads have been painted over which adds to the visual appearance.
The Caterpillar 988K Wheel Loader is unfortunately not fitted with a quick coupler, so you cannot easily changing the bucket for any another work tool to be connected.
The bucket is produced in metal and has been cast with plenty of surface detailing including the cutting surfaces with underside wear panels also modelled. The sides of the bucket have cutting plates while the upper surface of the bucket shows the structural details along with two small modelled lifting eyes.
Tonkin Replicas has done a excellent job with the finall touch of this Caterpillar 988K Wheel Loader. The paint finish on the model is of a high standard, with an even coating allowing the surface detailing to show through while the printing of the Caterpillar POWER EDGE logo, and the markings are authentically applied with all lights and the mirror surfaces decorated.
Early 2014 Tonkin Replicas also released the Caterpillar 988K with Millyard Arrangement aka Log Loader scale model.
Caterpillar 988K Wheel Loader
The Caterpillar 988K Wheel Loader was introduced in April 2013 as the replacement for the 988H and is only manufactured in the USA. Introduction of the 988K as the seventh-generation Caterpillar 988 Wheel Loader marks the 50th anniversary of the 988 series.
At present, the Caterpillar 988K Wheel Loader is the flagship of the 988 family. The machine is powered by a Caterpillar C18 ACERT Engine, good for 541 hp, an operating weight of 112574 lb and a bucket capacity of 8.3 yd3 - 10 yd3 a serious piece of machinery in the class of Large Wheel Loaders made by Caterpillar.
