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With an operating
weight in excess of 47,000 pounds and a 235 HP turbocharged diesel
engine for power, the Caterpillar D8H track type tractor literally
changed the face of the world. First introduced in 1958, the D8H
had more of an impact on the earthmoving industry than any machine
before it - and many, many after it. With an innovative new design
that optimized operator comfort and usability to help maximize production,
the D8H was quickly accepted as the industry standard for large
earthmoving applications.
As testimony
as to how advanced the tractor was when introduced, consider first
that it was in production for almost 15 years. In the world of construction
equipment, that in itself is an accomplishment that very few machines
have ever attained.
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| During that time
span, more than 50,000 D8H tractors - yes, fifty thousand - were delivered
around the world. Their durability and enduring popularity is easily
verified by the number of these tractors still in use today in every
conceivable type of earth moving operation imaginable - pushing, pulling
and ripping their way to legendary status. |
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| In honor of the
legendary status this machine has earned, the decision for Classic
Construction Models (CCM) to produce a model of the D8H was in part
linked to their landmark 1:24 precision scale all brass model released
in 1996 of the Caterpillar Seventy, the largest gasoline powered tractor
ever produced by Caterpillar. Following the Seventy, CCM produced
1:24 precision scale models of the Caterpillar Ten and D2, the smallest
gasoline and diesel powered tractors made by Caterpillar and the D11R,
the largest diesel tractor Caterpillar has manufactured to date. With
this well established family of models, the decision to produce an
H series D8 - in essence the great grandson of the Caterpillar Seventy
- created a model that fit into the middle of the long line of legendary
tractors produced by Caterpillar. |
| Although the
model was released in December of last year, development actually
began in 2002 when CCM acquired a set of factory general arrangement
drawings. After discussing the different versions of the H series
tractors, it was decided to build a model of an early machine with
a direct drive transmission and cable operated blade - specifically
a circa 1960's 36A machine. With the specific tractor selected, CCM
began the process of sourcing all the information required to build
a true, precision scale model. |
| As
it turned out, the primary source of information for creating the
model of this vintage machine was not Caterpillar, but instead the
photographs, drawings and measurements compiled by CCM. Over the course
of several months, hundreds of photographs with measurements, schematics
and diagrams were compiled from two separate prototype 36A D8H machines.
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| Countless days
were spent examining the smallest of details and then documenting
them for the model makers' reference. With this information, the process
of creating the first model from raw brass began. |
| As
museum curators know, there is no material better suited for creating
mechanically accurate miniatures of complex equipment than brass.
The ability to cast, etch, machine and form brass at any scale is
what allowed CCM to create a model that approaches being a part-for-part
recreation of the actual machine. Unlike a die-cast model which must
maintain a minimum thickness - regardless of the dimension of the
original part - brass can be as thin or as thick as is necessary. |
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| This means sheet
metal on the real machine can be sheet brass on the model and parts
that are cast in iron at full scale can be perfectly replicated in
reduced size from cast brass. Similarly, the versatility of brass
enabled CCM to investment cast complete parts with shapes so complex
they could never be successfully produced through die-casting or any
other metal modeling method. The result, with hundreds of hand made
brass parts laboriously assembled into a single D8H model, is absolutely
stunning. |
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Equipped
with a Caterpillar No.30 front cable control unit that operates the
working blade as well as a working Carco J-120 winch mounted on the
rear, the CCM D8H model showcases the finest in model skills. |
| The highly detailed
235 HP Cat diesel turbocharged engine, direct drive transmission and
complete undercarriage are a perfect compliment to the individually
linked, free rolling tracks complete with spring loaded track tensioners
and roller guards. A close look under the hood shows details such
as the shrouded radiator fan - with drive belts of course - as well
as visible fuel injectors, manifolds, fuel lines and complete pony
motor. Even the control levers are connected through the control panel
and into the engine compartment. |
| Other
precisely detailed features include a full complement of operator's
controls with visible gauges on the dash, moving levers and diamond
plate flooring. Flawless exterior sheet metal work with rivets, accurate
perforations on the radiator guard, front and rear spotlights and
a working rain cap on the exhaust help complete this truly amazing
replica. |
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With "old
Cat yellow" paint and vintage markings, this model looks like
it just came off the production line in 1960. Although the tool
box next to the operator's seat is not strictly factory, it was
decided to include it on the model for two reasons: 1) Virtually
every operator CCM spoke to said that is where they carried their
lunch box and thermos of coffee and 2) Putting an opening lid on
the tool box created the perfect place to put the engraved serial
number plate for the model.
As there is
no substitute for the high level of skill required to assemble the
hundreds of individual pieces used to create a museum quality model
like the D8H, the number that can be produced is obviously very
limited. Thus the total production for the CCM D8H model was limited
to only 348 models, each one registered and certified; ensuring
the collectibility and demand for this model will outlive those
who created it.
Those collectors
who favor newer machines will be excited to know that at about the
same time Caterpillar completed their review of the pre-production
D8H model, CCM agreed that a D8T, the newest of the D8 tractors,
would be the next 1:24 precision scale Cat tractor model they produce.
In addition, they have confirmed the development process for a model
of a D8H with hydraulic blade and ripper is currently underway.
If that's not enough for the vintage crowd, there are a number of
drawings already completed for a scraper and rear mounted double
drum cable control unit for a special version of the D8H.
The Cat D8H
model from Classic Construction Models is the most recent example
of their continuing determination to produce construction equipment
models at the highest of standards. There is no doubt this legacy
of limited edition models will continue to thrill construction collectors
for generations to come, making it a necessity to find room for
at least one of these legendary models in their collection.
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All
Materials ©
Classic Construction Models
Story and photographs by Jason Diamond
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