Already some weeks ago I received through Shapeways this latest addition in my collection and finally found a free moment and took it to the photo set:

• Caterpillar 963D SH Shiphold/Port Handling Track Loader (Kit)

I discovered that the under the name Dirtboy's Customs regularly exclusive small series of kits appear that allow you to add a machine variant or a unique work tool to your Caterpillar collection.

Dirtboy's Customs is formed by the American custom builder Jay Roltgen. His main focus is creating custom add-on's and Worktools for 1:50th scale construction models mainly (Caterpillar) Track-Type Tractors. Small series, often as kit, made of Metal, Photo etched or 3D printed material, which can be ordered directly and without any problems through Shapeways.

The 3D printed kit contains the Shiphold Blade, a quarding package to protect the radiator on the rear of the machine, four lifting eyes and all the required parts to mount the blade on the excisting lift frame to convert the in 2007 by Norscot under #55194 released (still available aswell from Diecast Masters) in 1:50th scale Caterpillar 963D Track-Type Loader.

It is our goal for the coming period in the Making-of Caterpillar 963D SH Shiphold Port Handling Track Loader to show you how this custom model will be achieved. Work to be done!