In this Making-of Caterpillar D8H Dozer "Brutus" we will show how this custom model will be achieved.

Ad guides us through his construction process using his construction impression photos with brief explanations. Based on the donor Caterpillar D8K Dozer from Arpra Supermini in 1:50 scale from Brazil, you will see step by step the creation of a unique scale model of the Caterpillar D8H Dozer "Brutus" of the 17th Construction Squadron Vietnam within the Australian Army.

Enjoy reading & watching!

Ad and Wouter

The Kickoff

Ad started by buying the 1:50th scale Caterpillar D8K Dozer from Arpra Supermini. This model has been out of production for years, but with a bit of searching, you can still find one online for a good price at a swapmeeting, scale modelshow or on a sales site like eBay.

The armor

This Making-of is quite unique because for the first time in the long history of his custom building projects, Ad didn't have to worry about the dimensions and conversion from 1:1 to 1:50 scale.

The armour and protection applied were of course not made by Caterpillar in the factory before delivery, but by the Australian Army in the field in Vietnam and is slightly different on each machine.

Based on the available photographs, Ad made the frame and the various armor plates round out the upper structure of the standard Caterpillar D8H Dozer from brass material.

The armored protection plates for the Engine

Of course, the sides of the engine also need protection, so Ad makes the necessary custom armor from brass material.

The Hyster winch

The rear of a Caterpillar D8K Dozer is slightly different than that of a Caterpillar D8H Dozer, so a new rear plate had to be made for the donor model from Arpra for the Hyster winch to attach to.

Ad wouldn't be Ad if he didn't secretly modify and refine the purchased Hyster winch made of resin material with some self-made parts so that the end result looks just that little bit more realistic -)

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