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Caterpillar 988K wheel loader Pics Options · View
gbarnewall
Posted: Sunday, October 13, 2013 10:33:56 AM

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Joined: 6/1/2006
Posts: 4,065
Location: Dublin Ireland
I did have a chuckle at those "better than CCM" comments and singing praise before production samples landed on Earth,I'm not too supprised there are flaws,but not the big flaws that lots cried about when found on a Norscot model,so if its a flaw on a Norscot model,its unacceptable,but if its a similar flaw on a Tonkin model its perfectly fine.

Be careful what you wish for collectors,

Tonkin will I feel listen to collectors though,but for me its a day late and a dollar short for the 988

Why is "phonetically" spelt with a "ph"?

... It's better to be silent and thought a fool, then to speak up and remove all doubt

The complex of Newgrange was originally built between c. 3100 and 2900 BC,[2] meaning that it's aproximately 5,000 years old. According to Carbon-14 dates,[3] it is more than 500 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, and predates Stonehenge by about 1,000 years.

Airwolf
Posted: Sunday, October 13, 2013 1:42:08 PM

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Posts: 171
Location: United States
the review of the 988k made my mind up, not wasteing money on it

maybe they correct issues and have a 2nd improved run

MartinW
Posted: Sunday, October 13, 2013 1:56:55 PM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 10/3/2013
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Location: North Wales, UK
Airwolf wrote:
the review of the 988k made my mind up, not wasteing money on it

maybe they correct issues and have a 2nd improved run



I think I will be cancelling my order.

New UK based Scale construction forum.

www.scaleplantandconstruction.co.uk
CAT324DL
Posted: Sunday, October 13, 2013 2:04:55 PM

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Joined: 10/29/2010
Posts: 1,916
Location: Maine U.S.A
I can't believe you guys are complaining Shame on you It's an outstanding model, and comparable to CCM. Not even close to being a Norscot model. No model maker is perfect. My CCM 385 has crooked handrails, and my 390 arrived with a broken off handrail, along with limited boom and bucket movement, which I had to fix. I think Tonkin did a very good job with this model, and I am looking forward to more.

-Mike
MartinW
Posted: Sunday, October 13, 2013 2:51:07 PM

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Location: North Wales, UK
Yeah, every model has it's issues, handrails you can straighten out but everyone has their own idea what they want from a model. Every time I look at this model (if it was sat in my cabinet)I would resent that gap above the front diff, for me it ruins it. I'm not happy parting with my money for something that I would not be happy with.

I agree it's not close to being a Norscot, I've not seen this model in the flesh yet so cant comment on it being comparable to CCM but all the CCM stuff I have don't have holes where they shouldn't. I may change my mind when I see it in my hand.

New UK based Scale construction forum.

www.scaleplantandconstruction.co.uk
kokosing Const Co
Posted: Sunday, October 13, 2013 2:59:25 PM

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Joined: 7/1/2006
Posts: 2,491
Location: Buffalo, NY
I wouldn't compare this to a CCM model. Seen it in person last week and was able to hold, touch and move it, very stiff. It did look good visibly though.
JTL
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 1:24:48 AM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 9/14/2007
Posts: 664
Location: North Idaho
Why don't some you cry babies invest millions of your own dollars into developing a model that will suit your "taste"? For the love of Moon Pies, how many of you had anything to do with tooling and building, or Q.C. on the 988, or any other model you choose to burn at the stake?
Its a piece of diecast metal that would fit in the cub holder on the real machine!! I just do not understand some of you guys. You're like the fat man with ham under your arm crying cause you don't have any bread. Like I said. Build one of your own, or get a life and just go with what whats out there!

Are you an enviromentist, or do you work for a living?
admin
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 1:30:45 AM
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Joined: 6/27/2007
Posts: 1,268
Always interesting to see the comments from everyone when a new model comes out. As the distributor for these models, perhaps I am a but biased, but I spent a whole weekend looking at this model at the IHobby show and I can tell you Ian got the review correct. The model is highly recommended. This means it is a great value for the money. The model is almost all metal and, in my opinion, comparable to a Norscot Model. I believe the CCM Models have more detail and obviously command a much higher price. The Tonkin model is in the correct price range and competes very nicely with Norscot in the Cat Licensing arena. The price point is a bit better and the level of detail is a bit higher. This means that the model is a great value.

There may be a few differences between the scale model and the real machine, but the price is $110, which is correct for the level of detail.

Nice features include "stiffness" which allows the model to be posed, something Tonkin seriously wanted to make sure worked well and they nailed it. The bucket detail, cab detail, railing detail and rear engine cover details are fantastic. The tires are well done and overall, the model looks and feels "right".

