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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 7/1/2006
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Location: Buffalo, NY
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HeavyHaul wrote: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.
I would have to say I couldn't agree with you more for what you said, especially the first few sentences. The key word here is AFFORDABLE. Bottom line, if you don't like it, don't buy it. Nobody is making you spend YOUR money. If you ask me it sounds like Tonkin is going past their expectations of a first time construction equipment manufacturer. Metal handrails? A collector card with info on it? No annoying twist ties? Going to be producing attachments for future models? Who has done that so far-not one manufacturer I can think of. Sure, NZG has done quick couplers on their excavators but no attachments have been made with the exception of the ones that do come with the model at the time of purchase.
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anyone think that buying a model for $ 80 or $ 170 is cheap? + plus delivery costs
I work 10 hours a day,I need to work more hours to buy a model
be disappointing buy a model with much illusion when out of the box you realize that missing half of the front axle or shafts are loose
I think that manufacturers do not cost a lot to make things right
example, the issue of the cat 988k wheel
the manufacturer can correct that error
not only talk about the manufacturer tonkin
anyone remember how long we were waiting for the cat model D9H ccm?
it was a very expensive and disappointing model
tired collectors to buy models with prices that do not deserve
manufacturers lately as NZG, CONRAD
WSI, models are very similar to real machines are doing good work and with affordable prices
My motto is, if a model does not look like the real machine,not good for my collection
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if i can say my opinion.... 1_ without entering details... have read many people that are speaking of "defects", but i only see standards well known. At now i see only one thing that i don't like.... the internal wheel hub. I don't care of the backlash or the open differential case. My model will be displayed in my showcase... i don't have to play with my 988K, i don't have to move million of cubic yard with this loader. And if i have to spend 89,00 Euros for a norscot 980K or for a Motorart Volvo L90G... well, i prefer to spend my 16 more Euros for this one. i will know to have buy die-cast metal... and not buy die-cast plastic. 2_ i'm very disappointed about many of you insist so make comparisions with CCM.... well, i have some Ccm's model in my collection... and if i can say what i think.... they are not so perfect if compared to their price. And i wouldn't like if the standards of the market I was in line with the Ccm, many of us would forced to change is preferred hobbie. 3_ I have read more critic on this first released of Tonkin, than other scandalous recent release of Ccm, Conrad, Motorart, Norscot etc.... I have seen a lot of Wsi models falling in pieces, with glue everywhere.. As i call.... The plastic's festival ! The JCB 467 WLS have the same price of this 988K!!! for what? a fire extinguisher inside the cab? This is what you call perfection? This is what you want pay for? Think guys..... I think that at this stage the best we can do is to give suggestions and constructive critic. Not to condamned Tonkin to the first released. This model have a lot of nice touches! Full metal, realistics tyres, Hydraulics, and overall detailing!!! For a resonable price.... I think is a very good starting! Many of us are waiting from years fo a new range of better CAT's scale models and i think we are on the right way. Is too early to make judgments! Because the perfect model.... still don't exist.
Vincenzo P. My collection
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more blind eye be he who will not see
dont understand people waste money for shoddy toy,
in my vitrine just want to see well detailed models
conformist opinions hurt serious collectors
opinions such as yours make manufacturers increasingly less concerned about the details ( models)
and we have to buy more expensive models for less quality
sorry sir but I not willing to pay so dearly for half done models
I be sure many collectors as I share my view
I suspect you do not know much about machines I understand that you be very conformist
a few months ago I purchased a model cat ccm D9H
cost me a lot of money 400$ + shipping costs the model came broken lacked a lighthouse very badly painted
what is your opinion? the model all ok? for little money?
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I share your point of view, about the D9H.... But I don't understand you fury regarding this model.... is a model, you are not forced to buy it. You think that other manufacturer like Nzg, Wsi, Ccm or any other can do a better and cheaper model, of this loader? I think not.... You know that the Oem invest a lot of money in this models? You think that manufacturers will improve thanks to your complaints? Oem put the last word on development.... not you, not me. Tonkin at now is the only one manufacturer that has listened the collectors, and answered to their questions... Any other have never do this? I say no.... Give them a chance.... is the first model. They can do better. If you are able to take only very realistic model in your showcase, then I envy you.... i can't do it.
