Model Announcement – Cat 349E L Excavator in two versions
We are excited to announce the most recent addition to our 1:48 scale Cat diecast model line: the Cat 349E L Excavator. The Machine: The 349E continues the industry standards for general, quarry, and heavy …
We are in Ohio this weekend with surprises
Well, Gary is in Ohio at least. He will be representing Classic Construction Models at the 13th annual DHS Diecast Open House & Auction Weekend in sunny Berea, Ohio, just outside of Cleveland. Legions of …
We will be at the 2014 DHS Diecast Open House & Auction Weekend
It’s here once again. The annual event where DHS Diecast opens their 12,000 square foot facility to the public for an amazing weekend of model madness that has to be seen to be believed. Get …
William Ford – Henry’s brother – gave Unit Crane its start
Units of Separation William Ford – Henry’s brother – gave Unit Crane its start. By Chad Elmore Originally appeared in the July 2005 issue of OEM Off-Highway Magazine The immense popularity of Ford’s Model T …
Memorable Model: Caterpillar D8H
With an operating weight in excess of 47,000 pounds and a 235 HP turbocharged diesel engine for power, the Caterpillar D8H track type tractor literally changed the face of the world. First introduced in 1958, …
From the Archives: The UNIT 357 Mobile Crane
The UNIT 357 Mobile Crane Machine – Model – Toy By Jason Diamond Toy Trucker & ContractorFeature article, February 2006 It’s a feeling that all collectors recognize: Slightly sweaty palms, shallow breathing and great mental …
From the Archives: Day in the Dirt 2005
This article was previously posted in 2008. Day in the Dirt Moves earth and hearts in Tucson by Cameron MacMullin Do you remember pushing dirt around your back yard with your old toy tractor and …
From the Archives: 1:87 scale Cat D11R Carrydozer review from 2006
This article was previously posted on Construction Collector, but we enjoyed it so much it seemed time to share it with a wider audience. Classic Construction Models builds a big bulldozer Review and Photos by …
The Cat 776 and 777 trucks are here!
They just came in, and we are all excited. These models look fantastic and we couldn’t be more pleased. Production samples go to Cat for the final production approval and then we start shipping. …
Cat 16M Grader sample
The first sample of our upcoming Cat 16M grader has arrived! As always, we love to share progress images of our models when we can, and this one is looking great. This is our first …
Memorable Model: The Marmon Wasp Steel Toy
The “old timers” at Classic Construction Models have always had a love for antique toys. In many ways it was this love that started us on the road to making our own collectibles almost twenty-five …
Our new building nears completion
Those who have visited us in the last nine months or so may have noticed a second building under construction right next door. We are very excited to announce that it is almost ready to …
Memorable Model: Link-Belt HC-268 Truck Crane
In 1992 Classic Construction Models created our third scale model: the Link-Belt HC-268 Truck Crane. Following on the success of the two previous models, the HC-268 was manufactured of brass to the same exacting standards …
From the Archives: The Beginning of Construction Collector
Though it may be hard for our younger readers to believe, there were days before the internet when most long distance activities were still done through the mail. So it was with collecting construction memorabilia. …
An update from CONEXPO
CONEXPO has been fantastic. CCM extends thanks to all of the people we have met over the past week. We have said hello to old friends, longtime collectors, and many new faces. If you are …
CONEXPO – CON / AGG is here!
It all starts Tuesday, March 4th! Every three years this incredible construction industry event allows us to say hello to all our old friends and make some new ones. We will have current and upcoming …
Cat 336E L Excavator pricing posted
We have just posted the retail pricing and production quantities on both versions of our Cat 336E L Excavator models. Photos have also been updated. $549.95 – Cat 336E L Excavator Quick Coupler Version $549.95 …
Iron Profile: Cat 320C LU Excavator
The Cat 320C LU Excavator offered the same level of performance as the standard 320 L Excavator but with smaller swing radius, allowing contractors to work efficiently in tight spaces without sacrificing machine capability. This …
Cat 983B pricing posted
We have just posted the retail pricing on both of our Cat 983B models. Photos have also been updated. $239.95 – Cat 983B Track-type Loader Standard Version $249.95 – Cat 983B Track-type Loader Ripper Version …
1:48 scale Cat 983B Track-type Loader samples
We just received samples of our 1:48 scale Cat 983B Track-type Loader in two versions! This is a tooling sample and there are still modifications to be made, but we realize our collectors love to …
A pleasant surprise at McAninch
Josh sent us a photo he took in the entryway of the McAninch corporate office. It’s our D9L with towed 631E scraper. High praise indeed. Thanks, Josh!
