Diecast Masters Caterpillar Micro Constructor

in2tech Oct 15, 2021

  1. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Been looking for some CAT construction equipment for my N Scale? Anyone bought any of these and do you agree with the video, that some could pass for N Scale? You can buy all 6, and give the other 3 to kids in the family? Thinking about getting them? I can't really find specific N Scale CAT equipment? BTW, for the HO people they have an entire collection of really nice HO 1:87 which of course are way more expensive, but way more realistic too. He also has a vide on all of those too.



    HO collection, really nice! Expensive, but nice!

     
    Last edited: Oct 15, 2021
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  2. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

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    I remember Walmart selling these a few years ago, very detailed, and only $5! Most were n-scale and made nice loads on flatcars!(y)
     
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  3. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    At $30.00 for a set of 6 thats $5.00 apiece. Not to bad.....hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm (y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)
     
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  4. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Did you find a set for $30.00? Only thing I can find is Wally World for set of 6 for $50.00? Think they will work on N Scale? I might have to run by a Wally World?
     
  5. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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  6. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Is this a re-run of the ones they had a few years (8-10?) ago?
     
  7. cfritschle

    cfritschle TrainBoard Member

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    This appears to be a new offering of the Construction Minis originally released by Norscot from 2007-2010.

    Here is what I have from the four Cat Minis that were released in 2007:

    315C L excavator = 1/141

    D5G XL dozer = 1/95

    906 wheel loader = 1/101

    420E backhoe and loader = 1/130

    In 2008 Norscot added two more Cat Minis to the collection, a 272C skid steer and a 793D mining truck. The final "new" Norscot Mini was a D7E dozer added in 2010.

    I only purchased examples of the first four Cat Minis because TomyTec, and some of the other Japanese manufacturers, had come out with much better detailed construction models, which at 1:150 scale were a lot closer to 1:160 scale.

    Carter
     
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  8. cfritschle

    cfritschle TrainBoard Member

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    I need to correct my original release date. I found a news release from Norscot that I had saved that is from 2006. The news release stated "The models are available at participating Caterpillar Dealers and at selected Wal-Mart stores." The news release also stated that the suggested retail price was $1.97. :sick:
     
  9. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    I did remember paying $1.97 each at Wal-Mart back then.
     
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  10. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Nice, wonder what the shipping is? Anyway, think I was looking at the display box ones for $41.99 there last night, or this morning?

    Are at least the 3 he mentioned in his video worth using on an N Scale layout? Then again, if it is just me and I like them all, it doesn't really matter does it :)
     
    Last edited: Oct 16, 2021
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  11. cfritschle

    cfritschle TrainBoard Member

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    The plastic display case for the models shown on this site appears identical to the plastic display case Norscot used for their Construction Minis.

    https://diecastmastersamerica.com/collections/micro-constructor-series

    https://diecastmastersamerica.com/c...structor-assortment-pack-in-clear-display-box

    The printing of the card stock box that encloses the plastic display has different graphics of course, but the Micro-Constructor Series sure looks like a reincarnation of the Norscot Construction Minis.

    However, I do not have any record of Norscot offering a Cat 320 excavator.

    Carter
     
  12. wpsnts

    wpsnts TrainBoard Supporter

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    This may or may not be helpful
     
  13. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    I needed a wheel loader for my concrete batch plant.

    I looked at their wheel loader.
    [​IMG]
    The details look a bit 'chunky' to me.

    I bought this one from an online dealer back in June.
    [​IMG]
    The details are crisp and a lot better. The only complaint I have is the bucket. It's a little to 'thick' to me. I do have to weather it to knock the shine off it. All in all I think it's a better loader.

    The price is $18.00.

    .
     
    Last edited: Oct 16, 2021
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  14. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    I'm gonna try to go by Wally world and see what they look like. It doesn't have to be perfect for me. And I agree since he never actually set a N Scale item next to them for comparison, the video may or may not help. He stated many times they is no actual scale ( unlike the HO 1:87 ones )! If they are close I am good. I am hoping they sell them individually so I can get the 3 he thinks might work? If not, NEW toys :) I don't have a problem with toys! Worst case my nieces get them!