I concur with Ian's review and give it a "Highly Recommended"!

Chuck
Gavin84w
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 6:02:04 AM

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Posts: 1,628
Location: Australia
Fair dinkum, some on here would complain if they were hung with brand new rope.

Like, a review from a site with the word "cranes" in it says enough for me anyways!

At the end of the day the decision is yours and if you choose not to buy it for one reason or another don,t worry about coming on here and bleating why.

If you can,t say anything good then don,t say anything at all, simple as that.

Well done to Tonkin on your first Caterpillar model and i for one am looking forward to more. What chance an 834K wheel dozer?
cat955k
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 6:43:23 AM
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Joined: 9/5/2012
Posts: 72
I think,if a model no resembles the real machine for me no it is a model, (be a simple toy )
Has anyone seen the real machine having the front axle open? or both front wheels wobble?

we are serious collector investing enough money in collecting miniature machines with much illusion
just want a little attention in models, Errors such as this, this makes many collectors get bored
these errors makes me sad,I hope to see the next models
linkbelt290rb
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 10:52:13 AM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 3/13/2012
Posts: 766
JTL wrote:
Why don't some you cry babies invest millions of your own dollars into developing a model that will suit your "taste"? For the love of Moon Pies, how many of you had anything to do with tooling and building, or Q.C. on the 988, or any other model you choose to burn at the stake?
Its a piece of diecast metal that would fit in the cub holder on the real machine!! I just do not understand some of you guys. You're like the fat man with ham under your arm crying cause you don't have any bread. Like I said. Build one of your own, or get a life and just go with what whats out there!
You sir are my hero now

Nothing runs like a deere with a cat on its back but the link belt ate both of them

Brett G
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 12:30:51 PM

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Posts: 1,001
Location: South oz THE ASS END OF THE MURRAY RIVER , Austral
they be crying if they said ok we will cease producing cat models. then they have something to cry about.
be thankful for what you get there better than norscot produced which were better than nothing also.

keep up the good work guys "tonkin" & all makers.

oh whens the 1:50 Boons BH 1830 - Grid roller & multi-tyre combined getting released Teeth




Sent from my HTC M10 - Rooted , using S-OFF , Open Home 6 & Buuf icon packs
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ BUILD YOUR OWN PHONE

MartinW
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 4:19:48 PM

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Joined: 10/3/2013
Posts: 744
Location: North Wales, UK
Gavin84w wrote:
At the end of the day the decision is yours and if you choose not to buy it for one reason or another don,t worry about coming on here and bleating why.

If you can,t say anything good then don,t say anything at all, simple as that.


Wrong time of the month? Whatever

It's a new model and this is the place to discuss the good and bad bits, theres no need to get all upset about it. Maybe it's you that shouldnt say anything at all if you cant respect someones opinion?

Put aside the fact it's their 1st CAT model, collectors are entitled to their opinion on releases and what they are about to spend their well earned cash on. Take the posts from the Cranes Etc post onwards and there s a fair devide between those who like and those who dont.

I've not given up on it yet, I'm going to get hands on 1st then decide.

New UK based Scale construction forum.

www.scaleplantandconstruction.co.uk
gbarnewall
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 5:00:51 PM

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Joined: 6/1/2006
Posts: 4,065
Location: Dublin Ireland
This is what happens in the industry,hell in everything,point out the errors or flaws,kick up a stink,they get fixed,we all have a better model.

But if you all want to "settle" for what model manufactures produce,well I can't stop that,I work damn hard and long hours for my disposable cash,and to blow it on something that I feel ain't up to hype,or what was expected then I and any other collector is fully entitled to do so,you rarely accepted a flawed Norscot model,how is this different?

The more we look for higher standards in quality,features and finish and value to an extent then the greater the chance we get better models,now why would anyone argue with that!

Why is "phonetically" spelt with a "ph"?

... It's better to be silent and thought a fool, then to speak up and remove all doubt

The complex of Newgrange was originally built between c. 3100 and 2900 BC,[2] meaning that it's aproximately 5,000 years old. According to Carbon-14 dates,[3] it is more than 500 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, and predates Stonehenge by about 1,000 years.

Airwolf
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 6:09:09 PM

Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 5/15/2012
Posts: 171
Location: United States
MartinW wrote:
Gavin84w wrote:
At the end of the day the decision is yours and if you choose not to buy it for one reason or another don,t worry about coming on here and bleating why.

If you can,t say anything good then don,t say anything at all, simple as that.


Wrong time of the month? Whatever

It's a new model and this is the place to discuss the good and bad bits, theres no need to get all upset about it. Maybe it's you that shouldnt say anything at all if you cant respect someones opinion?