1:24 scale Cat 336E L samples
We just got our samples of our 1:24 scale Cat 336E L Excavator in both Quick Coupler and Hydraulic Thumb versions. We are so excited, we just had to share! Since this is still a …
CCM will be at CONEXPO-CON/AGG
Classic Construction Models will be at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, March 4-8, 2014, in Las Vegas! We are very excited to be among the exhibitors at this incredible construction industry event that only happens once every three years. …
Custom Spotlight: Markus Jaksch
Occasionally we post images of the modifications our customers give to their CCM models in the Customer Highlights section of our website. Whether clean and new or rusty and worn, we love to see the …
CCM Behind the Scenes: Diecast vs. Brass
Although many collectors know there is a difference in the alloys used to make brass and die-cast models the differences in the processes of making these two types of models is sometimes subtle and sometimes …
Memorable Model: Lima 2400B Front Shovel
In 2001 Classic Construction Models released a limited-edition model of the Lima 2400B Front Shovel. This all-brass model followed the success of our Lima 2400B Dragline which sold out a year earlier. The 1:48 scale …
Iron Profile: Marion 7200 Walking Dragline
The first Marion walking dragline ever built was still in operation more than 50 years later. The 7200 Walking Dragline from Marion has long been revered for its durable and consistent performance, and with good …
Model Announcement: Cat 6020B Hydraulic Shovel
We are excited to announce the most recent addition to our 1:48 scale diecast model line: the Cat 6020B Hydraulic Shovel. The Machine: The 6020B is a completely new excavator design, meant to be paired …
Cat 789D in mine white
As an update to our Cat 789D Mine Truck announcement, we would like to add that our production run will include a Mine White Version paint scheme. This color is often used to aid visibility …
Model Announcement: Cat 789D Mining Truck
We are very pleased to announce our latest 1:87th precision scale model in fine brass—the Cat 789D Mining Truck. The Machine: The Cat 789D continues the tradition of Caterpillar’s proven 789 Truck with high productivity …
Tooling updates to Cat 777 and 776 trucks
After reviewing our tooling sample prototype, and with thoughtful feedback from our customers, we have made a few small changes to improve our upcoming models of the Cat 777 haul truck and 776 tractor. The …
Classic Construction Models on Facebook
We just wanted to remind everyone that we have a Facebook page. This is where we post smaller articles and updates, and is great way to give us quick feedback. Please check it out and …
Dresser Tractors and CCM’s First Diecast Model
Dresser Industries began in the oil fields of Pennsylvania in 1880, and over the years acquired various other oil and construction related companies. In 1982 the company obtained the construction equipment division of International Harvester …
Iron Profile: Cat 914G Wheel Loader
When Caterpillar introduced the 914G wheel loader in 1995, it did much more than just update an older machine. The 914G represented a totally new concept in wheel loaders at the time and was one of the first …
Cat D9L with 631E Towed Scraper has Arrived
It’s been busy around here. The new 1:48 scale Cat D9L with 631E Towed Scraper models have just been unloaded off the truck, and we are very excited. This one is a favorite of ours …
Cat 637E, 631E, and D9Ls are here!
That’s right. Fresh off the truck and in our warehouse, the cartons of our Cat 637E Scrapers, 631E Scrapers, D9L Track-Type Tractors in both Push and Impact ripper versions await shipping. It’s always exciting to …
Memorable Model: Cat D11R Track-Type Tractor in 1:24 scale
In 2001 we released one of our most acclaimed scale models–the D11R Track-Type Tractor. The largest Cat tractor to date, the D11R is a flagship piece of construction equipment for the Caterpillar company, and as …
Memorable Model: The Marion 7200 Walking Dragline
On May 13, 1939, the very first Marion walking dragline ever built was shipped to Placer Properties in Oakland, California. Although it was originally built as a prototype, that same Model 7200 was still operating …
Iron Profile: The Caterpillar D8 Through History
Few pieces of equipment are more representative of the history of Caterpillar than their D8 track-type tractors. This family of machines has been an integral part of the Caterpillar line from its farm and agricultural …
From the Archives: CCM in the Oregonian 1993
Looking through our files, we came across this twenty-year-old clipping from the Portland Oregonian. The article does have some inaccuracies. For instance, the Dresser TD 40B in the photo was our first diecast effort. However, …
Memorable Model: Cat 140H Motor Grader
In late 1997 we introduced our brass model of the Cat 140H Motor Grader. This was the fifth release in our 12 model series, the Caterpillar Classic Collection in 1:87 scale. Complete with Cat markings …
Cat 777 Haul Truck and 776 Tractor with MET-185 pre-production samples
Here are some photos to enjoy over the long weekend. Some changes will be made to these samples for production, but we are really happy with how they look so far!
