Hi guys... like many of you know, I’m a collector, a customizer and I’m involve with Tonkin since 2002 selling their trucks to the fleets in Canada. Last fall I received a great gift. Tonkin president, Erik Anderson and Vice president, Ron McCall asked me to be the Cat program director for them, meaning that I will be in charge of almost everything Cat related.

I had to think about it almost 3 seconds... and I jump in the project. I will be full time with them in 2 weeks from now leaving a job that I’m doing for 25 years. I want to share this with you because of course I’m glad and very excited about it, but also to tell you that I’m here with you reading about your needs your numerous requests and also... your critics.

Now here how I will work. Announcements will be release to different diecast news sites, like Cranes ETC, miniature-construction-world and minimovers. First announcement will be this week.... and I’m sure that it will please you!!!!!
Even if I’m very busy with the project, I will take time to visit the DHS forum. Don’t worry, we will accept critics but I will pay more attention to the constructive one. Please don’t PM me... We will build at some point a link on our website for inquiries.

The models will be made in 3 different scales: 1/50 and 1/87 our 2 main lines and some models in 1/64. 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.
We are looking forward to present Tonkin Replicas Construction Group 1 models and we hope that you will enjoy them. In the development of them there is a collector heart... remember

Luc Lebel
Tonkin Replicas

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Luc.

The only thing i have to say is. Don't become another norscot. high price low quality. Can't wait for the announcement.

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Mclean Joyce

Congrats on the new job Luc, I'm glad we have someone who cares about the collector working on this project. I do hope though that you along with Tonkin can produce better quality replicas than Norscot. One thing that should be said, collectors ARE willing to pay higher prices for quality pieces. I cannot wait for the announcement and I wish you the very best in your new Job!

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Congrats on the new job Luc , u should put some of your custom attachments on the new models. ROB..

Can't wait to hear what the first models will be!!! Congrats on the job.

Here's a suggestion. Make 1/50 scale LP gas Caterpillar forklifts . No one has made one that is either realistic or affordable. How about Tonkin having a go at it ?

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Congrats! I hope that the new tonkin cats will be a million times better than norscot.

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

Luc,

Congratulation's on your new job and I am very excited to hear the new announcement that Tonkin is bringing forth. I appreciate that you will be looking in on the DHS forum from time to time and listening to what the collectors and equipment buffs would like to see from Manufacturers. I know that Caterpillar will probably restrict some things, but the fact that you are hear to listen to us, I will support Tonkin unlike some of the other model manufacturer's that fall on deaf ears. Thank you and I look forward to seeing what Tonkin has to offer !!!!

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Congratulations on the advance in jobs at Tonka! I can't wait to see the models you come up!

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-Jacob

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NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE WITH A CAT ON IT'S TAIL!

Congratulations Luc, and thank you for your post and I hope you will keep us informed - this sounds like a dream job!.

I contacted CAT via facebook and asked if they had any plans for a 1/50 Cat 795F and they said no!.

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