Put aside the fact it's their 1st CAT model, collectors are entitled to their opinion on releases and what they are about to spend their well earned cash on. Take the posts from the Cranes Etc post onwards and there s a fair devide between those who like and those who dont.

I've not given up on it yet, I'm going to get hands on 1st then decide.



oh how true


Cat345bl
Posted: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 10:04:02 PM
Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 12/21/2007
Posts: 2,883
Location: Eastern Pennsylvania
As a huge model critic my self, I really do have to give credit to Tonkin on their first construction model, it looks quite well if you ask me. I really don't notice the flaws everyone is talking about. For those complaining, we all know that Norscot would crap the bed if they made the loader. Also too at least this model looks realistic, the paint looks crisp and correct, and the rubber tires actually look real, compared to Norscot's "rubber wheels" which is more like plastic.

-Mike, Collecting 1/50th Construction Diecast Since 2003.
View My Collection Here, As of 10/19/24



Weserhutte
Posted: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 10:09:14 PM
Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 4/2/2005
Posts: 648
Location: America
Diversity of opinion is what makes life interesting; no? Some people consider the model a success and others don't.

It is what it is and even the strongest of opinions can't change what is available for sale!

I was in attendance at the open house and was impressed with Mr. Lebel initially. When I started asking about some of the defeciencies in the prototype the conversation changed. It didn't surprise me a bit when he told me that the prototype was given the green light with two-thirds of a differential case? Actually; I guess it really isn't needed as the driveshaft is noticeably absent! What I can't get over is that nobody has commented on the inside wheel hubs. These simple unfinished bits didn't get a pass on the Norscrap 993, so why should they here?

There is one undeniable fact that most people still don't get. The person at Caterpillar approving these inferior models is to blame for what comes to market. Does anybody know who this person is? It seems obvious that he/she has no appreciation for authenticity.

Taking everything into consideration; the model is reasonably nice, but with not much further effort it could have been truly exceptional and really made a mark on the industry!!

I'm really hoping that the 994H will be better executed than this model.
noraztrans
Posted: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 10:46:23 PM

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Joined: 2/23/2011
Posts: 465
Location: Northern AZ
Pretty darn good looking model! Now if only tonkin could produce a deere.

HAMMER TO FIT...PAINT TO MATCH!

The ironic use of IT IV emissions technology on forestry equipment…. “Burning the woods down while trying to save the ozone”
cat955k
Posted: Thursday, October 17, 2013 7:13:56 AM
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Joined: 9/5/2012
Posts: 72
my friends and I, think the same if the next tonkin models are like this cat 988k with these defects,
not buy model (do not buy anything from tonkin)
of time for me the best manufacturers of models is nzg,conrad,wsi,ccm worth buying their products
Norscot is the worst in manufacturer, Norscot destroys the illusion of serious collectors
someone has set the cat 980k? or cat D5K? do not waste my money

I have faith in the manufacturer of tonkin,they can improve their models
HeavyHaul
Posted: Thursday, October 17, 2013 1:46:24 PM

Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member

Joined: 7/13/2007
Posts: 269
Location: In Debt
I guess what some of you guys really need to ask yourselves is; What do I want to pay for a 100% authentic 1/50 scale CAT model?
These manufacturers (Tonkin, Norscot) are trying to produce models for collectors at a reasonable price point. If you all want 100% authentic/realistic models, are you prepared to pay $250+ for EVERY 1/50 CAT model? My guess is a great number of you wouldn't have anywhere near the collection(s) you do now if that we're the case.
For those of you with the bottomless wallets that don't mind throwing around big money on every model, the solution is even more simple - buy a "cheap" $120 988K and have one of the top notch custom builders finish it off for you - then you can have the missing bolt head, hydro line, wear plate etc added and your fully authentic 988K can sit on your shelf/diorama for you to admire at its +/- $300 price tag.
I know the fact it may have a few minor "imperfections" won't:
1) cripple productivity in my 1/50 sand/gravel pits to the point I have to buy different 1/50 loaders
2) cause me to default/terminate my 1/50 contracts with other 1/50 companies because I can't get enough 1/50 material processed for them
3) have to fire my 1/50 fleet manager or 1/50 production supervisor
4) stop buying Tonkin or Norscot CAT models because the downtime their inferior 1/50 models are causing my 1/50 company to become financially unstable and have 1/50 creditors threatening to close my 1/50 business and/or repo my 1/50 equipment
It's a 1/50 MODEL! Do your homework before you buy - if you like the model, and can live with (or fix/customize it to your liking) then buy it - if you don't like the model, don't buy it...no one cares why....especially those who ARE happy with it.

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