Models in the house – C175-20 has arrived
We are excited to announce our model of the Cat C175-20 Genset just came in the door today. We will begin shipping them out next week. Our stock are all reserved, but you may find …
CCM Behind the Scenes: Markings and Paint
Although they might seem inconsequential at first glance, the markings and paint on a scale model are like icing on a cake. When they are right, they enhance the enjoyment of the final product. When …
Model Announcement: Cat 983B Track-type Loader
We are pleased to announce our latest 1:48 precision scale die-cast model in our vintage Caterpillar line. The Machine: The powerful and versatile 983B Track-Type Loader was introduced in 1978, and produced until 1982. At …
Iron Profile: Caterpillar Seventy Track-Type Tractor
In 1934 Caterpillar began selling the Seventy Tractor, the largest its gas-powered tractors, which were being replaced by the newer diesel machines becoming more popular at the time. This precursor to modern track-type tractors has …
Iron Profile: Cat 953C Track Loader
The Cat 953C track loader entered the market in 1995 and has proven a big success judging by the estimated 8000 that were produced around globe up until 2005. The 953C had a wide variety …
Model Announcement: Cat 245 Excavator with Grapple
We are pleased to announce our latest 1:48 precision scale die-cast model. The Machine: The Caterpillar 245 Excavator, produced from 1974 to 1988, was powered by the six cylinder turbocharged, 3406 engine with 325 flywheel …
Memorable Model: Manitowoc M250 Crawler Crane
In 1997 we produced a beautiful scale reproduction of the Manitowoc M250 Crawler Crane. It was our eighth crane model, and our most detailed to date. Limited to a single production run of just 300, …
Model Announcement: Cat 16M Motor Grader in 1:48 scale
We are pleased to announce our latest 1:48 precision scale die-cast model. The Machine: Caterpillar considers their M Series Motor Graders to be a revolution in operational efficiency and overall productivity. The 16M is designed …
Iron Profile: Manitowoc M-250 Crawler Crane
Beginning initially as a shipbuilding and repair company, Manitowoc has been manufacturing a variety of cranes of since the mid-1920s. In 1992 they introduced the M-250 lattice boom crawler crane, which was all hydraulic and …
Cat 336E Model Variations
To further clarify our upcoming 336E configurations we have included some additional information here. Initially there was not a photo of the quick coupler version because we still had some development to do on the …
Model Announcement: 1:24 scale Cat 336E Excavator
We are pleased to announce our latest 1:24 precision scale die-cast model. The Machine: Since its introduction in the 1990s, the 300 Series family of excavators has become the industry standard in general, quarry, and …
Memorable Model: Caterpillar Seventy Track-Type Tractor
In 1934 Caterpillar began selling the Caterpillar Seventy track-type tractor, the largest and last of its gas-powered tractors which were soon to be replaced by the newer, more popular diesel machines. In the years emerging …
Iron Profile: Northwest 190D Dragline
The 190D dragline manufactured by Northwest Engineering (NWE) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was the machine many companies have turned to for clearing overburden from valuable deposits such as coal and iron ore. This configuration …
Memorable Model: Northwest 190D Dragline
In 2000 we released our 17th brass crane model. It was the 1:48 scale Northwest 190D dragline in gorgeous orange, black, and white livery. This replica of the legendary machine was made with intricate detail …
Iron Profile: Cat D11R
In March of 1996, Caterpillar introduced the D11R which was equipped with a 3508B EUI—turbocharged and aftercooled—increasing output from the 770 horsepower of the D11N model to 850 horsepower. The new machine also meet new …
Cat No.12 Grader prototype
Now that we have the sample of our 1:24 scale brass No.12 Motor Grader model, we thought we’d share a few more photos of this impressive piece. The first is a size comparison with our …
Cat No.12 Grader Photos
Here’s a few more prototype photos for you to enjoy of our exciting new 1:24th scale brass model project, the Cat No.12 Grader. Drop us a line and tell us what you think.