    So this one at Amazon, and it's not cheap. Actually states 1:160 on packaging! There is a 3 pack of them for $30.00 too! I mean you get 3 for $30.00!

    https://www.amazon.com/Miniature-Ex...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

    One on eBay too:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-160-Cate...avator-by-Diecast-Masters-85556-/203031168657

    Alright I ordered the single one had a coupon too! I will see, curious now more than anything. It states 1:160 and by Diecast Masters on the box, me hopes! Heck it's Amazon you can return anything!

    51KSWJIwP1L._AC_.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 16, 2021
  15. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    These are some cool affordable diecast construction vehicles. I saw them at a train show a couple of weeks ago and they are the same size ones that Norscot put out in the late 2000's (Probably exactly the same just with newer packaging). I picked up some of the Norscot ones back when they first came out and here is a little size perspective for you using the excavator like the one circled here.
    excavator.JPG


    Working on a highway project next to an Atlas F150 pick up.
    F150.JPG


    And here on a GHQ lowboy trailer with an Atlas Ford Tractor
    lowbow5.JPG

    So, for me, the excavators were really the only ones that seemed to work out okay. Of course, Rule #1 always applies so if you like 'em, use 'em. :)
     
  16. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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  17. cfritschle

    cfritschle TrainBoard Member

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    As others have mentioned, these are nice looking models, and whether or not you decide to use them on your layout is up to you. Since I only have the Norscot version of four of the models now being offered, I will attempt to get some comparison photos posted of the Norscot models with 1:160 and/or 1:150 models based on similar prototypes.

    First photo, from From left to right: Norscot Cat 315C L excavator, F-Toys Komatsu PC 200 excavator (1:150 scale) and Lemke Liebherr excavator (1:160 scale).

    [​IMG]

    The next photo is of a Norscot Cat 420E backhoe and GHQ John Deere backhoe (1:160 scale).

    [​IMG]

    I will need to figure out where I have stashed the Norscot dozer and loader, but hopefully I will find them quickly and post photos later today.

    Carter
     
  18. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    So the Norscot dozer and loader are that much bigger than an actual 1:160 scale like the GHQ John Deere 1:160? I have supposedly a 1:160 Diecast Masters coming tomorrow. And I will only be able to compare it to my other 1:160 items as It is the only construction equipment I will own for now!

    Thank You!
     
  19. cfritschle

    cfritschle TrainBoard Member

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    The prototype machines for both the Cat D5G XL dozer and Cat 906 wheel loader are small/compact, so the cabs are probably going to be the only part of the model that appears oversize. The models should be about two actual inches long, so they will not look overly huge when parked near a 1:160 scale car or truck.

    However, for the nitpickers out there ;), the prototype D5G XL is 14.23-ft long over the blade and 6.76-ft wide over the tracks. And, the prototype 906 is 16.54-ft long with the bucket on the ground and 6.14-ft wide over the tires. For comparison, a prototype 1997 Ford F-150 pickup like the Atlas model is 18.2-ft long and 6.6-ft wide.

    I have not yet had any success in locating my Norscot dozer or wheel loader for taking comparison photos, but maybe at this point in time, photos would not be all that helpful.

    Carter
     
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  20. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Once again, exactly correct 1:160 scale, or not. As long as we as the owners of our layout's are happy is all that matters really? I just think they are cool looking when I see them on any layout. I am ready to dig a fake ditch with mine tomorrow :) I think I have some stuff that can be used as pea gravel ( not sure that is a word or phrase really ), in the attic I bought at a dollar store years ago. Is the the right scale, I have no clue! But I am ready to put my new excavator to work with it :) Just realized I am a kid :) An old one, but still a kid :) If nothing else we have good imaginations!
     
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