The 988 celebrates 50 years in production this year, it was always going to be modelled so you end up with some quarry loaders, a legacy model and a mining model, if you can,t be pleased with those choices you should give it away

The actual length of the 950 (I'll pick one bucket and use it across all three for consistency- GP pin on with teeth) is 27'0" (8209mm), the 966 is 29'0" (8817mm), and the 972 is 30'9" (9353mm). That means at 1/50, the 950 would be 6.48" (164.18mm) long. The 966 would be 6.96" (176.34mm) long, and the 972 would be 7.38" (187.06mm) long. That means the 966 would be 0.48" (12.16mm) longer than the 950, and the 972 would be 0.42" (10.72mm) longer than the 966. I don't know about you, but I feel a roughly half inch difference between each model is worth making changes for.

Now, the difference will definitely have something to do with the different buckets, so lets eliminate them from the equation, and use the dimensions of the machines from the centerline of the front axle, to the rear of the counterweight. The 950 is 17'2" (5255mm), the 966 is 18'5" (5637mm), and the 972 is 19'4" (5923mm). That means, that in 1/50 scale, the measurements are 950 4.12" (105.1mm), 966 4.42" (112.74mm), and the 972 4.64" (118.46mm). While the difference is less, it's still around a 1/4 of an inch, and still worth making the necessary changes in my opinion.

As some of you have been a little down with Tonkin's latest release of the 988K and that their whole 2013 Model Line up consist nothing other than K-Series Wheel loaders, plus a mining loader and dozer. I for one am glad to see a 988K as this model should of been released a while ago even if it was a 988H. Finally something to load the portable crushers or even the 772 Haul Truck. Kudos Tonkin!!

Also the new Norscot releases should be worth the wait and don't forget that they are possibly planning on releasing a few more 1/50 Cat models later in the year.
It's better to see some models from CAT and more then one manufacturer than nothing at all.........

I would love to see a photo of the wirtgen surface miner please please???

Sweet Jesus, how long did it take you to research this!?

Epic, simply an epic "I'll be right at all cost" effort! Ross should apologize. (Kidding!) My head hurts... (Smile big guy! )

Are u kindling me?! Most people where asking for this model since that the production of the 1:1 version had began, and that was in 1998! The liebherr ltm 1500-8.1 is not the ugliest crane build! I could say the same thing about your favourite excavators or some that is imported to you. I can say the same thing about the cat 988 and what ever that piece of crap is.
Yes most people wanted to have the LTM 1500-8.1 because it is a model is both impressive and good looking.