Memorable Model: Caterpillar 583T Pipelayer
Although it seems like yesterday, it has been seven years since we rolled out the Cat 583T Pipelayer model. One of our more unique pieces due to the real machine’s application, it is immediately …
Model Announcement: Cat No.12 Motor Grader
The Machine: The venerable Caterpillar No.12 motor grader was first introduced in 1957, and has proved so successful, there is still a modernized version of the 12 in Caterpillar’s current product line. Only manufactured in …
Memorable Model: Cat 953C Track Loader
In 2006, CCM proudly rolled out the 953C Track Loader model. This 1:48 scale precision model was made entirely of etched and investment-cast brass parts. All 300 models were assembled and painted by hand. 125 …
Iron Profile: Caterpillar 631E and 637E Scrapers
Introduced in the 1980s, the Caterpillar 631E wheeled tractor-scraper was the latest iteration of Caterpillar’s highly successful scraper line. By combining speed and mobility with substantial earth-moving prowess, these units handled large capacities of topsoil …
Model Announcement: Cat C175-20 Diesel Generator Set
We are excited to announce our newest die-cast Caterpillar model, the C175-20 Diesel Generator Set, a 1:25 scale model precisely crafted to replicate the real machine. This impressive piece of equipment is capable of producing …
Iron Profile: Caterpillar 5230 ME and FS
Officially launched in the summer of 1994, the 5230 Front Shovel (FS) was and remains one of largest earth-movers produced during Caterpillar’s considerable history. Nearly twice the size of the 5130, it weighs in at …
Iron Profile: Caterpillar D9L
The D9 series of track-type tractors has been a hugely successful product line of Caterpillar for several decades running. From the prototype D9X in the mid-1950s all the way up to present day, various iterations …
Cat 631E and 637E scraper tooling samples
Our first tooling samples for the 631E and 637E scraper models in 1:48 scale just came in! Now that we’ve finished with our production review, we can share a few photos. Look for more on …
Cat 5230’s are shipping now
The first 98 of the 1:87 scale Cat 5230 Front Shovel and Mass Excavator models have arrived in our warehouse and are shipping out fast. Here’s a few images of the Mass Excavator so you …
Marion 6360 in blue and white
Here’s the “The Captain” in the colors it was painted up until the mid 1980’s after the Captain mine was purchased by Arch Coal. Of our limited production run of 125 models, 20 were painted …
Model Announcement: Cat PL87 Pipelayer
We are very pleased to announce our die-cast model of the Cat PL87 Pipelayer in 1:48 precision scale. CCM has produced a limited edition specially for PipeLine Machinery International (PLM) of 400, and we are …
D9L Samples Are Here
Our pre-production samples of the D9L versions have arrived and we couldn’t be happier. Some minor changes will be made, but we wanted to give you a look at their progress. More photos and updates …
CCM Behind the Scenes: Model Samples
When our 3D files are sent to the manufacturer they must complete the tedious and time consuming process of reviewing the files and making revisions. This can take up to a month as they must …
Iron Profile: Caterpillar 777 Off-Highway Haul Truck
Introduced by Caterpillar in 1974, the 777 became one of the company’s most popular line of off-highway haul trucks. Building on their experience with the 769B and 773 trucks, the 777 continued the successful mechanical-drive …
CCM Behind the Scenes: Designing the 3D Model
Once we’ve collected all the research materials that we’ll use to develop our next model of a construction machine—including diagrams, photos, manufacturer’s CAD files, and our model survey measurements—our product designers begin work on the …
Cat 5230 model in production, both versions
Here’s a few more photos of our upcoming 5230 in production. It’s looking great even without paint. For the first time you can also get a comparison of the Front Shovel alongside the Mass Excavator …
Cat 5230 model in production
We thought you might enjoy an update on our 5230 1:87 scale brass model. These photos show some of the sub-assemblies in production.
