Our newest blog series, “Models & Mods” is back to spotlight the modifications done to our models at home by collectors. This month we had the opportunity to speak with Sebastiaan Suk from The Netherlands about a project that he recently completed, a 1:24 scale Cat® 336E Long Reach.
Let’s take a look at Sebastiaan’s model and the work that went into bringing it to life.
1. Did you start with an existing model or build from scratch? If an existing model, which one?
I made my 336E LR from a standard 1:24 scale die-cast 336E L by Classic Construction Models.
2. Why did you choose this model to modify?
I chose to modify this model because I was looking for a unique model in my collection. A lot of collectors have a 336E LR in 1:50 scale, but I wanted something truly limited.
3. Can you walk us through the process of building these modified components? Material used, tooling required, any challenges you had, etc.?
I started by selecting the required drawings for a long reach boom and stick, which was not an easy task. After I had the drawings I needed, it was time to take the base model apart!
The boom and stick are made from resin, and I made this build easier on myself by having these constructed for me, resulting in a pretty serious boom and stick. The bucket I made myself using resin as well. Once this was complete the hydraulic lines and hoses were fitted, and then it was time to paint, which I had mixed to match the original model. It is important to make sure the model is cleaned and degreased very well before painting.
Once everything was painted, the original cylinders and quick coupler were reassembled and the whole model put back together using the new Long Reach boom and stick. The final step was adding markings and labels, and my modified 1:24 scale 336E Long Reach was complete.
4. How long did this project take you?
It took more than a year from visualizing how it should look to the end result, however I only build when I feel like it.
5. Do you have any advice for other collectors looking to modify a model?
My advice for collectors looking to modify a model would be to think ahead about what your budget will be, as it almost always becomes more expensive than you think. It is also important to find the right people to help you, and always remember to take your time to make it nice and neat!
6. What project do you have in mind next (or are currently working on)?
I have a lot of ideas for what I still want to build, including a triple boom Cat 336E in 1:24 scale and modifying a standard 1:48 scale 349E into a Long Reach version. Although not a CCM model, I would also like to build a pontoon for a Fuchs 301 Crane as my father worked on one for years.
7. Any suggestions for Classic Construction Models on which model to make next?
I would like to see CCM produce a 316E in 1:48 scale as I work with one myself, or a Cat 345B or 345C because these are some of my favorite machines!
We would like to extend a big thanks to Sebastiaan Suk for being the second collector featured in our new series, “Models & Mods”. We must say that we are extremely impressed with the quality of work put into this modification and we can’t wait to see more models from Sebastiaan in the future!
Have you been working on modifications to one of your CCM models? Send in your answers to these questions, along with pictures of your model, via Facebook message and you might be the next collector featured in our new series.