Custom scale model builder Ciprian Ursulescu from CypModels has recently finished his next project developing and building in 1:50th scale of the:

• Caterpillar 988B RTCH Rough Terrain Container Handler

The Caterpillar 988B RTCH Rough Terrain Container Handler is used for handling standard 20 ft and 40 ft ISO containers with a maximum weight of up to 22.6 t. This container handler is used by supply, ammunition and transportation units. Production of the RTCH commenced in 1981 and ceased in 1985. A total of 320 rough terrain container handlers were delivered to the US Army.

Basically the Caterpillar 988B RTCH it is a modified commercial Caterpillar 988B Wheel Loader without lifting arms and bucket, mated with a Caterpillar model AH60 (60,000 lb. Capacity) forklift mast. Later production models were based on the Caterpillar 988F Wheel Loader. The 988B RTCH Rough Terrain Container Handler can stack and unstack containers two high. There was a variant of this container handler, fitted a low-mount fork assembly. It could lift half-height containers. The vehicle is operated by a single operator. This machine carries no armament as it is intended to operate in supply units and is designed to operate over rough terrain and in water up to 1.5 m deep. This allows the vehicle to operate at beaches.

Specification highlights:

• Engine: Caterpillar 3408 Turbocharged diesel engine
• Power: 393.0 hp
• Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight: 116.844 lb
• Lifting capacity: 26.2 tonnes
• Maximum road speed forward: 24.8 mph
• Gradient: 30%

In this "Making-of Caterpillar 988B RTCH Rough Terrain Container Handler" he shows how this custom model is been achieved. Ciprian Ursulescu has shared his building skills through its construction photos with little notes from me. Gradually it shows you the making of a unique model of the 988B RTCH Rough Terrain Container Handler.

Enjoy reading & watching!

Ciprian and Wouter

The Kickoff

The development of the prototype part 1

The development of the prototype part 2

The development of the prototype part 3

Photos will follow within a few moments.

Ready for sales!

The pre production scale model of the 988B RTCH Rough Terrain Container Handler in 1:50th scale is completely finished and painted. Ready for Action! Ready for sales! Time to order your built 988B RTCH Rough Terrain Container Handler scale model or kit.

Sales price is 235,- euro for a model built and 125,- euro for a kit and shipping cost. CypModels does discounts for larger orders and ships worldwide. Payment with PayPal is possible. This next knock out model of the 988B RTCH Rough Terrain Container Handler will be available in very limited numbers.

If you are interested in this built scale model or kit respond to Ciprian by e-mail to contact@cypmodels.com. Only then you can be assured that the model is also produced effectively for you.

More information about his unique scale models which are custom made in a very limited editions? Visit the CypModels website.