Construction Equipment Collection

Caterpillar Twenty-Two
From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia
Caterpillar Twenty-Two

Type
agricultural
Manufacturer
Caterpillar
Production
1934-1939
Length
108 in.
Width
57.75 in. (40" gauge)
67.75 in. (50" gauge)
Height
56.125 in.
Weight
6,200 lbs. (40" gauge)
6,270 lbs. (50" gauge)
Propulsion
tracks

Caterpillar Twenty-Two is a tractor first manufactured by Caterpillar in 1934 to replace the Caterpillar Twenty. It had a fuel capacity of 22 US gallons (83 l; 18 imp gal) and came in 2 model series, 2F and 1J.

Model Description
This section is dedicated to all Crawler tractors and other associated machinery in this field, as well as all machinery associated with in the construction building industries. Most of these vehicles are mostly in 1:50 Scale in size, but still have that attention to detail as all other models. It is intended that we will use most of these size models in dioramas to properly put them in perspective. Our model of one of Caterpillar's Twenty Two tractors is a model of this machine that came out in 1934, and is one of those models that is highly designed.

The Body
The paint work here is the same paintwork on the original machine. It is the colour everyone associates with, the name Caterillar. The Norscot name is a maker of high quality models mainly in these types of models, and you are guaranteed that all detail is of the correct detail of the actual vehicle. This model has its own dust proof container. So by leaving it as received, it makes a viewable model. Do so, since less cleaning is involved, there is little or no chance of damage to the small parts. On the stand, the tracks are movable, and rather than plastic, these are metal. As well, the individual track sections are individual, which is more realistic.

The majority of this model is die cat metal, which makes for a heavy model and robust. On the two tracks, only the main drive wheels are plastic, but all the rest is metal. And this extends to be the main body of this model. The engine is shown in good detail, and this also includes the radiator with nice detail. One would assume that since we have not detached it from the stand, this detail should be as good as the rest of the model. Looking at the front of the model, it's interesting that the attention to the model shows details as on the actual tractor, details such as the starting handle, for in the early models, there was no starter motor, so you had to hand crank it to start. Even the protection rods attached to the radiator are added. The attention to detail shows the impressions of bolts used all over any removable parts.

The decals used are of high quality and attached as on the original tractor. Within the operating area, the controls, such as the levers such as the track levers, gearshift lever and handbrake, have been done to scale and well made. The instruments are very basic and can be seen, though the actual markings cannot be seen, but even as they are, they are easily identified. The hydraulic filler is a nice touch. As I have seen one of these machines in real life, the seats are basic, and one feels after a long day, feeling tired and with a sore bum. These are sall machines and were noisy, and one must remember that these were procured in a time where safety standards, the operators comfort, the work being done was more important than comfort.

The Conclusion
This is a well made model, with the addition of its dust cover, instantly makes this a display model. Whether on one’s desk or in any man cave, this is a well designed and built model. And I can find little fault in it. Is it a good collectible, it’s an excellent collectable one. It's also one that's designed to be seen and displayed. There are few designs made today that have dust covers like this model, and other model makers should take notice, as these models with their own cases are preferred by collectors. Yes, it has faults, but largely this model would fit in well in most collections. I give it 5.0/5.0. Robin Finlay 06/05/2023.

John Deere Model 420/430 Crawler Tractors
From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopaedia

John Deere M with wide front axle and cultivating equipment
Type
Row-crop agricultural Crawler/tractor
Manufacturer
John Deere
Production
1947-1952
Length
110 inches (280 cm)
Width
51 inches (130 cm)
Height
56 inches (140 cm) (to steering wheel)
Weight
2,600 pounds (1,200 kg)
Propulsion
Rear wheels
Gross power
22 horsepower (16 kW)
PTO power
20.45 horsepower (15.25 kW) (belt)
Drawbar power
18.15 horsepower (13.53 kW)

The John Deere Model 420/430 crawler tracked tractor was a two-cylinder engine produced by John Deere from 1947 to 1952, with successor models produced until 1940.

John Deere 420 / 430

John Deere 420 crawler
The John Deere 420 was the direct follow-on to the 40, covering the higher end of the range. Changes from the 40 to the 420 were minimal, but productivity increased by 20% with a larger bore, higher compression and an improved carburettor. The 420 was rated for two ploughs.
John Deere 430
The John Deere 430 was an ergonomically-improved version of the 420, introduced in 1958. Production ended in 1960, when the John Deere 1010 was introduced to replace it, with a new four-cylinder engine.


Model Description
This is a model that disappoints me. This model is produced by Ertl, which is a major maker of tractors and other models. Ertl operates with several versions of some models, Basic and Premium. I have found that while the main parts of both models are the same, premium models are given more detail and smaller details are more highlighted. Of course, all this equates to a higher retail price. But what should be noted here is that while a premium model has that extra detail, on this model, those parts can cause this model to be not representative of that tractor.


The paintwork and the colour has not been transferred to the model. It does not have that John Deere look that one expects and should have been painted in the John Deere green and yellow, because instead of looking like a John Deere, it looks like a no-name brand tractor. We also have the lack of colour on the tractor itself. On other models similar, like the Caterpillar Twenty two, we have more attention to including paint to important areas, and even though few areas are included, those few areas change completely the look of the model.


The model itself has parts that have not been added with the best detail. For instance the guard protector plate fitted to the front of the radiator is supposed to show holes to allow air to get through to the radiator. But to see these, you need to go right up to see what are simply pinpricks. Even touching it does not feel what it's supposed to represent.


The engine is on a par with a lot of models, but it feels like it's incomplete. With a little colour on certain parts, this engine, as well as the drive train would make this a different model. Another disappointment is the tracks themselves. Look at the Caterpillar Twenty Two put out by Norton, it has that little bit of attention to detail, which makes that model more collectable than this model.
So this is a model that will be changed. We will look for a better model than this and reissue the content. As such, I will not grade this model.