Iron Profile: Caterpillar 992C Wheel Loader
After making great strides in developing rubber-tired construction equipment throughout the 50’s and 60’s, Caterpillar created what some consider one of the finest wheel loaders ever designed. The 992C front-end loader was released to the …
CCM Behind the Scenes: The Model Survey
When a customer holds one of CCM’s models in their hand or admires it on their shelf, it’s easy to appreciate the pains we take to assure only the highest level of quality and detail …
Iron Profile: Marion 6360 Shovel “The Captain”
At the time of its creation in 1965 for the Southwestern Illinois Coal Corporation, the Marion 6360 was the world’s largest mobile land machine; with ballast it weighed 28 million pounds. It required 10 months …
Marion 6360 now shipping
We started shipping the Marion 6360 models to our customers the same day they arrived, but we pulled one out to take some quick photos to show the corrected paint colors. Here you can …
First of the Marion 6360’s have Arrived
We just finished unloading the container with 70 of our Marion 6360 “Captain” models. We will get these out the door as quickly as possible as we know that everyone is as excited to get …
Cat 5230 in mining white color version
We are happy to announce the addition of the mine white paint version of our upcoming CAT 5230 Mass Excavator and Front Shovel models. The white paint schemes are typically used to denote machines dedicated …
Cat 5230 to D9T Size Comparison
So our customers can get a better sense of how large our upcoming Cat 5230 Mass Excavator and Front Shovel brass model is, we present this comparison. Below you can see the 1:87 scale 5230 …
CAT 5230 Prototype video
We just recorded some footage showing the movement of our upcoming CAT 5230. Keep in mind, this model is still in development so issues such as gaps will be addressed before production. Enjoy!
CAT 5230, Marion 6360
Progress on our upcoming CAT 5230 Front Shovel & Mass Excavator continues. The photo shows the undercarriage, track frame assembly, boom, operator’s cab, counterweight, and a portion of house assembly. Production of the 6360 is …
637E Scraper Prototype
The prototype of our upcoming CAT 637E Scraper in 1:48 scale die-cast is complete. Take a look at the photos and let us know what you think!
CCM Customs: Schutt Industries Trailers
We recently completed a project for Schutt Industries, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of severe-duty trailer and mobile ground support equipment. We designed and manufactured two light tactical Schutt trailers and included two Pelican cases custom cut …
Announcing the Caterpillar 5230 Mass Excavator
We are pleased to announce an additional variation of the Caterpillar 5230 to our upcoming 1:87 scale brass models, the Caterpillar 5230 Mass Excavator. We are now accepting requests for the excavator model along with the previously …
776 & 777 Prototype Photos
Here are photographs of the resin prototypes of our upcoming CAT 776 with Mega MET-185 & CAT 777. The MET-185 is shown with our CAT 390D LME to give you a sense of scale (and …
Announcing the 777 & 776 Mega Hauler
We are pleased to announce two new additions to our upcoming 1:48 scale die-cast models, the Caterpillar 776 Off-Highway Tractor with Mega MET-185 Equipment Trailer and the Caterpillar 777 Haul Truck. Progress photos, dimensional …
Marion 6360 Video
We just posted a video highlighting the functional parts of our Marion 6360. Take a look and let us know what you think.
Marion 6360 “The Captain” Photos
As promised, here are some more shots of the prototype of our upcoming Marion 6360. Keep in mind that while the gray is incorrect, it will be fixed on our production models.
The Captain has arrived
The prototype of our upcoming Marion 6360, “The Captain,” has arrived at our offices. We’re spending our time now going over the details for any changes that need to be made. Once that’s complete, we’ll …
Marion 6360 Prototype Complete
The prototype of our upcoming Marion 6360 in 1:87 precision scale brass is complete and on its way to our office. We will post more photos once we can get it into the photo booth. …
Captain Photos
Progress continues on our upcoming all-brass Marion 6360 Electric Shovel, “The Captain”, in 1:87 scale. Here is a collection of photographs at its current stage.
Keeping Busy with Shipping
Since the 385s and 769Bs arrived last week, we’ve been extremely busy getting them out the door. Take a look at the progress we’ve made: the first picture shows the pallets of models the day …
CCM’s 385 & 390 make the cover of Baggermodelle
CCM’s CAT 385C and 390D LME in 1:48 scale die-cast will appear on the cover of the February issue of Baggermodelle. If you haven’t heard of this publication before, take a look at their …
CAT D9L Push Blade Configuration Rapid Prototype
Another week, another prototype built. Here are a few shots of our upcoming 1:48 die-cast CAT D9L Track-Type Tractor with push blade configuration in resin.
Announcing the CAT 631E Scraper in 1:48 Precision Die-Cast
We are pleased to announce the Cat 631E Scraper as the latest addition to our upcoming models. This 1:48 precision scale, die-cast model has an expected delivery date of Spring 2013, with a projected production run of 500 models. …