Vincenzo P. My collection
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To quote Space balls: Colonel: Prepare ship for light speed! Dark Helmet: No, no Light speed is too slow. Colonel: Light speed too slow? Dark Helmet: Yes, yes we are going to have to go straight to...Ludicrous speed. Tonkin is venturing into uncharted waters. I applaud them for jumping right in and starting a model line in under a year. Ludicrous Speed.
-Ethan Collection 8/2/2016For more of the Diorama and my collection: On Facebook or On YouTube
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As it sits still on your display shelf, front axle wobble is no issue - it will display perfectly. You can mock it up to load the 775G when it comes out and it will be pretty hard up to the side of the truck and you won,t see the top of the front diff - it will display pefectly.
This is starting to get laughable on so many fronts and really some people need to get a life.
What are people going to say when they buy it and realise it does not have air in the tyres OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I think we should all put our.... hey the panda cam is back on, see ya
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The main point is,that we as collectors want the manufacturers who ever they may be to try their ultimate best when making a model,all we are doing here is pointing out the obvious,and by the past posts about Tonkin they sound like a company who will listen to the collector,maybe they will come forth with a reason as to the front diff and inner wheel detailing issues,whether these are improvable for minimal cost or if they feel they will price themselves out of their sector by correcting the issues on future models,
The diff casting,inner wheel detailing and hampered bucket movement are not ground breaking technical feats only in the reach of much bigger manufacturers,as i said above I have Joal items that do not have these issues,
By all means buy the model if you want,but if no one speaks up and don't look for improvements then we've "accepted" this as the norm,the manufacturer gets their money for an item they could have improved on with following models,and if they don't improve then atleast we tried.
They should know the market,Caterpillar is a huge brand name with a huge following,so the revenue is definately out there,what Tonkin have to do is capitalize on this,as high a quality of model,made for as cheaply as possible,to allow that model to be sold for as little as possible to appeal to as wide an audience as they can.
As far as "this is their first model" goes,they've made trucks for years and did I hear that they made Cat models way back when? so they have a great grasp on the diecast industry,with decades of experience so I don't buy the "give them a break,its their first model"
What has annoyed me is that people gave out about issues with Norscot models,while choosing to ignore the issues with this 988,the good ol' double standard,
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.
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Gavin84w wrote:As it sits still on your display shelf, front axle wobble is no issue - it will display perfectly. You can mock it up to load the 775G when it comes out and it will be pretty hard up to the side of the truck and you won,t see the top of the front diff - it will display pefectly.
This is starting to get laughable on so many fronts and really some people need to get a life.
What are people going to say when they buy it and realise it does not have air in the tyres OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Copy that Gav, was chatting with a mate about this the other night, and he said exact same thing, and as I said, as it site on a drake trailer, you won't see the gap.
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[quote=gbarnewall] As far as "this is their first model" goes,they've made trucks for years and did I hear that they made Cat models way back when? so they have a great grasp on the diecast industry,with decades of experience so I don't buy the "give them a break,its their first model" Norscot and Ccm during the years have made many more errors at higher price... than this 988K. Until now all to acclaim Tonkin for its new range of Cats... now all to hang the noose around his neck, for this two minimum gaps. I see an improvement respect the standard Caterpillar models offered until now.... sure we aren't in the 100% perfect range. But i not understand who are claiming for this minimun errors on the Tonkin 988K. Mr Luc said this some month ago: "Don’t believe that we will compete with CCM, TWH or Sword in term of details. We need to do a mass market product and I know that there are some collectors here, who want models at decent price. However we are working hard to offer you a great quality/value ratio." (can read here: http://forums.dhsdiecast.com/default.aspx?g=posts&t=134109 ) I think that Tonkin with this model, has kept its promises.
Vincenzo P. My collection
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Luc was last on here yesterday, he must have seen this thread so it would be nice to get some feedback.
New UK based Scale construction forum. www.scaleplantandconstruction.co.uk
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cat955k wrote:
not only talk about the manufacturer tonkin
anyone remember how long we were waiting for the cat model D9H ccm?
it was a very expensive and disappointing model
How can we forget, when you bring it up every other time you post? it was over a year ago, let it go already!!!
Back on topicIn my opinion, the new 988K looks like a home run, I can't wait to get my (2), one to sit on the shelf stock, and one to convert to a demo spec.
Eric W. Pioszak, Operating Engineers Local 701, Portland, OregonMETAL TRACKS AVAILABLE AGAIN! Cab guards Available again! Grapples Available again! Industrialscalemodels[at symbol]Gmail.com
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I agree with Eric and think that the new 988K looks fantastic and a must have for any CAT model finatic...............In short, if you don't like it THAN DON'T BUY IT and if you are that much of a perfectionist and must have every single bit of realism and detail than my only suggestion is that you go and buy the real thing!!!
