Diecast Masters 85556 N Scale Cat 315D L Hydraulic Excavator

[pmpexpress]

Just noticed that MB Klein has listed a 1:160 scale Diecast Masters 85556 Cat 315D L Hydraulic Excavator model.



Not part of the standard DM product line, the only Cat miniatures found on the Diecast Masters web site are in the firm's 1:125 scale Elite series.

Aside from being useable in construction site and/or quarry scenes, the model could also be utilized as a load for the GHQ 52002 Low Boy Trailer and/or the JTC Flatracks (i.e., as Carter had suggested on April 19, 2019 with the "near N scale F-Toys Komatsu PC 200).

While not as nicely detailed as the 1:150 scale F-Toys Komatsu PC 200, the Diecast Masters Cat excavator is not a keychain model like the "near N scale" First Gear 90-0567 Komatsu PC 210 excavator is.

[Missaberoad]

That looks like one of the models Norscot sold years ago...

[pmpexpress]

That looks like one of the models Norscot sold years ago...

With a different rivet position and some added paint detailing, I believe you might to be right, the model appears to have originated from the same mold(s) used to produce the circa 2006 Norscot product.

In addition to the four models shown in your attached picture, Norscot also released a 1:144 scale Cat CT660 Concrete Mixer Truck.

[C855B]

Just noticed that MB Klein has listed a 1:160 scale Diecast Masters 85556 Cat 315D L Hydraulic Excavator model.

OMG, that sure does look familiar!:



A few folks here will remember it from the Great Demolition of our slum apartments next to the layout building, three years ago. Off to MBK to get one for my wife as a "late" stocking stuffer.

[cfritschle]

The Norscot model of the Cat 315C L excavator was 1:141 scale.  However, back in 2008 I compiled the following information showing that except for the height, the Norscot 315C L would work reasonably well for a 1:160 scale Cat 320C/320CL.

Dimensions in 1:160 scale inches of the Norscot 315C L excavator

Width as measured at widest portion of the body = 112 inches
Track gauge = 83 inches
Track width = 25 inches
Bucket width = 46 inches
Ground level to top of cab = 139 inches

And, similar dimensions for the prototype 320C/320C L Utility (assuming 24-inch shoes and standard track length)

Shipping width = 110 inches
Track gauge = 87 inches
Track width = 24 inches
Bucket width = Variable, but 48 inch is an option
Shipping height with 9 ft. 7 in. stick =  119 inches

So, if Diecast Masters is using the "old" Norscot tooling, this model may be usable in a 1:160 scale scene.  However, as Neville noted, the detail on most of the 1:150 scale construction equipment models is generally better.

Here is a photo that shows the 1:160 GHQ Komatsu PC 400-LC on the left with a 1:150 TomyTec Komatsu PC 300-LC8 on the right.