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Hi Guys... Luc here for the Tonkin Replicas scale model program. First I want to thank all of you for your comments and interest about our Cat line. I heard about your post when some fellow collectors drop me several emails. Like I was travelling, I just want to take time to read what you have to say before answering. I first notice how important is for you guys, that everybody share the same opinion. I will not try to convert you as a PRO or a CON 988K and at the end of the line only you will decide how you will spend your money. I will not defend myself or Tonkin Replicas about what we should or shouldn’t make either. Like it is the first model, we learn, and we learn a lot. Back to your posts, I prefer the good comments, but the critics are always welcome as long as they are constructive ones. These comments help us to become a better manufacturer. Our first model, the 988K, received a very warm welcome during the DHS Open house and IMCATS, it receives good reviews from Miniature Construction World and Baggermodelle magazine and reach the second higher quality level on Cranes etc being a Highly Recommended model. I have to tell you that we are ahead of where we want to be with the first Cat model. Having a mass market scale model in that category is great! I’m also glad that someone recalls the first Tonkin statement about our construction line (see Italian boy post) Some of you like, other don’t like the 988K, but my understanding is that nobody has the model in his hands at this time. Be sure to see the 988K before complaining. You need to see the global picture. Does the model can be better? From a collector eye it is always possible for each one  . If you want my impression as a collector (remember I’m like some of you call a serious collector). I will buy it. This is one of the best looking wheel loaders on the market according the CRANES ETC reviews and I’m more critic than most of you guys but also... a little bit biased. Guys thank Tonkin Replicas for taking the risk to hire a collector has the director of the Cat program instead of an engineer, accountant or marketing specialist. We just announced the 988K with Millyard Arrangement giving you a range of choice. I feel that this model will be appreciated by you. With all the models coming for this first year and the new announcement coming, you guys will see your collection growing fast. Keep in touch guys and thank again for your comments Luc....
Luc.
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I'm more into my mining and large loaders so can't wait to see the 994H!
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Well said Luc.
I will be getting the 988k, but am really looking fwd. to the 994H.
When will the 994H arrive ? Thanks !!
Art
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heavyload wrote:I prefer the good comments, but the critics are always welcome as long as they are constructive ones. These comments help us to become a better manufacturer. Thing is, your critics are your customers or potential customers and wether their comments are good or bad they are constructive in some way or other and provide you with feedback. Looking at the reviews there is no doubt that the model is a good looking one with some good detail but a lot of collectors have an eye for detail and the odd flaw puts them off. Looking at the posts on this thread there is about a 50/50 split between those that are happy/put up with it and those that have or may cancel their order. The Norscot 993K got a right slating for the missing casing above the front diff and then after the wait and the hype this one turns out the same (admittedly not as bad). I think if you explained why it was done like that you may change some peoples minds. I was only waiting for this model to arrive. I'm sure when I get it in my hand I will be happy with it but I'm sure some are now worried how the rest of the releases will turn out.
New UK based Scale construction forum. www.scaleplantandconstruction.co.uk
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I took the liberty to ask Tonkin Replicas on facebook last week about the housing issues, this is what Luc replied back to me and said: Thank you Luc for the reply, keep up the good work with Tonkin Replicas!!
Tonkin Replicas
Hi Jonathan.. Luc here for the Cat program. The 988K passed the review from several person including some "serious collectors" during the DHS open house. The model received a very warm welcome and the critics are really good. Of course we know that we need to improve some aspect of the model but as a first model we are really proud of it. Now for the cover... I will call it a mistake. If you display your wheel loader buck down you will not notice. If you display it loading our upcoming 775G you will not see it also. Thanks for showing interest to our Cat scale models line up.
I think that everyone is entitled to making mistakes, Does it take something away from the model, maybe a little depends on how you are going to display the model and everyone is entitled to their opinion without being criticized especially since it is their money they are spending, but who has supplied us with metal railings and other details on there models in this price range? I think that we should be happy that we have someone else producing Cat models to rival Norscot. I own several Norscot models, not putting them down, but they need to step there game up to the next level of quality. Like everyone else this is my opinion, if you agree with it that's fine, if not that's fine also. It basically comes down to weather you can over look these small issues or not.
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